Lenoir: Healthy 49ers Would Have Dominated Divisional Round
In a disappointing divisional-round matchup, the San Francisco 49ers faced a significant defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, ending the game with a score of 41-6. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir expressed his belief that the game could have had a different outcome if the team had been healthier.
Injuries Impact 49ers Performance
Lenoir described the potential for a different result as a “landslide,” highlighting how the absence of key players affected the 49ers’ performance. Despite the loss, he maintained a level of accountability, acknowledging that the team had sufficient personnel to succeed.
Key Players Missing from the Lineup
The 49ers entered the playoffs short-handed due to injuries, impacting their chances significantly. Several vital players were sidelined:
- Nick Bosa
- Fred Warner
- Mykel Williams (rookie)
- George Kittle (suffered a torn Achilles tendon)
These injuries particularly affected San Francisco’s offensive capabilities. Offensive tackle Trent Williams emphasized the challenges of playing without Kittle, referring to him as “the best tight end in the world.”
Game Overview
Throughout the loss, Seattle’s defense capitalized on the 49ers’ struggles. They forced three turnovers and held San Francisco to only 181 yards of offense until the fourth quarter.
Quarterback Performance
Quarterback Brock Purdy experienced a challenging game, completing 15 of 27 passes for just 140 yards. He ended the contest with a passer rating of 54.6, marking the lowest of his season.
Seahawks’ Dominance
Seattle’s running back, Kenneth Walker, was a standout performer, rushing for 116 yards on 19 carries. He also scored three touchdowns, showcasing a season-best performance against the 49ers’ defense.
Overall, the combination of injuries and strong defensive plays by Seattle marked a challenging day for the 49ers. A healthy roster could have changed the dynamics of this divisional-round clash.
