SEATTLE – The 49ers defeated a mediocre Seahawks team and improved their record to 3-3. Here are five things we learned about the 49ers in this play.

Rookie safety Malik Mustapha intercepted Geno Smith first. Rookie cornerback Renardo Green then intercepted him. Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo sealed the victory with a 76-yard spring and rookie right guard Dominick Puni created the gap for him. Plus rookie linebacker Tatum Bethune recovered a fumble on special teams. The only rookie who didn’t play well was rookie punt returner Jacob Cowing, who couldn’t stay on his feet, but he still has potential as a wide receiver. And Ricky Pearsall starts practicing this week. What a beginner class.

It faced a Seahawks offense that isn’t particularly good. But with 4:46 left in the game, the 49ers gave up a 52-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf, which did not count because the Seahawks committed an illegal shift penalty. Which means the 49ers got lucky. Three minutes later, the 49ers gave up a touchdown catch to Tyler Lockett, cutting their lead to five points. Every week the 49ers defense seems to wear down in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers gave up a kick return for a touchdown. Later in the game, kicker Matthew Wright separated his shoulder and made a tackle to prevent a second kick return for a touchdown. Last week, Jake Moody did the same thing. The 49ers may have the worst special teams in the league. It will cost them more games this season.

The 49ers scored three touchdowns in the red zone, but also kicked a 25-yard field goal, a 35-yard field goal and a 41-yard field goal. The 49ers have far too much talent on offense to spend half the time inside the 25-yard line. And yet they are extremely dependent on George Kittle making tough catches in the end zone. Where is the creativity?

He’s not a bad quarterback, but he’s not a good one either. He plays just well enough to lose. He certainly doesn’t evaluate his team. In fact, he’s holding back a talented Seahawks offense. That’s why he’s 0-5 against the 49ers. You could replace him with Jimmy Garoppolo and the Seahawks wouldn’t be worse. You know the 49ers are hoping Smith will be the Seahawks’ quarterback for years to come.

Download and follow the best 49ers podcast.