The Super Bowl defending champion Seattle Seahawks just rolled to a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers right here in the Emerald City, pushing their record to 3-1. But let me tell you, that win barely matters when you look at who’s coming to town next: those dang 49ers, still sitting perfect at 4-0 after grinding out a 24-14 win against the Broncos. They’re one of only three undefeated teams left in the whole league, and they’re bringing that record right to our doorstep next week.
Defense Wins (for Them, Anyway)
Ugh, you hate to see it, but their defense really carried the day against Denver. Everyone’s been talking about Brock Purdy playing at an MVP level, leading the NFL in passing touchdowns and passer rating, and how he hadn’t even been sacked all season before Sunday. But against the Broncos, the Niners’ defense was the real star. They held Denver to a measly one touchdown and just 296 total yards. The Broncos were stuck on three points for most of the afternoon, for crying out loud! Denver’s quarterback Bo Nix had a rough day, completing only 24 of 42 passes for just 214 yards, averaging a pathetic 5.1 yards per attempt. Even with their edge rusher Nick Bosa out with a calf injury, their linebackers Dre Greenlaw absolutely balled out with 11 combined tackles, and Fred Warner added seven combined tackles and two pass breakups. They’re tough, man, you can’t deny it.
Purdy’s Still Dealing, But The Old Crew Is Back
While the defense was suffocating, Purdy and the offense still found ways to move the ball. Five years ago, Samuel was nicknamed “wide-back” because he was such an engine for their offense, breaking tackles as both a runner and receiver. Well, because of injuries at receiver, Samuel had a chance to return to the 49ers in free agency, and Shanahan has just dropped him right back into the offense with those same plays he used to run with so much success. Samuel finished the game with 70 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, coming off a week where he had 80 receiving yards (though no actual receptions) and took a hook-and-ladder for a score. He brings a dimension Shanahan’s offense clearly missed. And Samuel wasn’t the only veteran making plays; Mike Evans, even playing with sore ribs, hauled in five receptions for 76 yards. George Kittle added four catches for 70 yards, including a 56-yard screen pass for a touchdown that basically iced the game. Those three veterans, along with Purdy, definitely pulled their weight on offense. On a side note for Denver, their star cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who was Defensive Player of the Year two years ago, had to leave the game with a non-contact right ankle injury and couldn’t put pressure on it. That’s a huge loss for them if he’s out long-term.
So yeah, the Niners are flying high, 4-0, defense is crushing it, and their vets are stepping up. But guess who just secured a gritty 30-23 win against the Chargers in our own house and sits at 3-1, ready to protect their turf? Our Super Bowl defending champion Seattle Seahawks, baby! They’re rolling into next week ready to show those undefeated pretenders what real football looks like in the Emerald City. This isn’t just another game, folks. This is a statement. Get ready.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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