The San Francisco 49ers let a divisional win slip through their fingers on Sunday, falling 20-17 to the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. A game marked by missed opportunities and costly penalties left coach Kyle Shanahan and his team searching for answers as the playoff race tightens.
Opportunities Lost: The Story of the 49ers’ Struggles
San Francisco seemed poised to take control on multiple occasions but faltered at critical moments. A pivotal sequence late in the first half typified their issues. With the ball on Seattle’s 34-yard line and the two-minute warning looming, penalties and miscues derailed their progress. A false start on Colton McKivitz, a sack, and two incompletions pushed the team out of field-goal range, forcing a punt.
The frustration continued after halftime. Cornerback Isaac Yiadom’s interception set up the 49ers with excellent field position. However, back-to-back penalties once again stymied their offense, limiting them to a field goal instead of a touchdown. That sequence alone left at least seven points on the board, a difference that loomed large as the game wound down.
Even with a late lead and possession, the offense failed to close out the game. A drive with under four minutes left produced just one first down before stalling.
Shanahan Shoulders the Blame
After the game, Shanahan’s postgame comments revealed both his frustration and accountability.
“We had every opportunity to run away with that and put it away,” he told reporters. Shanahan praised his defense for forcing key turnovers but lamented the offense’s inability to capitalize. “When you have opportunities to do it, and you hurt yourself with penalties and a few missed opportunities, you got to finish it there at the end,” he added.
Quarterback Brock Purdy echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting Shanahan’s acknowledgment of his own role in the team’s struggles.
“He obviously took ownership for himself as well, and we all did in the locker room,” Purdy said. The young quarterback emphasized the need to move on quickly, focusing on their upcoming matchup with Green Bay.
A Grueling Road Ahead
The loss to Seattle leaves the 49ers with a steep climb to secure their playoff hopes. Deommodore Lenoir, a standout in the secondary, put the urgency into stark terms.
“Every game at home from now on is a must-win,” Lenoir stated, underscoring the stakes as San Francisco prepares to host the Rams and the NFC-leading Lions in coming weeks.
It doesn’t get easier on the road either. Back-to-back trips to Green Bay and Buffalo will test the 49ers’ resolve.
Upcoming Key Games for the 49ers:
| Opponent | Location | Record* |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Rams | Levi’s Stadium | 5-5 |
| Detroit Lions | Levi’s Stadium | 8-2 |
| Green Bay Packers | Lambeau Field | 6-4 |
| Buffalo Bills | Highmark Stadium | 7-3 |
(*Record as of Week 11)
Can the 49ers Turn It Around?
San Francisco’s season teeters on the brink. They’ve shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains elusive. The team’s performance hinges on addressing critical issues, particularly penalties that have repeatedly stalled drives.
While Shanahan’s accountability sets the tone, execution on the field will determine their fate. With time running out and their schedule packed with tough opponents, the 49ers must find a way to finish strong—or risk watching the playoffs from home.
