49ERS (1-1) VS. SEAHAWKS (1-1)
SUNDAY, 4:05 P.M. ET, CENTURYLINK FIELD, SEATTLE uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 713
Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver
About the 49ers: Despite losing in Week 2 to the Carolina Panthers, San Francisco got its offense on track in the second half when coach
went back to his roots and picked up the tempo. Whether he decides to play that style against the Seahawks this weekend could be a big factor in the 49ers’ offensive success — or lack thereof. QB still has a way to go to prove that he’s the solution, and RB hasn’t made nearly the impact Kelly was expecting. A defense that pitched a shutout in Week 1 gave up 46 points Sunday, so there’s plenty of work to do on that side of the ball as well. And things probably won’t get any easier this week against a hungry Seattle team that’s spitting mad after another loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
About the Seahawks: Another slow start on offense shouldn’t have Seattle too concerned; the Seahawks seem to play this way every year before hitting their stride. The difference this season is that injuries are starting to become a factor on that side of the ball. QB is battling a sore ankle, and RB and WR
came out of the loss to the Rams because of injuries. As usual, the defense is carrying the load, and Seattle’s unit is more than up to the task. But even this defense won’t survive for long if the offense is providing one touchdown every other week.
The 49ers’ lack of a go-to receiver, now that they’ve moved on from ultra-productive veteran Anquan Boldin, could provide a small silver lining The Seahawks’ Christine Michael is averaging 5.0 yards a carry this season.
in this game. Gabbert can avoid Seahawks shutdown corner by throwing to whatever receivers he’s not covering. That could mean a lot of action for Shead, the latest starter opposite Sherman who’s likely to get tested on a weekly basis.
Rawls had a career-high 209 rushing yards against San Francisco when he was a rookie last season, but he was slowed
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
by a leg injury in the Week 2 loss at Los Angeles. That opens the door for Michael, who has resurrected his career.
Average margin of victory during the Seahawks’ four-game winning streak in this once-balanced rivalry.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Who strikes first: Seattle has held a huge advantage over San Francisco in nearly every area over the last two seasons, and it is significantly better on paper again. Whether this one turns into another blowout should be decided in the early going. If the Seahawks score quickly, which they’ve been unable to do this season, the game might get away from the Niners. If Kelly’s system leads to quick points, San Francisco has a chance to make things interesting.
2. Stop the run: Seattle didn’t need a healthy Marshawn Lynch to run all over San Francisco last season, and it probably will give the 49ers a heavy dose of Michael and whoever else is healthy Sunday. The Niners’ run defense has been sturdy, especially in the season-opening win vs. Todd Gurley and the Rams, so it might not be that easy for the Seahawks to run the ball.
3. Old-school pocket passing: Kelly’s offense has thrived with pass/run combo quarterbacks such as Marcus Mariota running the read option, and Wilson had plenty of success under a similar system earlier in his career. But these days, the 49ers and Seahawks feature more traditional offensive approaches.
Scott Johnson