Christian McCaffrey helped the San Francisco 49ers build a strong 21-point lead by half-time scoring two touchdowns rushing for 114 yards; Seattle Seahawks (6-5) lost for the second time in five days
Friday 24 November 2023 10:40, UK
Christian McCaffrey starred with a defining first-half performance as the San Francisco 49ers defeated their division-rival Seattle Seahawks 31-13 on Thursday's Thanksgiving night at Lumen Field.
McCaffrey helped the 49ers build a strong 21-point lead by half-time as he scored two touchdowns and rushed for 114 yards to help his side record a two-game lead in the NFC West over Seattle.
Deebo Samuel ran for a two-yard touchdown on San Francisco's opening possession while Brock Purdy completed 15 of 20 passes in the first half.
Purdy threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by Seattle's Jordyn Brooks in the third quarter, but avoided any other miscues and capped off victory with a 28-yard scoring pass to Brandon Aiyuk with 7.51 left, and finished 21 of 30 for 209 yards.
Seattle's Geno Smith was sacked six times, threw an interception in the first half and was fortunate to avoid more picks later in the game.
The Seahawks' first five possessions gained 15 total yards, and when Seattle tried to put up a fight in the second half, Smith took a couple of untimely sacks.
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks
Smith also confronted an official after no flag was raised for defensive holding or pass interference on a throw intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the end zone which would have given the Seahawks first-and-goal late in the third quarter. Instead, they settled for a field goal.
Seattle's last chance at a rally ended when Zach Charbonnet was stopped on fourth-and-one at the San Francisco 21 with 4.14 remaining.
The Seahawks (6-5) lost for the second time in five days and have dropped three of their last four and have scored only three offensive touchdowns in the past four games.
The Niners have now won 10 division games in a row and four straight against the Seahawks.
San Francisco recorded six sacks in total with Nick Bosa claiming two to give him 7.5 or the season. Javon Hargrave had 1.5, while Tashaun Gipson and Arik Armstead each had one and Kevin Givens was credited with a half-sack. The 49ers now have 15 sacks in the past three games.
Seattle benched starting cornerback Riq Woolen in the first half, replacing him with Michael Jackson. Seattle coach Pete Carroll said after the game there still remains concerns around a sore shoulder.
San Francisco backup safety George Odum sustained a biceps injury and did not return. There is concern he may have a torn bicep that could sideline Odum for a long period.
McCaffrey spoke highly of team-mate Purdy saying: "He's such a good player. He makes plays all over the field, and watching how consistent he is back in the huddle. He's never too high. He's never too low. Anytime he's got the ball in his hands, if there is a play to be made he can make it."
"The first half of this game, we couldn't get out of our own way enough," Seattle coach Carroll admitted.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan: "The way the defense played tonight was unbelievable. To keep them out of the end zone the whole game. The six sacks. The way I thought our corners played on the outside. Just a real impressive game, and we're real excited to watch it."
49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa on his team's sacks tally: "It's funny, after the game nobody has any idea what their stats are. It's a good problem to have."
The Seahawks travel to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 13, while the 49ers face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, December 3.
