San Francisco 49ers: 3 Big takeaways from win vs. Seahawks in Week 15

The San Francisco 49ers finally ended their wait for a win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, here we look at three takeaways as the moved to 4-10.

The San Francisco 49ers recorded successive wins for the first time this season and finally ended their drought against the Seattle Seahawks by beating their division rival in overtime on Sunday. Following on from an excellent display in Week 14 against the Denver Broncos, the Niners — though aided by an ill-disciplined Seahawks showing — produced another complete ballgame to prevail 26-23 and beat Seattle for the first time since 2013.

Moving to 4-10 on the season takes the Niners from the first pick in the 2019 draft to fourth. Yet, just like last year, San Francisco fans can afford to be encouraged by a young team demonstrating impressive growth in December and a quarterback who appears to have a long future in the NFL.

Here we look at three big takeaways as the Niners prevented the Seahawks from clinching a playoff berth at Levi’s Stadium.

Yet more reason for Mullens intrigue

Quarterback Nick Mullens threw for over 400 yards when these teams met in Seattle in Week 13, yet with the Seahawks coming in tantalisingly close to booking a postseason berth, a regression versus a defense that had success against the 49ers up front would not have been surprise.

However, instead of wilting in the wind and rain at Levi’s, Mullens thrived and produced his best performance against the toughest opponent he has faced. While Mullens’ numbers weren’t as impressive as the 414 he had in Seattle or the 332 he put up against Denver, the manner in which he was able to move the ball on the Seahawks indicated at more development from the former third-stringer.

Facing consistent pressure from the interior, Mullens again demonstrated poise and the ability to get the ball out quickly, but also showcased an aptitude for pushing the ball downfield with touch while spreading it around to eight different receivers.

The 49ers largely had to settle for field goals and were helped by Richie James’ 97-yard kickoff return that got them on the board. Still, as in the Denver game, Mullens made the plays when it counted to help the Niners defeat a playoff-contending team.

Afterwards, Richard Sherman stated his belief that Mullens can be a starter in the league, per The San Francisco Chronicle. Comments like that will only fuel more intrigue and the buzz around him will grow further if he can produce in what is a huge litmus test against the fearsome Chicago Bears defense in Week 16.