49ers Clinch Opener with Dramatic Tonges Touchdown Against Seahawks

In a nail-biting season opener, the San Francisco 49ers secured a 17-13 victory over their NFC West rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, thanks to an unexpected hero. While star tight end George Kittle scored the 49ers’ first touchdown of the season, it was backup Jake Tonges who stole the spotlight with a game-winning catch in the closing moments. After Kittle exited early with a hamstring injury, Tonges—who had played just 20 games since entering the league in 2022 with the Chicago Bears—was thrust into a crucial role. When it mattered most, quarterback Brock Purdy, scrambling to his right on third-and-3 from the Seahawks’ 4-yard line, threw what many would call a prayer toward Tonges in the back corner of the end zone. Despite tight coverage from Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, Tonges leaped into the air and snagged the football for the decisive score, prompting an enthusiastic celebration from Kittle on the sideline.

The 49ers’ victory wasn’t secured until the final minute, when edge rusher Nick Bosa delivered a critical strip-sack on Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, who had driven his team to the San Francisco 9-yard line with just 42 seconds remaining. The defensive stand preserved what had been a roller-coaster performance from Purdy, who finished with 277 passing yards on 26 of 35 attempts, including two touchdowns and two interceptions. The game marked a significant moment for the 49ers’ offense, which welcomed back star running back Christian McCaffrey after questions about his availability due to a calf ailment. McCaffrey proved his worth immediately, contributing 69 rushing yards on 22 carries while adding nine receptions for 73 yards, providing the balanced attack that has become a hallmark of the 49ers’ offensive scheme.

The 49ers’ passing game showed promising signs beyond the tight end position, with wide receiver Ricky Pearsall emerging as a standout performer. Pearsall, expected to be a key weapon in San Francisco’s aerial attack this season, led all receivers with 108 yards on just four catches, including an explosive 45-yard reception from Purdy that showcased the young wideout’s big-play potential. This performance suggests Pearsall could become a valuable complement to the 49ers’ established offensive stars as the season progresses, potentially adding another dimension to an already formidable unit that has reached the NFC Championship in three of the past four seasons.

On the Seahawks’ side, Sam Darnold demonstrated efficiency in his regular-season debut as Seattle’s starter, completing 16 of 23 passes for 150 yards before the game-ending fumble. Perhaps most encouraging for Seattle fans was the evident chemistry between Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was targeted a team-high 13 times and responded with nine catches for 124 yards. The second-year receiver’s performance suggests he may be ready for a breakout season as a focal point of Seattle’s passing attack. In the backfield, it was Zach Charbonnet who found the end zone for Seattle’s lone touchdown, not presumed starter Kenneth Walker III, potentially signaling a more committee-based approach to the running game under new head coach Mike Macdonald.

The hard-fought divisional contest highlighted both teams’ resilience and the fine margins that often decide NFC West battles. For San Francisco, the victory represents a crucial early-season road win against a divisional opponent, giving them positive momentum as they pursue another deep playoff run. The 49ers demonstrated their depth and adaptability, finding ways to win despite losing a key offensive weapon in Kittle and facing adversity throughout the game. Their championship mettle was evident in how they executed when it mattered most, with Purdy maintaining his composure despite earlier mistakes and the defense delivering the game-sealing play.

For Seattle, despite the disappointment of the loss, there were encouraging signs in their first regular-season game under a new coaching regime. The Seahawks’ defense kept the high-powered 49ers offense mostly in check, forcing two interceptions from Purdy and limiting San Francisco to just 17 points. Smith-Njigba’s emergence as a reliable target for Darnold and the overall competitive showing against one of the NFC’s elite teams suggest the Seahawks may be poised to exceed expectations this season. As both teams look ahead, this early-season matchup could prove significant in what promises to be another competitive race in the NFC West, with the rematch later in the season potentially carrying playoff implications for both franchises.