The San Francisco 49ers just pushed their record to a perfect 4-0 on the season, battling through the Denver Broncos and some serious heat for a 24-14 win. It wasn’t the prettiest start, with both sides looking sluggish in the first half and a blocked Eddy Pineiro field goal adding to the slow pace. But as the third quarter wound down, things started to click for San Francisco, and it took a couple of absolute game-changing plays to swing that momentum.
Neal’s Fumble Recovery Flips the Script
Listen, the 49ers offense was struggling big time heading into the third quarter. They kicked off the second half with two drives that totaled six plays for a pathetic four yards. That’s when Corliss Waitman trotted out for his fourth punt of the game. He launched a 61-yard bomb with Marvin Mims ready to return, but Siran Neal was flying down the field, making a beeline for Mims. Mims made a terrible decision to take the return with Neal closing in fast. Neal absolutely stonewalled Mims, holding him to just a one-yard gain. Here’s the kicker, though: as Mims’ wrist hit the ground, the impact jarred the ball loose before his elbow touched. Neal was right there to pounce on it. After a quick review, the call was confirmed, and the 49ers suddenly had possession at the Denver 28-yard line! Before Neal’s heroics, the offense had only put up three points through nearly three quarters. After that forced fumble, the 49ers exploded for 21 points in just over a quarter. Neal’s takeaway completely flipped the game in San Francisco’s favor, no doubt about it.
Kittle Delivers the Knockout Punch
While Neal’s play was the huge momentum shift, Georgie Kittle was the one who put things to bed for the 49ers. He had a pretty quiet game for most of it, targeted five times for three receptions and just 14 yards before San Francisco took a late three-point lead. But then, with 2:25 left in the fourth quarter, facing a second-and-8 and a chance to bleed the clock down, the 49ers went to their man. A slow-developing screen got Kittle a ton of open space. He made the first guy miss, and then it was a footrace to the end zone. Kittle, looking surprisingly fast for a player just nine months removed from an Achilles injury, absolutely smoked Talonoa Hufanga for a 56-yard score. That touchdown gave the 49ers an insurmountable 10-point lead, sealing the deal. Kittle’s day ended up looking much better thanks to that huge play, finishing with 70 yards on four receptions and that clutch touchdown.
The 49ers are now sitting pretty at 4-0 on the season. Plays like Neal’s and Kittle’s are exactly what you need to keep that momentum rolling. It’ll be huge to see if they can maintain this perfect record.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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