49ers news: Renardo Green and Isaac Guerendo shine in 36:24 win over the Seahawks

The San Francisco 49ers defense took the field early in the game and did exactly what they had done all season. They won on early downs but failed to get off the field on third down.

Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell became curious and began shuffling inside, giving DK Metcalf the opportunity to run and catch for a 30-yard gain. Seattle would return to this play, or at least a similar concept, later in the drive.

This time Renardo Green was in coverage and this time the quarterback was under pressure. Nick Bosa beat Geno Smith; Green had perfect coverage and Malik Mustapha read the quarterback's eyes for an interception.

The 49ers offense took control at their three-yard line, but that didn't stop them from recovering the ball. Brock Purdy ran for a couple of first downs. Deebo Samuel made an impressive one-handed catch on 3rd-and-1 for a lead of 11. Jordan Mason grabbed a 38-yarder. Jauan Jennings caught a pass for 13 yards.

That put us in the dreaded red zone.

After a first-and-goal from the 10-yard line, a three-point run and two incomplete passes, the Niners settled for a 25-yard field goal. A third ball and goal to Deebo is not what you would call a high percentage shot. Matthew Wright's kick was good to give the 49ers a 3-0 lead, but the drive still felt empty.

Isaac Yiadom held his own against DK Metcalf on the ensuing drive and the 49ers defense was able to quickly get away from the field in just over two minutes. However, the crime did not do its job. After a 2nd & 1, they hit a punt. Mason was stuffed on second down and Purdy threw a jump pass to George Kittle on 3rd & 1 for an incomplete pass.

The 49ers looked alive in the second quarter. Fred Warner made a fantastic play on 3rd-and-3 after hitting several blocks and making a short pass stop.

Kyle Shanahan scored on the first play of the game and Deebo Samuel stormed down the left sideline. Seattle's safety misplayed the ball, meaning it was up to a linebacker to catch Samuel. As expected, that linebacker didn't catch Samuel. It was a 76-yard touchdown pass that gave the Niners a comfortable 10-0 lead.

The 49ers looked alive in the second quarter. Fred Warner made a fantastic play on 3rd-and-3 after hitting several blocks and making a short pass stop.

Kyle Shanahan scored on the first play of the game and Deebo Samuel stormed down the left sideline. Seattle's safety misplayed the ball, meaning it was up to a linebacker to catch Samuel. As expected, that linebacker didn't catch Samuel. It was a 76-yard touchdown pass that gave the Niners a comfortable 10-0 lead.

The Niners had an opportunity to tie the game after Darrell Luter Jr. forced a fumble on the kickoff. It was potentially a huge turning point.

The offense had a short field and technically it wasn't a chance in the red zone, but they had the ball at the 29 yard line. After Mason gained six yards on the first two plays, Purdy was forced to scramble on 3rd-and-4. It was a missed opportunity to score a touchdown. Instead, a field goal made the final score 13-0.

Nick Sorensen had a great first half. He mixed up coverages and forced Smith to hold the ball, which resulted in Nick Bosa drawing a holding penalty. After this three-pointer, the offense went into overtime again. Mason ran for 14, and Brandon Aiyuk caught a 16-yarder. Purdy scrambled for another 10-yard gain to move the chains.

A 15-yard facemask put the 49ers in the red zone, which seems to be the last place they want to be these days. Another failed rush on first down meant it was 2nd & 11. An incomplete pass and a failed screen by the fullback led to another field goal, making the score 16-0.

During the two-minute drill, the 49ers allowed a few chunk plays and a defensive pass interference gave Seattle first-and-goal from San Francisco's two-yard line. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green made two spectacular ball plays to force incompletions. The Seahawks had a chance to get back into the swing of things, but the defense held firm.

The Seahawks were 3 of 8 on third down, and Smith averaged just 6.1 yards per pass and had just one attempt in the red zone in the first half. It was arguably their best half of the season if we don't count the Patriots – for obvious reasons.

Mason, who left the game in the second half, returned to start the first series and opened the second half with a carry. A touchdown here felt like it could put the Seahawks out of the game for good.

It was Kittle who had the big play on this drive. He gained 29 yards behind the defense. A few short plays later, the 49ers faced a 3rd & 3. Purdy threw a perfectly placed pass on an out route to Kittle, who made a nice toe-tap for a touchdown. That gave the 49ers a commanding lead of 23-3. That was Kittle's first red zone target of the night.

The 49ers' special teams had other ideas. After a forced fumble, the kickoff team allowed a 97-yard touchdown return to breathe life into Seattle. That made it 23:10 and he had another ball game.

Jake Brendel was relegated to 2nd and 18th place because of his chase. It is impossible to come back after such punishments. Aaron Banks was eliminated on the same play. Spencer Burford replaced Banks. Deebo made a valiant attempt on the screen to save some field position.

This proved to be a significant play as Mitch Wishnowsky's punt was deflected at the five-yard line. At least that's what we thought.

Smith completed a 37-yarder on 3rd-and-8 against Tyler Lockett. Isaac Yiadom defended him. Metcalf shook off Green on third-and-3, and Kenneth Walker capped a 13-play, 94-yard drive to bring Seattle within 23-17.

The 49ers went for a three-pointer after the defense had been on the field for more than five minutes. The absence of Mason put a strain on the offense. Purdy missed Aiyuk on first down and they were unable to recover the possession.

A bizarre review that looked like it was going to benefit the Niners. Seattle retained possession, but Nicholas John Bosa had other ideas. He made every play on the drive to give the ball back to the offense.

Aaron Banks left the series after one game due to cramps. It was questionable whether he would return and was replaced by Spencer Burford. The offense gained 48 yards on the drive, thanks largely to a 21-yard reception from Brandon Aiyuk. A strange screen pass to Kyle Juszczyk on second down failed. On the 3rd and 9th the offensive stumbled again. Wishnowsky had another excellent punt, pinning Seattle at the three-yard line.

After a first down, Renardo Green undercut DK Metcalf's route and the ball hit his hands, making it his first career interception. It was great coverage from the rookie. This should build confidence for him. It might not be long before he starts.

San Francisco took over on Seattle's 15-yard line. On 3rd-and-4 from the nine, Kittle beat the Seahawks' safety, giving the 49ers a two-possession lead. It was Kittle's second red zone target and his second touchdown reception.

The Seahawks had a fourth hit and a goal in 15 games. That made it 29:24. Isaac Guerendo ran well with limited opportunities that night, scoring a 76-yard gain that tied the game. He slipped, but Kyle Juszczyk didn't. Juice posted a 12-point game, scoring 36-24.