49ers Escape in Seattle Thanks to Unsung Hero Jake Tonges

The San Francisco 49ers pulled off a 17 to 13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in a gritty Week 1 battle that came down to the final minutes. With George Kittle sidelined and the passing game sputtering, it was third-string tight end Jake Tonges who delivered the game-winning touchdown, capping a wild opener in the NFC West.

Tonges Becomes an Unexpected Hero

When Kittle exited in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, San Francisco’s offense stalled. Brock Purdy threw two interceptions, the 49ers missed two field goals, and the Seahawks crept back into the game. But with the season opener hanging in the balance, the unlikeliest player stepped up.

On third-and-3 from the Seahawks’ 4-yard line, Purdy rolled right and floated a desperate throw into traffic. It looked destined to be picked off, but Tonges muscled the ball away from Tariq Woolen for his first career touchdown catch. Entering the game, Tonges had zero career receptions. His third career catch gave the 49ers a win that seemed to be slipping away.

The play never happens without San Francisco’s defense, which held Seattle to just 230 total yards and kept them under pressure all afternoon.

Darnold’s Seahawks Debut Ends in Pain

Sam Darnold had a chance to deliver a storybook debut for Seattle. After hitting Jaxon Smith-Njigba on a 40-yard strike with under two minutes to play, the Seahawks were in position to win. But as he cocked back to throw again, Nick Bosa’s pressure forced Darnold into a freak fumble off the back of his own right tackle, Abraham Lucas. The ball popped free, ending Seattle’s final drive in heartbreaking fashion.

Darnold’s stat line looked efficient - 16 of 23 for 150 yards - but Seattle only held the ball for 22 minutes and snapped just 50 offensive plays. His first start with the Seahawks ended the same way his final game with Minnesota did, with questions still swirling about whether he can close in big moments.

49ers Passing Game Takes a Hit

Purdy battled through a frustrating day. Pressured on nearly 58 percent of his dropbacks, he completed 21 of 34 for 256 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. His most reliable outlet was rookie Ricky Pearsall, who led the team with four catches for 108 yards, including a clutch 45-yarder on the final drive.

Christian McCaffrey carried the load once again, totaling 142 scrimmage yards, but the passing corps took major hits. Kittle left with a hamstring injury, and Jauan Jennings exited with a shoulder issue. With an already thin group of targets, San Francisco limps out of Week 1 with more concerns than answers.

By the Numbers

• Purdy was pressured on 57.9 percent of his dropbacks, the highest rate of his career.

• Christian McCaffrey recorded his 31st career game with at least 50 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards, second-most in NFL history behind Marshall Faulk (41).

• The Seahawks managed only 230 total yards of offense and just 22 minutes of possession.

The Bottom Line

The 49ers will take the win, but it came at a cost. Injuries to George Kittle and Jauan Jennings, combined with shaky pass protection, leave questions moving forward. Still, Jake Tonges’ unlikely heroics and a suffocating defense got them over the finish line.

For the Seahawks, Sam Darnold showed flashes but once again came up short in crunch time. Until Seattle finds a way to finish drives, they will remain stuck behind teams like San Francisco in the NFC West.