Seattle Seahawks: Opponent Preview – San Francisco

Chris Phillips |

Sep 29, 2021

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks and Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings.

First divisional opponent matchup of the year, the Seattle Seahawks take on San Francisco in what could be a bad matchup. But, first, let’s look at this week’s opponent.

Some may have seen last week’s loss coming for the Seattle Seahawks. Others may not have at all. This week though, could be just as ugly as last week’s matchup. The Seahawks take on division rival San Francisco. Both teams are at the bottom of the NFC West standings.

The Seahawks being in last place. After last week’s performance, many have started to wonder if Seattle will get out of the basement. But, that is a topic for another day. The topic for today is what to expect for the upcoming game. Time to dive into the Week 4 matchup.

Defense

I want to leave this section blank to illustrate how “good” this unit has been. A no-show. A zero. The Seattle Seahawks are last in yards allowed; 1,321 (440.3 YDS/G). They rank 25th in passing yards allowed; 856 (285.3 YDS/G). Seattle is 30th ins rushing yards allowed; 465 (155 YDS/G). And finally 21st in points allowed; 79 (26.3 PTS/G). This is far from the days of the Legion of Boom.

Last week Minnesota’s receivers carved up the secondary. Players have come out and blamed the coaches. They’re at fault as well as they have not been good themselves. This week the secondary will need to play much better. San Francisco employs many players who are yards after the catch monsters; tight end George Kittle, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Add in the fact that San Fran’s head coach Kyle Shanahan is a brilliant play designer and schemer.

This defense can bank on several plays drawn up to get the ball in the hands of Samuel, Aiyuk, and Kittle to run free after the catch. This defensive unit will need to have excellent communication. Seattle should be very prepared and knowledgeable on San Francisco’s offense as they play each other twice a year.

This Justin Jefferson route is impossible to defend ? @JJettas2 @Vikings pic.twitter.com/1clAtXt0Cw

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) September 26, 2021

Next: Page 2 – Offense