49ers news: Renardo Green and Isaac Guerendo shine in 36-24 win over Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers defense took the field to begin the game and did exactly what they’ve been doing all season. They won on early downs but failed to get off the field on third down.

Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell got nosy and started to shuffle toward the inside, leaving DK Metcalf open to run and catch for a 30-yard gain. Seattle would come back to that play later in the drive, or at least a similar concept.

This time, Renardo Green was in coverage and this time, there was pressure on the quarterback. Nick Bosa hit Geno Smith; Green had perfect coverage, and Malik Mustapha read the quarterback’s eyes for an interception.

The 49ers offense took over at their three-yard line, but that didn’t stop them from driving the ball. Brock Purdy ran for a couple of first downs. Deebo Samuel made an impressive one-handed catch on 3rd & 1 for a gain of 11. Jordan Mason ripped off a 38-yardre. Jauan Jennings caught a pass for 13 yards.

That brought us to the dreaded red zone.

Facing a 1st & goal from the 10-yard line, a run for three and two incomplete passes made the Niners settle for a 25-yard field goal. A 3rd & goal fade to Deebo is not what you’d call a high-percentage throw. Matthew Wright’s kick was good to give the 49ers a 3-0 lead, but the drive still felt empty.

Isaac Yiadom held his own in the ensuing drive against DK Metcalf, and the 49ers’ defense quickly got off the field in just over two minutes. However, the offense did not do its job. They punted after a 2nd & 1. Mason was stuffed on second down, and Purdy threw a jump pass to George Kittle on 3rd & 1 for an incomplete pass.

The 49ers looked alive in the second quarter. Fred Warner made a fabulous play on 3rd & 3 after beating multiple blocks and making a stop on a short pass.

Kyle Shanahan took a shot on the first play, and Deebo Samuel streaked down the left sideline. Seattle’s safety misplayed the ball, which meant it was up to a linebacker to catch Samuel. As one might expect, that linebacker did not catch Samuel. It was a 76-yard touchdown pass to give the Niners a comfortable 10-0 lead.

The 49ers looked alive in the second quarter. Fred Warner made a fabulous play on 3rd & 3 after beating multiple blocks and making a stop on a short pass.

Kyle Shanahan took a shot on the first play, and Deebo Samuel streaked down the left sideline. Seattle’s safety misplayed the ball, which meant it was up to a linebacker to catch Samuel. As one might expect, that linebacker did not catch Samuel. It was a 76-yard touchdown pass to give the Niners a comfortable 10-0 lead.

The Niners had an opportunity to blow the game open after Darrell Luter Jr. forced a fumble on the kickoff. It was potentially a massive turning point.

The offense had a short field, and technically, it wasn’t a red zone opportunity, but they had the ball on the 29-yard line. After Mason gained six yards on the first two plays, Purdy had to scramble on 3rd & 4. It was a wasted opportunity to score a touchdown. Instead, a field goal made it 13-0.

Nick Sorensen had a tremendous first half. He was mixing up coverages, forcing Smith to hold the ball, leading to Nick Bosa drawing a holding penalty. After that three-and-out, the offense would go on another extended drive. Mason ran for 14, and Brandon Aiyuk caught a 16-yarder. Purdy scrambled for another 10-yard gain to move the chains.

A 15-yard face mask put the 49ers in the red zone, which is apparently the last place they want to be these days. Another failed rush on first down meant it was 2nd & 11. An incomplete pass and failed fullback screen led to yet another field goal to make it 16-0.

During the two-minute drill, the 49ers gave up a couple of chunk plays, and a defensive pass interference gave Seattle 1st & goal from San Francisco’s two-yard line. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green made two spectacular plays on the ball to force incompletions. The Seahawks had a chance to snatch momentum back, but the defense stood tall.

The Seahawks were 3-for-8 on third down, and Smith only averaged 6.1 yards per pass and only had one red zone attempt in the first half. It was arguably their best half of the season if we’re not counting the Patriots — for obvious reasons.

Mason, who left the game in the second half, returned to start the first series and had a carry to open the second half. A touchdown here felt like it could put the Seahawks away for good.

It was Kittle who had the big play on this drive. He got behind the defense for a 29-yard gain. A few short plays later, the 49ers faced a 3rd & 3. Purdy threw a perfectly placed pass on an out route to Kittle, who made a nice toe tap for a touchdown. That gave the 49ers a commanding 23-3 lead. That was Kittle’s first red zone target of the night.

The 49ers special teams had other ideas. After forcing a fumble, the kickoff team allowed a 97-yard touchdown return to give Seattle life. That made it 23-10, and just like that, he had ourselves a ball game again.

Jake Brendel was flagged for holding to make it 2nd & 18. It’s impossible to come back from those types of penalties. On the same play, Aaron Banks exited. Spencer Burford replaced Banks. Deebo made a valiant effort on the screen to salvage some field position.

That turned out to be a significant play, as Mitch Wishnowsky’s punt was downed at the six-yard line. Or so we thought.

Smith completed a 37-yarder on 3rd & 8 to Tyler Lockett. Isaac Yiadom defended him. Metcalf shook free from Green on 3rd & 3, and Kenneth Walker capped off a 13-play, 94-yard drive to bring Seattle within 23-17.

The 49ers went three-and-out after the defense was on the field for over five minutes. Not having Mason took a toll on the offense. Purdy missed Aiyuk on first down, and they could not recover on the possession.

A bizarre review that looked like it might go the Niners’ way. Seattle maintained possession, but Nicholas John Bosa had other ideas. He made every play on the drive to give the ball back to the offense.

Aaron Banks left the series after one play due to cramps. He was questionable to return and was replaced by Spencer Burford. The offense gained 48 yards on the drive, largely thanks to a 21-yard reception by Brandon Aiyuk. A curious screen pass to Kyle Juszczyk on second down fell incomplete. On 3rd & 9, and the offense punted once again. Wishnowsky had another excellent punt, pinning Seattle on the three-yard line.

After picking up a first down, Renardo Green undercut the route of DK Metcalf, and the ball hit him in the hands for his first career interception. It was terrific coverage by the rookie. This should be a confidence builder for him. It might not be long before he’s starting.

San Francisco took over on Seattle’s 15-yard line. On 3rd & 4 from the nine, Kittle beat the Seahawks safety to give the 49ers a two-possession lead. It was Kittle’s second target in the red zone and his second touchdown reception.

The Seahawks scored on a 4th and goal after a 15-play drive. That made the score 29-24. Isaac Guerendo ran well on the evening with limited opportunities and exploded for a 76-yard gain to ice it. He slid, but Kyle Juszczyk did not. Juice scored to make it a 12-point game and make it 36-24.