Tristan Vizcaino, San Francisco 49ers, Washington Huskies NFL.
After last week’s loss, the Seattle Seahawks and their fans are reeling. Some are ready to push the panic button, while others think the team just needs time to jell. Chris Phillips, Chip Clark, Ed Stein, and I break down the big questions for this week’s game.
Ed: Sure, they can, but it will take the entire defense. The key is getting to 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The defensive ends and LEO have to get pressure while the interior line plugs any holes. Put Jimmy G. on his butt enough, and they take Deebo Samuel out of the game.
Chris: Yes! There’s always a possibility. I think the better question is will they?
Chip: The corners only saving grace this week is that San Francisco has one great receiver, not two as they faced the past two weeks. Then again, Tre Flowers could turn any opposing receiver into a one-week sensation. D.J. Reed doesn’t appear to be up to the task as the Seahawks shutdown cornerback.
Andrew: The Reed & Flowers pairing makes me long for the Cary Williams experience again. With Brandon Aiyuk‘s hamstring healed and him escaping Kyle Shannahan’s doghouse last week, it seems the 49ers receiving core is back to full strength. With George Kittle involved, there won’t be much safety help. Buckle up, kids; this is gonna get ugly.
Ed: As I said, Seattle has to get to the quarterback. It’s time the Seahawks’ anemic pass rush becomes a factor.
Chris: Garappolo isn’t a Trey Lance, so they don’t have to worry so much about his rushing ability. Plus, San Fran’s line hasn’t been as good. Hopefully, Dunlap can get his first sack on the year.
Chip: Where is Carlos Dunlap. His arrival and performance last season changed the entire dynamic of Seattle’s defense. He’s all but disappeared in 2021. Dunlap has to be the late 2020 version of himself.
Andrew: They won’t. Seattle hasn’t shown much ability to create pressure, just rushing 4, and they will need their safeties and linebackers helping in coverage. The lack of pressure will expose the corners in coverage, and round and round we go.
Ed: This offense should compete every game, all game. There is enough talent to get the job done. I have no idea why they don’t get Chris Carson into space more on screens and sweeps. Make the corners come up, then Lockett and Metcalf can fly past them.
Chris: This better be the week Seattle comes through in all four quarters. Probably the only way the Seahawks win this game by outscoring the Niners.
Chip: It’s about time they did. I don’t blame Russell Wilson or Shane Waldron. The offensive line started the season mediocre at best. Losing Ethan Pocic and Brandon Shell didn’t help.
Andrew: I doubt it; the offense has actually looked progressively worse each week. Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf are both nursing injuries, and Gerald Everett is on the Covid list. I’m expecting more desperation heaves to Freddie Swain.
Ed: If the Seattle Seahawks struggling defense can take something off their plate, it helps. That also frees up Adams and/or Wagner to cover Kittle.
Chris: No. San Fran can just about out anyone in at running back and have them be highly successful.
Chip: Does the name Alexander Mattison ring a bell? Minnesota’s backup running back shredded the Seahawks’ defense. The Niners likely have someone who will do the same. That’s the way this defense rolls.
Andrew: I’m not sure what the Seahawks even can gameplan for San Francisco. They’re not using an eight-man front with their current corners; they can’t blitz without risking a 30-yard completion. I think it’s just base/nickel and hope for the best.
Ed: Before 2021, I would have said no to the division and iffy on the Wild Card. This year is a different story because of the 17 games schedule and it’s uncharted territory. Seattle could win the battle of attrition, and 11 wins might secure first in the NFC West and/or a playoff spot.
Chris: Haha, no. They would be 0-1 in the division. So, they could go 5-0 the rest of the way and be right up there at the top. It’s a tall task, I know. However, this division is the Y in the NFL, and the division winner will have at least two losses.
Chip: I’m inclined to say yes. Starting 1-3 certainly puts them far behind the 8-ball. I don’t think they can catch up. Where and when do they gain momentum? Last year it took trading for Dunlap. Can lightning strike twice? They need a strong cornerback, but starting so poorly means trading a high-round draft pick to get one is a shortsighted move.
Andrew: Yes, and probably. I get they will only have 1 division loss, but intra-division record only comes into play in a tie. With the Rams and Cardinals at 3-0 and San Francisco at 2-1, they will be four games behind one team and three behind the others.
Unless you think the Rams, Cardinals, and 49ers will be sub .500 the rest of the way, then division is gone. There’s nothing this team has shown that makes me think they can go 9-4 the rest of the way, and it’s going to take 10 wins to make the playoffs. A loss, and it’s onto 2022.
Ed: I think if the Seahawks are going to step up, now is the time. They go to San Francisco and shock their hosts 27-24.
Chris: 24-21 Seattle.
Chip: It’s not looking good for the Seahawks this week. I think the Niners hold serve at home behind a seldom-used running back and suddenly efficient pass rush. SFO 30 – Seattle 20.
Andrew: San Francisco 35-Seattle 17. There will be no joy in Mudville.
How do you think the Seattle Seahawks will do this week? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.