49ers Finally Fall In Epic Monday Night Showdown

“The Dropsies”

Garoppolo was just 24-46 through the air with one touchdown and one interception. However, he was not helped by his receivers in the slightest. San Francisco receivers dropped about eight passes throughout the game. Kendrick Bourne was among the most guilty, including a drop that led to an interception. That pick led to a Russell Wilson touchdown pass to Jacob Hollister, giving Seattle a then 14-10 lead.

Clown Show

Jadeveon Clowney, without question, was the MVP of the game for Seattle’s defense. A first quarter scoop and score from Clowney got Seattle on the board. Following the aforementioned Hollister touchdown, Clowney struck again.

Chris Carson would cash in on a one yard plunge following the recovery to put Seattle up 21-10. Clowney dominated 49er tackles Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey all night long and forced Garoppolo into multiple errant throws. He finished with three tackles, one sack, four quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown.

Golden Defense

The 49ers defense fared well in their own right. Linebacker Fred Warner, who was yet to record a sack all year, brought down Russell Wilson twice on Monday night. He also literally punched the 49ers back into the game early in the fourth quarter.

The 49er defense forced four Seattle turnovers, including a crucial overtime interception.

Keaundre Greenlaw took the interception down into Seahawk territory, where Garoppolo and the offense set up a potential game winning kick. Rookie kicker Chase McLaughlin had already nailed a 47-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. This time, however, the moment seemed too much as he pushed it way low and wide to the left.

Captain(s) Clutch

Wilson would bounce back from his interception to cap off a solid performance. He would go 3-3 passing on the drive, including an 18-yard scramble on a 3rd and 3. The Seahawks moved all the way down to the 49ers 24-yard line, giving Jason Myers a chance to redeem himself from last week.

Myers game-winner handed San Francisco their first defeat of the season. “Our kicker, Jason Myers’ he’s our kicker” were the words of Seahawks coach Pete Carroll following last weeks narrow over win the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Myers missed an extra point and two field goals last week, including a potential game-winner. Monday night served as sweet redemption.

“I feel like we won the game three times” Carroll joked after the game. “This was the win, no that wasn’t it, ok now THIS is the win”. Wilson would finish 24-34 passing with one touchdown and one interception.

Stepping Up

San Francisco were missing two of their best receiving threats. Tight end George Kittle missed the game dealing with knee and ankle injuries. In addition, receiver Emmanuel Sanders, acquired weeks ago from Denver, went down early in the second quarter with a rib injury following a hit from Jamar Taylor. In his absence, Deebo Samuel stepped up big time and delivered an 8 catch, 112 yard receiving performance.

“With Kittle out and Emmanuel going out Deebo was a guy, I think, everyone was feeling the most out there,” 49er coach Kyle Shannahan said in his post-game press conference. “I mean he stepped up and made some pretty big plays today”. It was the rookie’s first 100 yard receiving game in the NFL.

Shining Seahawks

Chris Carson delivered another great effort, going for 89 yards on the ground on 25 carries. Newly acquired receiver Josh Gordon had a solid performance as well. He had only two catches, however, both were tough and crucial grabs made on third down to extend two separate drives.

Rookie wideout D.K Metcalf had a nice evening despite a costly turnover. Metcalf was stripped by Jaquiski Tartt inside the 49ers five-yard line that gave San Francisco the ball and cost Seattle points. Still, he would finish with 70 yards receiving on 6 catches.

What’s Next?

San Francisco is back home on Sunday to take on Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle, now on a three game win streak, hits their bye next week. They are back in action in week in Philadelphia for Sunday Night Football against the Eagles. 

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