After scoring two touchdowns and contributing to San Francisco’s fourth consecutive victory over the rival Seahawks, Christian McCaffrey was looking forward to savoring his celebratory meal. The fact that it was a Thanksgiving feast on Seattle’s home turf made the win even more satisfying.
“That was a satisfying turkey,” McCaffrey remarked about the game.
And indeed, it was a satisfying win. McCaffrey showcased his brilliance by rushing for 114 yards and two scores in the first half, helping the 49ers establish a commanding 21-point lead by halftime in their 31-13 triumph over the Seahawks on Thursday night.
With this victory, the 49ers (8-3) secured their fourth straight win against their division rivals, maintaining a two-game lead in the NFC West over Seattle. This marked San Francisco’s third consecutive win overall, bouncing back from a three-game losing streak, and extended their streak of 10 consecutive victories against division opponents.
McCaffrey’s performance was outstanding, effortlessly eluding arm tackles and breaking off several significant plays. He punched in touchdowns of 8 and 1 yards, contributing to the 24-3 halftime lead for the 49ers.
Deebo Samuel added a 2-yard touchdown run on San Francisco’s opening possession, while quarterback Brock Purdy completed 15 of 20 passes in a nearly flawless first half.
“We had the advantage in the first half, but that third quarter was tough and gave them some life,” commented Niners coach Kyle Shanahan.
Despite Purdy throwing an interception returned for a touchdown by Seattle’s Jordyn Brooks early in the third quarter, he avoided any other major miscues and sealed the victory with a 28-yard scoring pass to Brandon Aiyuk with 7:51 left in the game.
“Ice in his veins. He’s such a good player,” McCaffrey praised Purdy. “He makes plays all over the field, and watching how consistent he is back in the huddle. He’s never too high. He’s never too low. Anytime he’s got the ball in his hands, if there is a play to be made, he can make it.”
Purdy finished the game 21 of 30 for 209 yards, outplaying the opposing quarterback, Seattle’s Geno Smith, who was playing through injuries sustained in the previous game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Smith, visibly affected by the 49ers’ defense, struggled throughout the game, completing 18 of 27 passes for 180 yards and enduring six sacks. The Seahawks offense couldn’t find its rhythm in the first half, gaining only 15 total yards in the first five possessions.
Seattle’s attempts at a comeback were thwarted, and a pivotal moment came when a potential defensive holding or pass interference call went unnoticed by officials, leading to Smith’s heated dispute. The Seahawks settled for a field goal, and any hope of a late rally faded away.
Seattle’s last opportunity to turn the tide ended with a fourth-and-1 stop at the San Francisco 21 with 4:14 remaining. The Seahawks (6-5) suffered their second loss in five days, dropping three of their last four games.
San Francisco’s defense contributed significantly to the win with six sacks, spread across multiple players, including Nick Bosa with two sacks, bringing his season total to 7 1/2. The 49ers have amassed 15 sacks in their last three games.
In an unexpected move, Seattle appeared to bench starting cornerback Riq Woolen in the first half, replacing him with Michael Jackson, citing concerns about Woolen’s lingering shoulder issues.
Both teams dealt with injuries during the game, with Seattle right tackle Jason Peters leaving with a shoulder stinger and San Francisco backup safety George Odum sustaining a biceps injury.
Looking ahead, the 49ers will face Philadelphia on Sunday, December 3, while the Seahawks will take on Dallas next Thursday.
