The San Francisco 49ers secured an NFC wild-card win with a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, the lowest-drafted rookie quarterback to start a playoff game, started off with some missed throws and late reads, but settled in during the second half, going 9-of-11 for 185 yards with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score. Purdy finished the game with 18-of-30 for 332 yards and four total touchdowns, becoming the third rookie quarterback to throw for three scores in a playoff game. The Niners defense played a crucial role in the win, with a pivotal play coming from defensive lineman Charles Omenihu who swiped the ball away from Seattle quarterback Geno Smith, allowing the 49ers to drive for a touchdown and put the game away. The 49ers now advance to the divisional round, where they will host the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium.
49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy Shines in First Playoff Game
- After a tight first half, the San Francisco 49ers scored 25 unanswered points to open the second half, pulling away to a 41-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium. The NFC wild-card win was the 11th in a row for the 49ers, who will face an opponent to be determined in next weekend’s divisional round.
- As the lowest-drafted rookie quarterback to start a playoff game, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy appeared to show some understandable nerves for the first time in his young career. Purdy started Saturday’s wild-card matchup against Seattle with some missed throws and late reads on plays he’s made look routine over the past month. But, once again, Purdy didn’t flinch when faced with adversity.
Purdy Settles In and Leads 49ers to Victory
With Purdy settling in and his playmakers gaining plenty of yards after the catch, the Niners rolled into next week’s NFC divisional round. They’ll host the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys or Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Whatever was affecting Purdy early vanished with a quick stop in the locker room at halftime. He was nearly perfect in the final two quarters, going 9-of-11 for 185 yards with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score. Purdy finished 18-of-30 for 332 yards with four total touchdowns.
49ers Defense Makes Key Play to Seal Victory
The biggest question facing these Niners as the postseason began was how Purdy would react when the lights burn brightest. Just as he has with every test thrown his way so far, Purdy passed with flying colors. Pivotal play: The Seahawks trailed by only six with 2 minutes, 31 seconds left in the third quarter and had the ball at San Francisco’s 19-yard line, threatening to take back the lead. But when Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith dropped back to throw, he got immediate pressure from Niners defensive lineman Charles Omenihu off the right side. As Smith stepped up, Omenihu swiped the ball away. An alert Nick Bosa pounced on the fumble for the game’s first takeaway, and the Niners promptly drove for a touchdown that essentially put the game away.
49ers Advance to Divisional Round
The takeaway not only swung points in San Francisco’s favor, but the 49ers also did not have any giveaways. The Niners are now 14-0 this season in games in which they commit one or zero turnovers. The San Francisco 49ers now advance to the divisional round, where they will host the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium.