Lance breaks ankle out for the season, Garoppolo and defense impress in 49ers 27-7 win over Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner celebrates with the crowd after his team’s 27-7 win over Seattle at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday SEP 18, 2022. (San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic

SANTA CLARA — There’s bittersweet wins and there’s what happened to Tre Lance.

The San Francisco 49ers second year quarterback suffered a broken ankle running the ball during the second offensive series in the first quarter as the defense carried the team to a 27-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium.

On a 2nd and 8 from the Seahawks 21-yard line, Lance ran up the right side on a designed run play called by 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and was tackled by Seahawks linebacker Cody Barton. Lance laid on the field for a while before finally being carted off the field ending his day. Lance will have surgery to repair his ankle.

“You don’t have time to sit there and think about it, you have to get (your head) back into the game,” said Shanahan regarding the emotions of having Lance get injured. “I thought the guys did a real good job of that. We’re happy about the win, but it was a little sombering once you get in the locker room and see him (Lance) and stuff.”

Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo came in and filled in nicely as he did what he does best, act as a game manager for San Francisco. Garoppolo connected on a 38-yard touchdown reception to backup tight end Ross Dwelley on his second possession to put San Francisco up 13-0 early in the second quarter.

The 49ers (1-1) defense might have been the secondary story of the afternoon, but they were the key to the team’s victory. They pressured Seattle’s quarterback Geno Smith relentlessly throughout the game and made him uncomfortable in the pocket.

Defensive end Nick Bosa sacked Smith twice and the Niners secondary intercepted him twice, one by Charvarius Ward and one by Taushan Gipson. Strong safety Talanoa Hufunga had another strapping game as he helped contain Seattle’s receivers from making big plays.

“Honestly, I really believe that we just didn’t do what we needed to today. I just think we made some mistakes that we couldn’t recover from,” Smith said.

San Francisco’s defense held Seattle to just 36 yards rushing on the day. They made sure they didn’t have a second half letdown to allow Seattle back in the game like they did last week against Chicago.

“Last week we let them back in the game, being up 10-0. Our mindset is, the offense scores, that’s enough points for us to win the game. So we knew we wanted to play a full four quarter game and I think we did that,” said 49ers linebacker Fred Warner.

Lance’s teammates are going to miss having him around in the locker room the rest of this season.

“Unfortunate events for Tre (Lance). That’s my man. I’ve really been praying for him. (I am) very grateful the energy he has brought into this locker room. We were the youngest on the team last year so we understand what it means to really play at this level. For him, I’m just trying to keep his spirits up and continue to go down this journey. It’s going to be a lot of adversity he’s going to face, but he’s strong enough to handle it,” Hufanga said.

Garoppolo looked rusty at times underthrowing a few balls and also looked like the quarterback the led San Francisco to the NFC Championship last year with precision throws to his receivers.

“Just like riding a bike,” Garoppolo said when asked how he felt in his first game action of the season. “It felt good to be back out there. I feel terrible for Tre (Lance). I’ve been on the side of it. This league is tough. That sucks for him, feel bad for him but he’s our brother and we’ll pick him up.”

Garopollo finished 13 of 21 for 154 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. He also had a one-yard rushing touchdown late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for San Francisco.

“I thought he did a real good job coming off the bench. (He) made some key throws. Real proud of Jimmy (Garoppolo) with how he came in and (was) ready for the moment. Helped us get a win. He looks good, still handsome,” said Shanahan.

Seattle (1-1) could not generate any scoring offensively but its special teams were responsible for its only points in the game. Tariq Woolen blocked a 25-yard field goal attempt by Robbie Gould late in third quarter. Michael Jackson scooped up the ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown.

“We manned up for a while and then at the end of the game, those guys just toughed it out and they (49ers) played good today. So, credit to them for coming in with a plan and sticking to their plan,”said Seahawks free safety Quandre Diggs.

Jeff Wilson Jr led San Francisco in rushing with 84 yards on 18 carries. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk chipped in with a one-yard rushing touchdown.

Brandon Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving with five catches for 63 yards. Deebo Samuel contributed five catches for 44 yards.

Smith finished 24 of 30 for 197 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Tyler Lockett led all receivers with nine catches for 107 yards in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 6-for-15 on third down conversions. Seattle was 2-for-7.

San Francisco had 373 total yards of offense compares to Seattle’s 216.

UP NEXT: San Francisco travels to the mile high city to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday 9/25 at 5:20pm at Empower Field at Mile High

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: How big a hole does Kittle’s absence create for today’s game against Seattle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle runs for it against the Houston Texans during Jan 2, 2022 game at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara. Kittle is unlikely to be in the line up for today’s home opener against the Seattle Seahawks. (AP News file photo)

On the SF 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, just how much of a hole does it create for the 49ers facing the Seattle Seahawks in today’s home opener with tight end George Kittle out of the line up.

#2 Kittle was listed as questionable but most likely will not make his 2022 appearance as he’s been out with a groin injury he suffered in practice back on Sep 5.

#3 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Kittle looked “awesome” during half speed sessions. Rain is in the forecast for today’s game in Santa Clara but Shanahan said that the wet weather did not play a role in whether or not Kittle will play.

#4 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster said that the Seahawks defensive line have “really, really big guys” Foerster said that when he reviews video of their defense they take up a lot of the space on the frame. Joe would you say the key reason the Hawks were able to edge the Denver Broncos last week was because they do have a big sized line?

#5 The 49ers this week were able to sign punter Mitch Wishnowsky 30 to a four year extension that would have him playing in Santa Clara through the 2026 season. Wishnowsky was 22nd in punting in the NFL with 45 yards.

Join J Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts heard Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Will Lance take it to the Seahawks this Sunday?; Will Kittle get in the line up?

George Kittle tight end of the San Francisco 49ers in drills on Thu Sep 1, 2022 at the 49ers practice facility in Santa Clara. Kittle has missed practices since a Sep 3 groin injury and is a maybe for this Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Marko:

#1 Marko, 49ers quarterback Trey Lance has rushed into the 49ers record book for the most carries by a quarterback with 16 in team history.

#2 Was the playbook designed for Lance to carry so much will that be the norm for him this season to carry the ball over a minimum of ten carries per game?

#3 San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has only caught one of Lance’s 54 career completed passes. Chances are Kittle won’t be catching any of Lance’s passes this Sunday at Levi Stadium as he’s Kittle remains a question for this Sunday.

#4 Kittle has missed practice and has been out due to a groin injury he got on September 5th. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he’s hopeful he could play but wasn’t all that sure.

#5 The 49ers are coming off a tough loss to the Chicago Bears from last week they take on a Seattle Seahawks club that narrowly beat Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos last week how do you see Seahawks and 49ers matching up this Sunday.

Join Marko for the 49ers podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers lacking at offensive linemen; Is Garoppolo all but gone?

San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Aaron Brooks (65) tries to keep the Kansas City Chiefs at bay as Brooks is one of the few 49ers on the offensive line. (file photo yahoo.

On the SF 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, talk about head coach Kyle Shanahan and how he’s drafted in the off season he’s seems like he’s done well in all areas except at offensive lineman.

#2 Since Shanahan and Lynch have taken over the team of their 47 draft picks only seven of them have been linemen there haven’t been that many offensive linemen that have neither been picked up, drafted, or traded for.

#3 Sources at the Houston Texans made it clear that 49er quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will not be joining the team anytime soon as talks between the Garoppolo camp and the Seattle Seahawks have shown some possibilities.

#4 One of the reasons why the Texans are not interested in signing Garoppolo is because they have their sights set on Stanford quarterback David Mills who could be a starter for the Texans someday.

#5 As the 49ers are all but set on making Trey Lance their starting quarterback can you see any possibility for the 49ers keeping Garoppolo or is all but gone?

Join Joe Hawkes for the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Jessica Kwong: Prescott sorry for giving credit to Cowboys fans for throwing garbage at officials; Seahawks retooling ask to talk to Denver defensive coordinator; plus more

Dallas Cowboys fans throwing garbage and trash at NFL officials and Cowboy players after the Cowboys loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sun Jan 16, 2022 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Daily Snark news photo)

On Headlines podcast with Jessica:

#1 “Credit to them. Credit it to them” Famous last words from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott after learning fans were not throwing trash and garbage at his teammates but rather to officials on Sunday after the loss to the 49ers blaming officials for not spotting the ball in time as time ran out and the Cowboys were eliminated from the post season. Prescott had since apologized on Tuesday for what he said.

#2 The Seattle Seahawks front office kept busy this week as they fired their defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr and defensive passing game coordinator Andre Curtis in what was the worst season for the Seahawks in more than ten years under head coach Pete Carroll. The Hawks have asked permission to speak with the Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.

#3 According to head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Tomlin all options are on the table as his starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is presumed not to be returning for the 2022 season after 18 seasons as starting quarterback Roethlisberger will most likely be hanging it up and Tomlin will be searching for a new quarterback for next season.

#4 Golden State Warriors minority owner Chamath Palihapitiya (polly who said 15 minutes into an interview on Saturday that “Nobody cares about what’s happening to the Uyghurs, OK?” Palihapitiya continued saying “I’m telling you a very hard, ugly truth, OK, of all the things that I care about, yes it is below my line.” The Uyghurs Muslims are being are reportedly being persecuted and suffering from genocide in China according to the US Government. The Warriors embarrassed by the comments are reportedly keeping themselves away from Palihapitya and his remarks and sources say Palihapitya share of the team could be bought out depending on how much the team has to do damage control over the remarks.

#5 Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving re-enforced his no Covid 19 vaccine stance telling the media on Tuesday that his life outside of basketball is his choice not be vaccinated. Irving is not eligible to play in Brooklyn his home building the Barclay Center where the vaccine shot is mandated to be able to play.

Join Jessica for Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Cannon in concussion protocols out of hospital; 49ers try to rebound in Cincinnati Sunday

San Francisco 49ers running back Trent Cannon is laid out with a concussion after the opening kick off at Lumen Field in Seattle against the Seahawks on Sun Dec 5, 2021. (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 Dave, loss for the San Francisco 49ers (6-6) bad in Seattle against Seahawks (4-8) do you view this just as a bad outing and it’s on to Cincinnati and the Bengals (7-5) next Sunday or is a there a something to worry about take away?

#2 Regarding the concussion sustained by running back Trenton Cannon on the first play of last Sunday’s game head coach Kyle Shanahan says Cannon had been discharged from the hospital. Cannon flew back into San Jose on Monday a day after the game.

#3 The 49ers next opponent the Cincinnati Bengals have been going well winning six of their last nine games. The Bengals got crushed in their last game by the Los Angeles Chargers (7-5) 41-22 on their home field in Cincinnati. Dave how do you see the 49ers and Bengals matching up for this Sunday.

Join David Zizmor for the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Seahawks defensive stand hold off 49ers 30-23

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Carlos Dunlap (8) forces a safety on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) sacking him in the end zone at Lumen Field in Seattle Sun Dec 5, 2021 (AP News photos)

by Marko Ukalovic

Lumen Field continued to be a house of horrors for the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seattle Seahawks made one final defensive stand to hold on for a 30-23 victory over their NFC West rival on Sunday afternoon

San Francisco had its three-game winning streak snapped as the fell to .500 and to the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC with five games left. Seattle, playing the spoiler role for the first time in a long time, ended their three-game losing streak and have won four in a row against the 49ers.

The game got off to a scary start when 49ers special teams player Trenton Cannon was injured on the opening kickoff. He was left the field in an ambulance as he was taken to the hospital for a concussion injury.

Seattle (4-8) drew first blood catching the 49ers off guard on a fake punt. Travis Homer took the direct snap and rushed around the left side for 73 yards for his first rushing touchdown of the season after the Seahwaks first possession went three and out.

San Francisco’s defense responded when DJ Jones stripped Gerald Everette on a reception and Emanuel Moseley recovered the ball.

The 49ers (6-6) offense didn’t waste time answering back on the first play. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo threw a strike to tight end George Kittle alone in the endzone for a 24-yard touchdown reception to even the score at 7-7.

San Francisco took advantage of a missed 56-yard field by Jason Myers. Garoppolo led a scored on nine play 54-yard drive that was set up by a 28 yard reception by Kittle at the Seattle eight yard line. Two players later rookie running back Elijah Mitchell rushed in for a two-yard touchdown with 1:32 left in the first quarter.

After a Robbie Gould 50-yard field goal, Seattle responded with a nine play 63-yard play drive that was capped off by Adrian Peterson’s two-yard touchdown run. Peterson was signed by Seattle over on Friday as their backfield has been ravaged by injuries.

Peterson’s 126 touchdowns passed Walter Peyton and tied Jim Brown for 10th place on the NFL’s all-time list.

The Niners answered back with its third touchdown of the first half. Garoppolo found Kittle along the left side and the Pro-Bowl tight end did his best tightrope walker impression staying in bounds tip-toeing down the sideline for his second touchdown of the game, a 48-yard reception to give San Francisco a 23-14 lead with 3:47 left in the half after Gould missed the extra point.

Seattle cut the lead two points right before the half ended with an eight play 65-yard drive in just 1:36. Their drive was aided by two roughing the passer calls by the 49ers that kept the drive alive. Seahawks quarterback Russel Wilson capped off the drive with a seven-yard touchdown reception to D’Wayne Eskridge. It was Eskridge’s first career NFL touchdown.

The second half saw the 49ers shooting themselves in the foot as they were shutout in the final 30 minutes of the game thanks to a combination of turnovers and the Seahawks defense playing its best half of the season.

Travis Benjamin fumbled the opening second half kickoff. However the Niners defense forced Wilson into an interception at their own goal line when K’Waun Williams picked off the ball after a deflection off the hands of Everette.

Seattle gained the momentum when it sacked Garoppolo for a safety by Carlos Dunlap early in the third quarter to tie the game at 23-23.

It got worse for the 49ers when Garoppolo threw his second interception of the game when he overthrew a pass attempted for Kittle that went into the hands of Quandre Diggs who returned the ball the Niner’s 28-yard line.

The Seahawks made the Niners pay five plays later when Wilson connected with wide receiver Tyler Lockett with a 12 yard touchdown reception for Seattle’s first lead of the game with 2:28 left in the third quarter.

Seattle tried to put the game away with under three minutes remaining with the ball at the Niners two-yard line. However, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair knocked the ball away from Everette on a shovel pass attempt. Dontae Johnson recovered the ball at the two-yard line to give San Francisco one last chance to even the score.

Garoppolo drove the 49ers down to Seattle’s three-yard line. But the drive ended in frustration after Garopollo’s pass on fourth and goal was tipped at the line of scrimmage, turning the ball over on downs with 18 seconds left.

Kittle finished the game with his best performance of the season with nine catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns. San Francisco needed every yard from Kittle as they were without the services of their number offensive weapon Deebo Samuel, who was inactive with a groin injury.

Garoppolo went 20 of 30 for 299 yards with two touchdowns but his performance was overshadowed by his two interceptions.

Wilson, who had a difficult first half, rebounded in the second half to finish 30 of 37 for 231 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Lockett led Seattle in receiving with seven catches for 68 yards and his touchdown which proved to be the game winner.

Both defenses played well against the run. Seattle had the 49ers to 71 yards on the ground, while San Francisco, with the exception of the fake punt rush by Homer, held the Seahawks to just 73 yards rushing.

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 3-for-10 on third down conversions. Seattle was 5-for-10.

UP NEXT: San Francisco concludes its two-game road trip when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday 12/12 at 1:25pm at Paul Brown Stadium.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Shanahan-inserting Lance would disrupt play calling; Look for Garoppolo to complete games

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) is not expected to see much game action as starter Jimmy Garoppolo has been starting and completing most of the recent games. Garoppolo will start this Sunday against Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in Seattle (AP file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe, the San Francisco 49ers (6-5) above .500 having won three straight games and are looking like their back on track what would you say the Niners best chances are to have a shot at post season.

#2 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan says that it’s unlikely that he will insert back up quarterback Trey Lance into the line up anytime soon because it disrupts the play calling. So his obvious choice right now is to start and finish games with Jimmy Garoppolo.

#3 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that 49ers back up quarterback Trey Lance being the practice squad quarterback simulating the opponents’ quarterback gives Lance an opportunity to develop many facets of the game and gives him some developmental experience.

#4 Taking a look at the 49ers injury update: Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (groin), running back Trey Sermon (ankle), linebackers Fred Warner (hamstring) and Marcell Harris (concussion) did not practice and running back JaMycal Hasty (ankle), defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (calf) had limited practice time. Joe talk about how some of these players will be missed and how some might be limited today in Seattle.

#5 The 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks (3-8) at Lumen Field today at 1:25pm. Seattle has lost three straight games most recently last Sunday to the Washington Football Team (5-6) 17-15. The Seahawks starting quarterback Russell Wilson has been struggling getting protection, getting time to throw and just executing in the red zone. How do you see the 49ers matching up against Wilson and the Seahawks today?

Join Joe Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria: Now Raiders need to push harder to get a playoff spot

Las Vegas Raiders place kicker Daniel Carlson (2) gets congratulations from teammates by Jermaine Eluemunor (72), AJ Cole (6) after booting a game winning 29 yard field goal against the Dallas Cowboys Thu Nov 25, 2021 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Tony Renteria:

#1 Tony, after losing three straight games it had to be a lot of weight off the Las Vegas Raiders (6-5) shoulders to get that Thanksgiving Day win against the Dallas Cowboys (7-4) 36-33.

#2 Tony, how much over the span of the three game losing streak did situations and departures of Henry Ruggs and Damon Arnette play into focusing on games for the team?

#3 On Thanksgiving Day going to Dallas after three straight loses critics didn’t give the Raiders much chances of winning but win they did they hung with them on on both sides of the ball for the whole game right down to kicker Daniel Carlson’s game winning field goal to win that game.

#4 For Raiders quarterback Derek Carr an afternoon of just staying in the pocket and getting rid of the ball and making his throws count going 24-39 for 373 yards, and one touchdown he really help guide that offense last Thursday.

#5 The Washington Football Team (5-6) had previously lost three straight games and then turned things around and have won three in a row they won their last game against the Seattle Seahawks (3-8) close as it may 17-15 does Washington pose a threat coming into Allegiant this Sunday against the Raiders how do you see this upcoming match up?

Join Tony R for the Raiders podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: Will Samuel and Warner injuries impact 49ers vs. Seahawks on Sunday?

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel will be out of action for two weeks with a groin pull injury here he sits after the injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Sun Nov 28, 2021 at Levi Stadium (photo from ninerswire.usatoday.com)

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 David, the San Francisco 49ers (6-5) have a good run going with a three game winning streak coming off a win last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings (5-6) 34-26 at Levi Stadium but will the injuries of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and linebacker Fred Warner have an impact for this weekend’s game against the Seattle Seahawks (3-8) in Seattle?

#2 Dave talk about the job the 49ers defense did to hold back the Vikings allowing the Vikings to score only one touchdown in each of the first and second quarters and shut them out in the fourth quarter.

#3 49ers are in Seattle this Sunday against the struggling Seahawks who have lost three in a row. Their last loss coming Sun Dec 5 vs. the Washington Football Team 17-15. These days it’s been frustrating for Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson against Washington he threw 20-31, 247 yards, and two touchdowns. Dave, how do you see this match up this Sunday at Lumen Field?

Join David Zizmor for the San Francisco 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com