The 49ers dominated the first 15 minutes Monday night, opening up a 10-0 lead. The offense held the ball for 10:55 in the first quarter and held Seattle’s offense to just six plays.
Everything looked good to start. Here’s what stood out in the first quarter:
Too close of a call
The first drive appeared to end abruptly when Jimmy Garoppolo was intercepted by Shaquill Griffin, but Jamar Taylor was called for holding while Garoppolo still had the ball to wipe out the pick. The call was huge for the 49ers offense to allow them to hold on to the ball and continue the drive. Garoppolo was shaky on the opening series, completing three-of-seven passes.
Another bail out from Seattle
Three plays after the near interception, Garoppolo and the offense faced a third-and-6 at the Seattle 45-yard-line when Garoppolo hit Emmanuel Sanders short of the first down marker. It would have given the 49ers an interesting fourth-and-short situation but Trey Flowers was called for pass interference to prolong the drive. The drive resulted in a 43-yard field goal from Chase McLaughlin to give the 49ers an early 3-0.
First defensive drive couldn’t have gone better
The 49ers defense spared little time making an impact against MVP candidate Russell Wilson, forcing Seattle to go three-and-out on their opening drive. The series was shut down on a third-and-2 when DJ Jones blew through center Joey Hunt to get to Wilson before the quarterback had a chance to even think.
The 49ers offense followed Seattle’s opening drive with a seven-play, 83-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown.
