The 49ers went back to basics to beat the Seahawks

Kyle Shanahan didn't see the slide from Issac Guerendo.

The 49ers head coach was too busy throwing his hands in the air, signaling for the touchdown and pumping his fist to turn around and see his rookie running back – who had been tasked with scoring the ball late in the game 49ers against the Seahawks to run out the clock – slipped at the 5-yard line, five points ahead, after 76 yards running with 1:24 left.

It was a game worth celebrating, even if Shanahan's touchdown signal proved a little premature. Two plays later, San Francisco scored a touchdown, extending its lead to a final score of 36-24 in a nervy contest.

Did Guerendo have to postpone and further delay the procedure?

“Hell no,” Shanahan said after the game. “We wanted him to score.”

Yes, even the big plays proved complicated for the 49ers on Thursday. This is what happens when you play the Seahawks – strange things happen even if the result has been the same in the last six contests – a Niners win.

Still, there was nothing particularly unusual about the Niners on Thursday.

Facing a must-win game in early October, San Francisco went back to basics to beat a depleted Seahawks squad.

It worked.

We're talking out-of-zone runs, passes under center, strong personnel, and plenty of Deebo Samuel moving around on offense.

The tried and tested.

The 49ers had deviated from that formula, although it wasn't broken. They got too sweet by more than half, especially in the red zone on offense and on third downs on defense.

Whether due to the ever-growing injury list or despite it, the Niners needed to repeat the hits against Seattle.

They have to carry on like an Elton John farewell tour.