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

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 16: Jeff Wilson #41 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a 16-yard run against the Seattle Seahawks in overtime of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Niners gaining a finishing touch

Although the 49ers have one of the worst records in the NFL, they have not been noncompetitive without injured starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Five of their defeats this season have been in one-possession games, with a failure to finish without Garoppolo coming to the fore. However, over the last two weeks, the Niners have managed to win tight games against teams pushing for playoff contention.

That is significant for the morale and the belief of a young team that will be expected to contend and win crucial games in a playoff fight with Garoppolo at the helm of the offense in 2019. The 2018 season has been a hugely disappointing one that has uncovered plenty of holes on the Niners roster. However, it has not been a lost campaign.

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The 49ers have found a backup who can win games against contending teams and have seen significant development from numerous players who have recently shown an ability to come through in the clutch. If the 49ers are an exciting playoff contender in 2019, they may well look back on these December games as key in helping them gain the mindset to become one.