Kyle Shanahan noted in the 49ers locker room that he was proud of San Francisco’s effort all season, following Saturday’s crushing 41-6 loss in the NFC divisional round to the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
However, the spirit, the tired faces and the tears of QB Brock Purdy betrayed a team with a broken heart.
The Seahawks dominated the 49ers from the first snap and advanced to the NFC title game.
“You know, we’re obviously very disappointed with today. You have to give them credit. I try not to dwell on it; we could talk about it on Monday when we meet again. But I just thanked them for the whole season, for how hard they fought against everything. I know everyone was sick of tonight and how everything turned out in every way. But I tried not to make a big deal about tonight when I was with them. I just thanked them for what they’ve done all year. I’ve been extremely proud of everyone in that room this year.” Shanahan told reporters postgame.
Seattle reached a new level of dominance in its first playoff game in front of its fans in almost a decade and confirmed itself as the first seed in the NFC championship game.
“One of our most complete games, without a doubt. Shaheed started the game like that, setting the tone,” defensive lineman Leonard Williams said.
Sam Darnold threw a touchdown pass and earned his first playoff victory in his first season with the Seahawks (15-3).
The Seahawks led 7-0 13 seconds into the game thanks to Shaheed, who received the opening kick and carried it 95 yards to the end zone. It was the fourth kickoff return for a touchdown to open a playoff game since 2000 and the longest postseason kickoff return in franchise history.
“I was very excited. I wasn’t expecting it, but when he did it, I knew the game was over. I already knew it,” defensive lineman Byron Murphy II said.
Darnold, who had been reported as questionable with an injury, led the Seahawks on two more drives before San Francisco scored the first of its two field goals. As he has done all season, Darnold impressed his teammates with his tenacity.
“He told us he would do whatever it took to come back and play for us. It was a gutsy performance, not feeling like he was at his best. He’s still a leader in the huddle, on the field and on the sideline,” offensive lineman Gray Zabel said after his disappointing playoff debut last season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Seattle had not played in the postseason since the 2020 season, when it lost at home to the Rams without fans in the stands due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 49ers (13-6) were never competitive in the second-largest playoff loss in franchise history. San Francisco lost 49-3 to the New York Giants in the divisional round of the 1986 season.
The Niners were without three injured All-Pros: tight end George Kittle, linebacker Fred Warner and defensive end Nick Bosa. Star left tackle Trent Williams, who played with a hamstring injury, was proud of his team for making it this far in the playoffs.
“When you’re playing with players that you get off the practice squad, players that you get off the street, you have to temper the expectations a little bit.”
Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 140 yards with an interception and a lost fumble against the Seahawks’ “Dark Side” defense.
The Seahawks rushed for 175 yards, their third most this season.
“You can tell, how they breathe, they’re tired, it’s hard for them to recover. You can see that it demoralizes them,” Walker said.
The Seahawks’ seven frontcourt players made life difficult for Purdy, chasing him all over the field and sacking him twice. With the Niners short on receivers, Purdy ran five times for 37 yards and threw frequently on the run.
“It’s no secret as far as their style of play. They try to get the QB to control the ball and play deep at short field. And then they have a good pass rush. That’s a good defense, man,” Purdy said.
