The 49ers started the half with a scoring drive, but they weren’t able to get on the board again despite a long series that ended in an interception. Arizona was able to take the lead with a Zane Gonzalez field goal late in the quarter.
It’s 19-17 heading into the final quarter in Santa Clara. Here’s what stood out in the third quarter:
The Ross Dwelley game
The 49ers offense looked out of sorts against Seattle without George Kittle, but Ross Dwelley has helped the group pull it together on Sunday. Dwelley has stepped into the security blanket role and has two touchdowns including one that gave the 49ers the lead in the third quarter. His production has been a pleasant surprise for an offense that has been up-and-down on Sunday.
What a start to the half!
Jimmy G connects with Ross Dwelley for the 5-yard TD 🙌 #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/O4nVuB96hc
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 17, 2019
DeForest Buckner forcing a three-and-out
Buckner came up with a big individual defensive effort following the Dwelley touchdown. The drive started with a first-down sack from Buckner to give Arizona a second-and-13 when he was able to tip a screen pass from Kyler Murray to Kenyan Drake and get enough of it that while Drake caught it, the ball floated long enough for the defense to swarm for a loss. Buckner creating plays was a welcome sight for a defensive line that hasn’t been able to create much pressure on Murray.
The dreaded “what did he see there” Garoppolo interception
It hasn’t happened in a while but Jimmy Garoppolo threw an interception that makes you wonder what he saw on the play. It was a third-and-5 at the Arizona 12-yard-line when Garoppolo threw a pass allegedly intended for Emmanuel Sanders but right to Jordan Hicks who returned it 48 yards to set the Arizona offense off with good field position. It was a terrible time for the turnover as the offense was knocking on the door to extend their lead to two scores.
