The 49ers answered the bell against Seattle on Thursday and are now in first place in the NFC West. What did we learn from the 49ers, who entered the game with their backs against the wall? The defense generated 31 pressures (14 by Nick Bosa), the offense still moved the ball and got into the red zone better, and the secondary got an unexpected boost despite Charvarius Ward being ruled out before the game.

The 49ers rookies lead the secondary

Talanoa Hufanga was placed on injured reserve, paving the way for Malik Mustapha to step in permanently, and Mustapha made a critical interception in the Seattle red zone. Mustapha would be leaving with an injury, but the young safety showed a lot on Thursday. Mustapha finished with the third-best coverage grade at 71.2 in just 11 coverage snaps.

Renardo Green led the team with a 76.3 coverage grade, allowing five catches for 57 yards on 11 targets and allowing just six yards after the catch. Green intercepted Geno Smith and, if nothing else, boosted the confidence of the 49ers' secondary after Seattle had run a high-flying passing attack for five weeks. The 49ers need their secondary to perform similarly to Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

George Kittle is the 49ers' new red zone target

Kittle scored twice on Thursday and has the most red zone targets, catches and touchdowns of any pass catcher in the NFL. Given the abundance of weapons for the 49ers, Kittle sometimes becomes an afterthought, but this season, Brock Purdy has targeted Kittle early and often.

With a receiving grade of 85.8, the 49ers led the way with two touchdowns on five receptions and 58 yards. Even without Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers have enough firepower to get into the red zone. Kittle answered the challenge.

Colton McKivitz finished with the second-best pass blocking grade

Yes, you read that correctly. McKivitz finished with the same pressure and rush ratings as Trent Williams and ranked second behind Williams with a pass blocking grade of 78.1. McKivitz has been talked about extensively, but Thursday was one of his better performances.

The two tackles were great, but the interior offensive line struggled as Aaron Banks allowed four pressures and three rushes and Jake Brendel and Dominick Puni each allowed two rushes and two pressures.

The 49ers' special teams remain an issue

Thursday's game should never have been this close, but almost like watching a repeat of the Rams and Cardinals' losses, a special teams play brought the 49ers' opponent back into the game. Laviska Shanault ran back a kickoff and the 49ers' special teams almost always look lost when they're on the field.

Matthew Wright filled in for Jake Moody, who injured his shoulder during a tackle. Find out, 49ers. This cannot be dismissed out of hand.