I wanted to do a more extensive preview of the 49ers game this week, so it does not seem like I am just spouting off like an idiot. I’m going to do a breakdown of the offense, defense, special teams, and coaching advantages, and see which team benefits. So here we go.
OFFENSE
The Seahawks are one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. But they are hurting a little. Chris Carson will be out for this game with a foot sprain. He is week to week. They are already without Rashaad Penny, so they will probably start a dinged up Carlos Hyde or rookie Deejay Dallas. They still have Russell Wilson, one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and two explosive receivers in Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf.
The 49ers are without their starting running back Raheem Mostert and backup running back Jeff Wilson Jr. Both have high ankle sprains. Tevin Coleman has been out for weeks and might come back this week. If he cannot go, the 49ers have Jamycal Hasty and Jerick McKinnon as their top running backs, and despite that, are better producers thanks to Kyle Shanahan’s skilled play calling. The 49ers are also without Deebo Samuel, who has a hamstring injury. Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy, and they also have Brandon Ayuk, and George Kittle ready to go.
ADVANTAGE: SEAHAWKS—only slightly, because of Wilson. The injuries bring the gap closer.
DEFENSE
The Hawks have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Despite signing Jamal Adams, that signing has not panned out as Adams has missed time because of injuries. He is questionable to return this weekend. Bobby Wagner is an all-star player, but he cannot do everything by himself. The Hawks just signed Carlos Dunlap, but he will not play this weekend.
The 49ers are without Nick Bosa for the year after he tore his ACL in Week 2. They also are without Solomon Thomas for the year. Other key injuries include Richard Sherman, Dee Ford, Kwon Alexander, Ronald Blair. To say the 49ers have had to adjust this year is an understatement. Despite all this, the 49ers are still 5th in total defense in the NFL.
ADVANTAGE: 49ERS
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Seahawks are better at returning kicks and punts. There is no doubt about that. The 49ers have not gotten the jolt that they need to put field possession in their favor. However, the 49ers have Robbie Gould, one of the best kickers in the game. Gould missed the game the Seahawks won last year, and had he played, the 49ers likely would have won.
ADVANTAGE: EVEN
COACHING
Pete Carroll is a Super Bowl champion. He won his one title several years ago, and lost one to the New England Patriots on a terrible decision to pass from the two-yard line. Kyle Shanahan took his team to the Super Bowl in his third year. However, Shanahan lost last year with a 10 point lead in the 4th quarter. He also lost a Super Bowl as an offensive coordinator for the Falcons. Shanahan may be a better offensive play-caller, but Carroll wins the coaching nod here.
ADVANTAGE: SEAHAWKS
CONCLUSION
I expect the injuries to play a major factor here, and which team can take advantage of it the most. Two weeks ago, I had this game pegged as a 49ers loss. But after last week, and after watching the Hawks struggle against Arizona, I sense a different result. I see the 49ers pounding the rock and executing their offense to near perfection, and just edging out the Hawks.
PREDICTION: 49ERS 34, HAWKS 31
Comments