1) Jimmy Garoppolo is still hampered by the ankle
Despite basically everything going wrong, it was obvious early in the game that Jimmy Garoppolo's ankle was not right. There were some errant throws, one of which was an interception. He rebounded with a good drive and good throws that led the 49ers to an early 7-6 lead. After that, it was all downhill.
The offensive line was unable to protect him, he was not able to be mobile, and what made it worse was there seemed to be no offensive adjustment to the blitz. (More on that later)
Then came the second half. After another awful quarter, he aggravated the ankle further. We'll find out more tomorrow, but surviving this difficult stretch now seems nearly impossible with all of these injuries.
2) The Playcalling
Early in the game, it felt like the defense set the tone and the offense was going to roll. The opening drive was solid until a 3rd and 5 from just beyond midfield. Then came a bizarre wildcat play. Jerick McKinnon tried to make a read, but the play was blown up and the 49ers had to punt. Big missed opportunity.
Next came the interception, but after the 49ers took a 7-6 lead, there seemed to be no adjustment and no way to get anyone going.
The Seahawks began sending the house and there seemed to be no good hot reads and no creativity to get someone the ball over the blitz.
This lasted two quarters and completely did in the 49ers.
3) Seattle was up for this game and outplayed the Niners
Once Seattle overcame the first two series in which the 49ers looked like they were going to have a good day defensively, Russell Wilson attacked the secondary and was able to make continual big plays.
Defensively, the blitz was extremely effective and the defense out-hit, out-hustled, and outplayed the reeling 49ers offense.
This was simply a nightmare scenario. Once Seattle got up 27-7 after Dante Pettis fumbled on a kickoff, it was over, barring a miracle.
As much as it stings, Seattle deserves a ton of credit for its effort in this game. It was missing plenty of players as well, but found a way to overcome that.
4) The injuries are becoming too much to overcome
Tevin Coleman looked like he was going to have a good day. Then he suffered a knee injury, which left the 49ers extremely thin at running back.
Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle both left the game in the fourth quarter. With the Packers coming to town on Thursday, life may get more difficult if they can't suit up.
The effort is there on both sides of the ball, but these injuries are just piling up. Getting to the bye is the goal, but San Francisco can't go into it on a three-game losing streak if it expects to make the playoffs. Stay tuned.
Extra Points
- Nick Mullens entered the game early in the fourth quarter and led a valiant effort at a comeback going 18-25 for 238 yards and two touchdowns.
- Brandon Aiyuk and Kendrick Bourne were the team's bright spots as they finished with 8 catches for 91 yards and a score and 8 catches for 81 yards and a few conversions on third downs, respectively.
- Mental mistakes plagued the 49ers all day, like bringing kickoffs out of the end zone, especially by Dante Pettis, who got rocked and fumbled the ball. That play essentially ended the game. Pettis may have played his last snap at this rate. It's very hard to see how he gets back on the field.
- Tevin Coleman reinjured the same knee that sidelined him for weeks. His status is to be determined.
- George Kittle's X-rays were negative for any fracture in his foot. He will undergo further testing.
- No word on Jimmy Garoppolo's ankle. More information will come tomorrow.
- Shanahan hopes to have Jordan Reed back on Thursday.
