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Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 255 yards and three touchdowns en route to leading the San Francisco 49ers to a 36-24 road victory over the NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks on Thursday evening.
Purdy threw a 76-yard touchdown in the second quarter to Deebo Samuel before adding 10- and nine-yard scores to George Kittle in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. The third-year quarterback is now 5-0 (including playoffs) against Seattle lifetime.
The first Kittle score helped put San Francisco up 23-3. However, Seattle immediately responded with a Laviska Shenault Jr. 97-yard kickoff return for a score.
Before the third quarter ended, Seattle marched down the field on a 13-play, 94-yard drive capped by a Kenneth Walker III one-yard rush.
However, the Seahawks could not take advantage, punting on their next possession before Geno Smith threw an interception on Seattle’s second chance to take the lead. Cornerback Renardo Green returned that one to the 15-yard line, and Purdy found Kittle three plays later for a 29-17 lead.
Smith then led the Seahawks on a 15-play, 70-drive that ended when he found Tyler Lockett for a nine-yard touchdown. Hope reigned after Seattle kicked the ball back to San Francisco with all three timeouts and just under two minutes left.
However, backup running back Isaac Guerendo, who took over for an injured Jordan Mason (shoulder), scampered for 76 yards to the Seattle five-yard line.
Two plays later, Kyle Juszczyk ran for a touchdown, effectively putting this one away.
It was a big win for the 49ers, who struggled to a 2-3 start and just lost 24-23 to the Arizona Cardinals after blowing a 23-13 fourth-quarter advantage. San Francisco also entered Thursday at 0-2 in the NFC West after losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.
However, the 49ers got back on the right track thanks in part to Purdy, who received well-deserved praise.
Mike Kennedy @MikeKennedyNFL
This is what I mean when I say I’ve been much more impressed with Brock Purdy this season than the past few.<br><br>Absurdly tight window to fit that ball into. <br><br>Just as impressive play by George Kittle to get those feet down as well. <a href=”https://t.co/i07uovxSKC”>pic.twitter.com/i07uovxSKC</a>
Where’s the defense? Where are the wins? @kittlefacts
Purdy was awesome tonight. Remember Mike MacDonald was the defensive coordinator for the Ravens that gave him major issues last year. Obviously different personnel in Seattle but no major issues tonight. Was in command and in control. This is the version of Purdy this team needs.
Emmanuel Acho @EmmanuelAcho
A great Niners win:<br><br>ā¢Brock Purdy showed out despite losing his current RB1.<br><br>ā¢The Defense forced a pivotal turnover when it has typically folded.<br><br>ā¢Shanahan committed to & established the run.<br><br>ā¢Young DB’s made PLAYS!<a href=” 10am est tomorrow will be MONUMENTAL!
Dustin Tran @dustinstran
<a href=” get a much needed win tonight as Brock Purdy played great football for them. 49ers running game was dominant as well. <a href=” have a liability at QB rn in Geno Smith as he threw 2 costly INTs. Might be time for the Seahawks to bench Geno Smith in favor of Sam Howell.
Purdy and the 49ers now have a huge matchup looming on Sunday, Oct. 20 when the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs roll into town.