NFC West Nail-Biter: 49ers Top Seahawks 17–13 in Season Opener
San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks — NFL 2025 Season Week 1 • Lumen Field
The 2025 NFL season kicked off at Lumen Field with a tense NFC West clash as the San Francisco 49ers edged out the Seattle Seahawks 17–13 in a contest defined by defensive intensity, timely offensive execution, and a dramatic late-game finish. Quarterback Brock Purdy orchestrated a game-winning drive while the 49ers’ defense stifled Seattle’s comeback hopes. The Seahawks, led by Sam Darnold and rookie back Zach Charbonnet, showed flashes of promise but could not overcome San Francisco’s disciplined game management and defensive resilience.
Seattle Strikes First
Both defenses dominated early, producing a scoreless first quarter. Seattle broke through in the second with a 48-yard field goal by Jason Myers for a 3–0 lead. Later, Charbonnet capped a steady drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 10–0 and igniting the Lumen Field crowd. Behind solid blocking, Darnold mixed short throws with scrambles, keeping the 49ers guessing.
49ers Counter
San Francisco answered with a measured drive, balancing runs and quick throws. Purdy found George Kittle for a 5-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to 10–7. The moment was bittersweet, as Kittle strained his hamstring on the drive, an injury that would sideline him long-term and challenge the 49ers’ depth.
Halftime Adjustments
In the second half, Purdy leaned on quicker passes, with Ricky Pearsall emerging as a key target on intermediate routes. Seattle countered with blitzes and tight coverage, forcing Purdy into pressure throws. Defensively, San Francisco struck a turning point when Nick Bosa strip-sacked Darnold and recovered the ball, halting a promising Seattle drive.
Purdy Delivers Late
Trailing 13–10 in the fourth, Purdy orchestrated a 9-play, 62-yard drive. A clutch 15-yard third-down strike to Pearsall set up the decisive moment. With 1:34 left, Purdy connected with Jake Tonges for a 6-yard touchdown, putting the 49ers up 17–13. Seattle’s last push faltered under relentless pressure from Dre Greenlaw and the front, sealing the win.
Special Teams Drama
Special teams shaped the story. 49ers kicker Jake Moody missed a 27-yard attempt and had another blocked, prompting his release after the game. San Francisco signed Eddy Pineiro as his replacement. Meanwhile, Seattle’s Myers was steady, hitting both attempts, including a 37-yarder in the fourth to cut the lead to 17–13.
Tactical Takeaways
Seattle thrived early with a balanced run-pass mix and defensive pressure but failed to adjust to San Francisco’s mid-game schemes. The 49ers showed resilience and adaptability, using tempo shifts and defensive execution to reverse momentum. Coaching decisions were clear: San Francisco emphasized situational awareness and personnel rotation, while Seattle struggled to sustain answers.
Stat Leaders
- Brock Purdy: 18/26, 212 YDS, 2 TD
- Ricky Pearsall: 5 REC, 86 YDS
- Jake Tonges: 3 REC, 42 YDS, GW TD
- Sam Darnold: 23/38, 198 YDS, 1 TD
- Zach Charbonnet: 67 rush YDS, 1 TD
- Nick Bosa: 1 sack, strip-fumble recovery
Beyond the Numbers
Sideline adjustments, pre-snap audibles, and leadership moments defined momentum. Crowd noise surged during late drives, heightening the drama. Celebrations and motivational cues reinforced San Francisco’s confidence, while Seattle’s urgency reflected frustration as the lead slipped away.
What It Means
San Francisco’s resilience and depth provide confidence and momentum for the weeks ahead, even with Kittle sidelined. Seattle must refine situational execution and defensive consistency to contend in the NFC West. Both teams will carry lessons from this tightly contested opener into the rest of the season.
Bottom line: The 49ers’ 17–13 win in Seattle highlighted strategy, toughness, and clutch execution. Purdy’s late heroics and Bosa’s defensive impact sealed a classic NFC West opener, setting the tone for a dramatic divisional race.
