The San Francisco 49ers had a dominant first half against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night, let the Seahawks back in the game for a bit in the second half but ultimately slammed the door shut and beat their NFC West rival yet again, this time by a score of 36-24.

George Kittle scored twice and Deebo Samuel Sr. scored a long touchdown to lead the win.

The game started OK for the Seahawks. They drove deep into 49ers territory. But then Geno Smith missed badly on a throw that was picked off by safety Malik Mustapha. That was the first sign of distress.

The 49ers were backed up at their own 3-yard line after that interception, but they drove 90 yards. The 49ers settled for a field goal at the end of the drive — execution in the red zone was maybe the only thing San Francisco's offense or defense didn't do well Thursday — but the drive was all too familiar. The 49ers were pushing the Seahawks around, as usual.

The first half and the start of the second half went that way. Kittle's first touchdown gave the 49ers a 23-3 lead. But this 49ers team, which has already blown two fourth-quarter leads this season for losses, had to make things interesting again.

After the 49ers took what looked like an insurmountable 23-3 lead, Laviska Shenault Jr. took a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. It was the second kickoff return for a touchdown in the NFL this season. Then Kenneth Walker III scored and the Seahawks trailed 23-17. Niners running back Jordan Mason suffered a shoulder injury in the first half and played just the first play of the second half, and that affected an offense that has been without Christian McCaffrey all season. San Francisco seemed to be in a bit of trouble.

Smith threw an interception that practically decided the outcome. It was woefully underthrown to DK Metcalf, Renardo Green picked it off and the 49ers were in position to put away the game.

49ers' Defense Shines in the Second Half

The 49ers' defense, which had been struggling early in the game, came up with a key interception late in the second half that helped turn the tide of the game. Green’s interception was a turning point. It was a huge play for a 49ers defense that needed a momentum shift after Seattle had taken a 23-17 lead.

49ers Pull Away in the Fourth Quarter

Kittle scored again and the 49ers led 29-17. The Seahawks got a touchdown back and trailed 29-24 with less than two minutes left. They kicked off, having all three timeouts left. But Isaac Guerendo, filling in for Mason, who was filling in for McCaffrey, broke a 76-yard run. Kyle Juszczyk scored with 1:17 left to put the game away.

The 49ers had to fight off a late rally by the Seahawks but ultimately dominated their rivals once again. Purdy, who is still filling in for Trey Lance, played well. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns.

Kittle finished the game with seven receptions for 61 yards and two touchdowns.

The 49ers Are Still the Team to Beat in the NFC West

There was some worry about the 49ers, and having three losses early in the season isn't great for their hopes of getting a No. 1 seed in the NFC. But Thursday night was more proof that they still own the Seahawks and the NFC West, even if there's still some room for improvement.

The 49ers are still the team to beat in the NFC West, and they will look to continue their dominance over the Seahawks in the coming years.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will have a chance to bounce back in Week 7. San Francisco will take on the undefeated Baltimore Ravens on the road. Seattle will look to avenge last week's home loss to the New York Giants with a visit to the Kansas City Chiefs, who have been struggling this season.

Looking Ahead

While the 49ers have shown their ability to overcome adversity and fight for a win, they need to be more consistent. They can’t let teams back in the game after building a big lead.

The 49ers can’t afford to continue to struggle in the red zone, as they did in the first half of this game, and will need to be more efficient with their offense. If they can fix these issues and remain consistent, the 49ers will be a true threat in the NFC.