49ers avoid late-game collapse thanks to rookies

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — A seemingly safe 20-point lead for San Francisco was cut to six points by Seattle, and the 49ers appeared to be on the verge of another Late game collapse against a Division opponents.

Only this time, the 49ers had the big plays – thanks largely to their rookie class – and closed out a 36-24 win over the Seahawks on Thursday night, giving them a share of the NFC West lead.

“It definitely looked familiar,” All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner said of the dwindling lead. “We can choose one of two paths here. We can hold our own in a hostile environment in a game we know we have to win, or we can be content to play exactly the way we have played the last few losses. But that’s probably what I’m most proud of right now – the way we pulled through.”

The 49ers got an interception from rookie Renardo Green to set up Brock Purdy's third TD pass of the game, which gave San Francisco a 29-17 lead in the fourth quarter.

Isaac Guerendo then helped put the game away with a 76-yard run behind fellow rookie Dominick Puni with less than two minutes left.

Fourth-round pick Malik Mustapha added an interception early in the game.

“So impressive,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “Mature beyond her years. Great game for the whole class, with Renardo, Malik, IG Puni was there all year. Very talented, very mature class, young people we can count on.”

What works

George Kittle in the red zone. San Francisco has struggled in the red zone This season, however, throwing to Kittle has worked well. Purdy threw two TD passes to Kittle in the second half, giving Kittle five NFL-level red zone touchdown catches this season.

What needs help

Kick cover. The Niners made a big play on special teams when Darrell Luter Jr. forced a fumble by Laviska Shenault Jr. in the second quarter that was recovered by Tatum Bethune. But the special teams problems returned throughout the season, as Shenault had a 97-yard kick return for a touchdown in the third quarter and Dee Williams had a 37-yard return to the Seattle 49 in the fourth quarter.

Stock up

DE Nick Bosa didn't record a sack, but made a big impact by pressuring Geno Smith, which led to an interception in the end zone on the first drive. Bosa had 14 pressures in the game, according to NFL NextGen Stats, which is the most pressures for any player in a game in the last four seasons. According to NextGen Stats, his seven games with at least 10 pressures are the most since he entered the NFL in 2019.

Inventory reduced

LB De'Vondre Campbell. The 49ers hoped the signing of Campbell would fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in last season's Super Bowl. But Campbell has struggled this season, particularly in pass coverage. He was hit on a 30-yard pass on third down early in the game and has allowed 25 catches on 28 targets this season, according to PFF.

Injuries

RB Jordan Mason has an AC sprain in his shoulder and is day to day. … K Matthew Wrightwho was signed last week to replace the injured Jake Moody, injured his shoulder during a tackle on a kick return. The team is awaiting the results of an MRI to determine if another kicker needs to be brought in. …Mustapha (lower ankle sprain) is commonplace. … RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will not return to practice this week. … Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall will open his practice window on Monday but is not expected to play next week as he recovers from a shot to the chest on Aug. 31.

Key number

11.3 – The 49ers used two running backs and a tight end – “21” personnel – on 28 plays in the game, averaging 11.3 yards per play. According to Sportradar, this is the fourth best performance by a team with 21 players since 2010 in 647 games with at least 20 appearances in this squad.

What's next?

San Francisco hosts Kansas City in a Super Bowl rematch on October 10th. This will be the 10th Super Bowl rematch of the following regular season, with the champion winning six of the previous nine games.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL