Lance unable to match Seahawks’ rally
Lance’s first extensive action as quarterback could not prevent loss to Seattle
SANTA CLARA » If Sunday marked Trey Lance’s official ascension to the 49ers’ quarterback throne, it didn’t produce a joyous celebration.
It also may not come with promises of a permanent promotion.
But it came, as expected, with Jimmy Garoppolo ailing, as well as the offense sputtering in an eventual 28-21 home loss to to the Seattle Seahawks.
Lance inherited a 7-7 tie upon replacing Garoppolo at halftime, and it wasn’t long before the 49ers needed a fourth-quarter comeback from Lance in his first extensive action as a pro.
That’s because Seattle Seahawks counterpart Russell Wilson simply owns Levi’s Stadium, where he improved to 7-1 all-time.
While Wilson avoided the first three-game losing streak of his career, the 49ers (2-2) have lost consecutive games at home after a 2-0, season-opening road trip. Next up is a visit to the Arizona Cardinals.
Here are the top takeaways from this loss to the Seahawks:
ANALYZING LANCE » Fans have clamored to see more of Lance, after just seven snaps in the first three games. His athleticism did not disappoint. Growing pains came as no surprise, either.
Lance often hesitated to make throws or scramble for open ground. He also made riveting plays, however.
He sparked illusions of a comeback when, on a play-action fake, he fooled the Seahawks and that got Deebo Samuel wide open at midfield for a 76-yard touchdown. It pulled the 49ers within 21-13 with 2:10 until the fourth quarter.
Lance’s final plays resulted in scores: an 8-yard touchdown pass to Samuel with 1:20 remaining, and then a 2-point conversion that Lance ran in himself to cap the scoring.
Lance completed 9-of-18 passes for 157 yards, he had seven carries
for 41 yards, and he was greeted at midfield postgame by Wilson.
Lance’s only previous pass prior to this action was a touchdown throw in the 49ers’ season opener. This game, he opened with late throws (and incompletions) to George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, before finding Samuel for the wide-open touchdown.
The fourth quarter didn’t inspire confidence in a comeback, especially with left tackle Trent Williams carted off twice (first with camps, finally with an elbow injury).
Garoppolo apparently strained his right calf during
the first half, and he showed no hint at warming up for a return during the second half. He initially was listed as questionable when the second half opened without him.
His calf briefly was wrapped in a medical sleeve, similar to what kicker Robbie Gould wore earlier in the game for a groin injury that kept him out of action because of a pregame issue.
Garoppolo was 14-of23 for 165 yards, with one touchdown and one interception coming on the 49ers’ opening two possessions. Garoppolo applauded from the sideline when Lance’s first snap resulted in a 15-yard carry by Trey Sermon.
Samuel’s monster start to his season continued with eight catches for 156 yards, capped by a 12yard touchdown reception with 1:20 remaining. He was targeted 12 times.
Samuel entered Sunday No. 7 among NFL leaders in reception yards, and he now has 490 yards on 28 receptions.
Wilson has overcome rough first halves often against the 49ers, and this one featured 0-for-5 efforts on third down before he and the Seahawks came alive. Wilson took it upon himself to give the Seahawks their first lead in this one, then expand on it 56 seconds later.