Return of the Empire Episode 12: Time for a Victory Lap San Francisco
Dec 16, 2022, 2:29 PM | Updated: 2:30 pm

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
ICYMI: The San Francisco 49ers clinched the NFC West Thursday night, defeating the Seattle Seahawks, 21-13, on their own field.
Thanks to last night’s win, the 49ers are guaranteed at least the three seed in the NFC, meaning Santa Clara will have a playoff game in January. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy was great in his first road start of his career, producing 217 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Seahawks.
Meanwhile, the 49ers’ defense stepped up again, holding their last seven opponents to 17 points or fewer. Defensive end Nick Bosa was the catalyst for disruption, causing six pressures and three QB hits on Geno Smith in Week 15.
On the latest edition of the Return of the Empire podcast, JayMarZZ and Amiliano Fragoso recap the 49ers’ big win over the Seattle Seahawks, and why Brock Purdy is more than enough for the Red & Gold to make a deep playoff run. Plus, could San Francisco snag the number two seed in the NFC? All that and more on the Return of the Empire podcast.
Topics Discussed:
- The NFC West belongs to the Bay!
- Why the 49ers aren’t done yet in the regular season
- Is Brock Purdy better than Trey Lance?
- Nick Bosa for DPOY
- Will DeMeco Ryans be a head copasch next season?
- Is the 49ers’ defense better than the 2000 Ravens?
- Kyle Shanahan for coach of the year?
The Return of the Empire podcast is a San Francisco 49ers podcast hosted by 49ers beat writer Amiliano Fragoso and producer Justin “JayMarZZ” Marshall for Sactown Sports 1140.
Click here for more episodes of the Return of the Empire podcast.