Seattle's relentless defense stifled San Francisco's offense, showcasing a blueprint crucial for future matchups.
1. The Seahawks’ Defense Is Flat-Out Nasty
There’s no way around it: Seattle’s defense won this game. Mike Macdonald’s unit delivered one of the most suffocating defensive performances of the season, holding San Francisco to 173 total yards, one third-down conversion in the first half, and just three points all night.
The Seahawks consistently won at the line of scrimmage, collapsed the pocket, and forced everything underneath. Brock Purdy was pressured repeatedly and San Francisco never found rhythm or momentum. This wasn’t a fluky performance either; the Seattle defense dictated the entire game.
2. The 49ers’ Offense Is Human and Missing Trent Williams Is Brutal
The absence of Trent Williams loomed over this game from the opening snap. Without their All-Pro left tackle, the 49ers’ offensive line struggled mightily in both pass protection and the run game.
Purdy rarely had time to set his feet, Christian McCaffrey finished with just 23 rushing yards, and the offense never looked comfortable. San Francisco’s line surrendered 14 total pressures, and the run game simply never materialized.
This game was a reminder that even elite offenses have breaking points, and Williams remains the single most important non-quarterback on the roster.
3. Seattle Took Risks — and Still Controlled the Game
Ironically, the Seahawks entered the night as one of the most conservative fourth-down teams in the NFL, yet they showed early aggression by going for it on fourth-and-goal on their opening drive. While they came away with no points, that sequence set the tone: Seattle wasn’t afraid to dictate terms.
Even when the Seahawks didn’t convert, their defense immediately responded. San Francisco went three-and-out on its first possession, and the tone of the game was established, Seattle was comfortable letting defense and field position carry them.
4. The 49ers’ Defense Played Lights Out (and Deserved Better)
Lost in the frustration of the offensive struggles is just how excellent the 49ers’ defense played. San Francisco held Seattle to 13 points, forced long drives, and kept the game within reach deep into the fourth quarter despite being on the field for far too many snaps.
The defense generated pressure and largely bottled up Seattle outside of a Zach Charbonnet touchdown run. Considering the wind, field position disadvantages, and constant pressure of defending short fields, this was a winning-level defensive performance.
That matters especially with what’s coming next.
5. This Defensive Blueprint Will Be Critical Against Jalen Hurts
As frustrating as this loss was, it also offered a silver lining. The 49ers’ defense showed the exact type of resilience and discipline they’ll need on the road against the Eagles.
Philadelphia presents a different challenge with Jalen Hurts, but the principles remain the same: disciplined pass rush, sound tackling, and forcing long, methodical drives. If the defense can replicate this level of intensity and execution, San Francisco will give itself a real chance against the Eagles, especially if the offense can repeat what they produced weeks 15-17.
Final Thought
This loss stings, no question. The Seahawks proved they’re dangerous defensively, the 49ers were reminded how vital their health is, and perhaps most importantly, San Francisco’s defense reaffirmed that it can compete.
If the offense rebounds and the defense plays like this again in Philadelphia, the season is far from over.