Golden Nuggets: 49ers On Receiving End of Divisional Blowout

Another week, another loss for the 49ers. As demoralizing as it is for us fans, it must be even worse for the members of the 49ers organization, as displayed by long-time anchor Joe Staley. In a heated post-game interview, he put his frustration with the extended losing-streak to Seattle on full view - something of an unusual departure from the wacky, fun guy that is normally seen when the helmet is off. But, of course, this wasn’t just a loss. This was a blowout.

The week 13 game with the Seahawks was always going to be a loss. Despite a similar score to one of the more memorable (due to being awful to endure) blowouts of recent memory - the 42-13 game during the Harbaugh years - this game had more similarities to the first Cardinals game of this season. The 49ers were able to move the ball fairly well at times - in fact, Nick Mullens threw for over 400 yards. Despite outgaining the Seahawks by a wide margin in offensive yardage, however, the defining statistic of the game was, like that Cardinals game, the turnover margin.

Early in the game, the 49ers handed LB Bobby Wagner a fumble at the Seattle 5 yard line. Although the Seahawks were unable to capitalize on the turnover, that play represented points that should’ve been on the board. Minutes later, however, a muffed punt return gave the Seahawks the ball in plus territory, and they were able to get into the endzone that time, extending their lead to 20. Much later, Nick Mullens tossed a duck at Seattle’s 2 yard line, which was intercepted by, you guessed it, Bobby Wagner, and was returned 98 yards for a touchdown. Those three turnovers alone cost the 49ers a bare minimum of 6 points, and gifted the Seahawks 14.

However, it is a lost season, so silver linings are as valuable as ever right now. Despite a lost fumble, undrafted rookie Jeff Wilson, Jr. was able to produce in relief of Matt Breida. The running back compiled 134 scrimmage yards on 23 touches, and was particularly effective in the passing game. George Kittle was, as usual, a solid contributor, collecting six receptions and 70 yards. Kendrick Bourne had a fine day as well, hauling in four receptions for 60 yards, being targeted regularly in Seahawks territory.

The star of the offense, however, was rookie second-rounder Dante Pettis, whose electrifying two-touchdown day represented the vast majority of the 49ers’ presence on the scoreboard. After a televised chewing-out by Kyle Shanahan on the sidelines during week 12, Pettis has turned in 9 receptions for 208 yards and three touchdowns over the past two games. On the other side of the ball, DeForest Buckner solidified his case as our premier defender, sacking Russell Wilson twice (including a diving shoestring sack on a scramble), bringing his total up to 9 for the season.

In other news, the Cardinals, Giants, and Buccaneers all won this week, giving the 49ers some breathing room in the draft positioning battle. Of course, the chief rival Oakland Raiders lost, but they were able to hang with the Kansas City Chiefs surprisingly well. The 2019 season can’t get here soon enough - I sure am tired of thinking about draft positioning.

Week 13 Recap

Week 13 analysis | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area | Biderman, Sac Bee | Madson, Ninerswire

Week 13 review | Almquist, KNBR | Biderman, Sac Bee | Associated Press via ESPN | Madson, Ninerswire

Players & Coaches

Seahawks players pay tribute to Richard Sherman with TD celebration | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area | KNBR Staff | Henderson, ESPN

Kyle Shanahan’s tough-love with Dante Pettis paying off | Chan, NBC Sports Bay Area

Joe Staley desperate to win in Seattle again | Maiocco, NBC Sports Bay Area

Richard Sherman receives friendly homecoming | Chan, NBC Sports Bay Area | Biderman, Sac Bee

Miscellaneous

49ers endure franchise-record fourth 10-loss season | Johnson, NBC Sports Bay Area

49ers gain ground in draft positioning race | Wagoner, ESPN | Madson, Ninerswire

49ers-Seahawks game ends in first 43-16 decision in NFL history | Madson, Ninerswire