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

Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell got curious and started shuffling in, leaving DK Metcalf open to run and catch for a 30-yard gain. Seattle would return to that play, or at least a similar concept, later in the drive.

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

The 49ers offense took over at their own three-yard line, but that didn’t stop them from controlling the ball. Brock Purdy ran for a pair of first downs. Deebo Samuel made an impressive one-handed catch on 3rd and 1 for a gain of 11. Jordan Mason ripped off a 38-yarder. Jauan Jennings caught a pass for 13 yards.

That put us in the dreaded red zone.

Facing a first-and-goal from the 10-yard line, a run three and two incomplete passes left the Niners settling for a 25-yard field goal. A third and goal fade to Deebo is not what you would call a high percentage throw. 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 on the ensuing drive against DK Metcalf, and the 49ers defense quickly left the field in just over two minutes. However, the crime did not do its job. They punted after a 2nd and 1. Mason was stuffed on second and Purdy threw a jump pass to George Kittle on 3rd and 1 for an incomplete pass.