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Why Second-Half Execution Kept San Francisco Unbeaten Against Denver

The San Francisco 49ers proved on Sunday that composure after intermission remains their defining asset, overcoming a gridlocked start to beat the Denver Broncos 24-14 at Levi's Stadium. Tied 3-3 at the break following a blocked Eddy Pineiro kick as time expired in the second quarter, San Francisco systematically dismantled Denver across the final two quarters.

The outcome preserved the 49ers' unblemished record while Denver failed to muster enough offensive consistency to stay competitive.

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Kyle Shanahan notched his 95th career victory as San Francisco's head coach, officially surpassing Bill Walsh for the most games coached in franchise history. His offense collected 190 total yards and nine first downs during a sluggish opening half before seizing complete control.

Denver's defense suffered critical blows when Pat Surtain II exited in the second quarter with a non-contact ankle injury and Riley Moss went down before the intermission, opening avenues that Shanahan exploited over the final thirty minutes.

The 49ers outscored Denver 21-11 throughout the second half, turning the contest firmly in their favor. A pivotal moment arrived in the third quarter when Marvin Mims fumbled a punt return, marking San Francisco's lone forced turnover of the day and quickly producing a Deebo Samuel touchdown.

Christian McCaffrey later capped a 74-yard drive with a one-yard touchdown run, contributing to his 70 total yards from scrimmage on an afternoon where Denver also lost Pat Bryant to a leg injury that required him to be carted off the field.

Brock Purdy put the match out of reach just before the fourth quarter's two-minute warning by connecting with George Kittle on a 56-yard touchdown strike. Purdy wrapped up his outing with 19 completions on 30 attempts for 218 yards and two scores, relying heavily on Mike Evans, who produced five receptions for 76 yards while playing through a rib injury.

San Francisco absorbed an injury of its own when Kyle Juszczyk departed with a knee injury, but their defensive front clamped down on Bo Nix, who completed 25 of 42 throws for 214 yards. A missed 58-yard kick by Wil Lutz with 1:18 remaining extinguished Denver's faint hopes.

What these numbers add up to is a 4-0 record that highlights San Francisco's resilience in tight games. Despite Denver keeping the score deadlocked through thirty minutes, the 49ers capitalized on opposing errors, weathered key absences, and delivered explosive plays in crunch time to maintain their standing at the top of the table.

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