Thursday Night Football: Seahawks’ Three Turnovers Hand 49ers a 36-24 Win

The Seahawks and 49ers face off for the first time this season.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

October 10, 2023 – The San Francisco 49ers managed to rewrite their narrative this season, overcoming a familiar struggle to secure a 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. After previously blowing double-digit leads against both the Rams and the Cardinals, the 49ers held on to their advantage this time.

Game Summary

The 49ers jumped out to a commanding 23-3 lead before the Seahawks rallied with 14 consecutive points. However, San Francisco ultimately triumphed, improving their record to 3-3 and tying with the Seahawks for the NFC West lead. The Seahawks, on the other hand, suffered their third consecutive loss.

Given their 0-2 record in the division and 0-3 in the conference, this game felt like a must-win for the 49ers, especially with tough upcoming matchups against the Chiefs and Cowboys.

Turnover Battle

Turnovers played a crucial role in the outcome, with the 49ers capitalizing on three takeaways to score 13 points. A potential fourth turnover was missed by officials when Seattle returner Dee Williams muffed a punt, a play that was not corrected upon review, despite clear evidence from Amazon Prime’s replays.

With the Seahawks still in contention, 49ers rookie cornerback Renardo Green intercepted Geno Smith with 7:46 remaining in the game, stepping in front of DK Metcalf. Green’s 20-yard return set up the 49ers at the Seattle 15-yard line.

Three plays later, 49ers tight end George Kittle caught his second touchdown of the night, extending the lead to 29-17 with 6:20 left in the game. His first touchdown was a 10-yard reception, followed by a 9-yard catch for his second.

Late Game Drama

The Seahawks nearly narrowed the gap with 4:39 left when Metcalf caught a 52-yard touchdown pass, but an illegal shift penalty on Kenneth Walker nullified the score. The Seahawks did manage to score later in the drive with a 9-yard touchdown catch by Tyler Lockett, cutting the 49ers’ lead to 29-24 with 1:44 remaining.

However, 49ers rookie running back Isaac Guerendo dashed any hopes of a comeback by rushing for 76 yards on the next play. He slid down at the Seattle 5-yard line, allowing fullback Kyle Juszczyk to score from the 6 with just 1:17 left in the game.

Key Statistics

• Geno Smith struggled, completing 30 of 52 passes for 312 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Lockett caught four passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, while Metcalf added three receptions for 48 yards.
• The 49ers outgained the Seahawks 483 to 358, with Brock Purdy going 18-for-28 for 255 yards and three touchdowns. Deebo Samuel had three receptions for 102 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown, while Kittle caught five passes for 58 yards.
• Guerendo, who entered the game with 12 carries for 41 yards, finished with 99 yards on 10 carries after Elijah Mitchell sustained a left shoulder injury late in the first half.

The 49ers also faced kicking challenges, losing kicker Matthew Wright to injury during a tackle late in the game, while Jake Moody was already sidelined. Wright managed field goals of 25, 41, and 35 yards as the 49ers went 3-for-5 in the red zone.

Relevant Keywords: 49ers, Seahawks, Thursday Night Football, NFL, turnovers, George Kittle, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, Isaac Guerendo, NFC West, game recap