For years, Russell Wilson tortured the 49ers by going off schedule, creating something out of nothing and delivering another win for the Seattle Seahawks.
When Wilson forced his way out of Seattle and was traded to the Denver Broncos, there were no tears shed among the 49ers based on their 4-16 against him.
Wilson authored yet another win over the 49ers for the Broncos on Sept. 25, this one an unsightly 11-10 score when both offenses were stagnant.
One thing 49ers defensive back Jimmie Ward knows is that Seattle’s Geno Smith, who has been one of the NFL’s pleasant surprises, will be nothing like Wilson, who has played poorly in Denver.
“He can actually read the defense,” Ward said Tuesday. “Russell plays a little backyard football.”
The Seahawks will hope to properly execute plays as called with Smith rather than rely so heavily on Wilson’s impromptu creativity with the 49ers in position to clinch an NFC West title Thursday night at Lumen Field.
Although Smith had his first game with two interceptions last Sunday in a 30-24 loss to Carolina, it’s still been a breakout season at age 32 after starting five games in six years as a backup for the Jets, Giants, Chargers and Seahawks.
Smith is completing 71.5 percent of his passes for 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions, looking nothing like the talented but error-prone Jets rookie who last played extensively in 2013-14.
It’s a story of perseverance any coach can get behind, including the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan.
“He’s been given this opportunity and the way he came out, everyone noticed right away,” Shanahan said. “He really hasn’t wavered all year and I’d like to say I’m happy for him. I just wish he did it in a different division or a different year. Hopefully he’ll struggle on Thursday.”
The first meeting in Week 2 was a turning point for both teams. For the 49ers, it meant their transition to Trey Lance as the starting quarterback was aborted when the second-year player fractured an ankle, with Jimmy Garoppolo coming off the bench.
The 49ers won 27-7, with Smith completing 24 of 30 passes but for only 197 yards and an interception by Tashaun Gipson off a deflection from Talanoa Hufanga. After that game, coach Pete Carroll authorized offensive coordinator Shane Waldron to turn the offense loose.
Seattle, 7-10 a year ago, built a 6-3 record and a surprising division lead but has won only one of its last four, its season hanging in the balance in part because of a porous run defense.
For his part, Smith promises to get back to basics rather than being concerned about the quick strike.
“It’s just making the right reads and staying on schedule, not trying to force the issue,” Smith told reporters. “I haven’t done that much, but there have been cases where I have been snake-bit by being a little too aggressive. It’s just taking what they give us, and if I have to check it down, check it down.”
Smith has a dangerous trio of receivers at his disposal in D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and former 49er Marquis Goodwin.
Metcalf has 72 receptions for 869 yards and six touchdowns, Tyler Lockett 71 for 896 yards and eight touchdowns and Goodwin 25 catches for 377 yards and four scores. Ward believes the big difference between Smith in Seattle and Wilson in Denver is the Seahawks’ receivers have bought into Smith, while the Broncos and Wilson aren’t yet on the same page.
“D.K. Metcalf is a big body. Lockett, I feel like he’s the best route runner out of all three and Marquis Goodwin, he takes the top off,” Ward said. “He’s like a track guy. Played against him on the practice field here. I’m familiar with all their wide receivers.”
The Seahawks hope to get rookie running back Kenneth Walker III back and improve their running game. But even with Smith’s desire to be less aggressive, defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans sees a far different team than the one the 49ers beat in Week 2.
“I think it’s changed from when we first played these guys, it’s opened up a lot more,” Ryans said. “They’re taking a lot more shots downfield and completing a lot. They’re a very explosive offense with D.K. and Lockett. We have our hands full.”
During the 49ers’ ongoing six-game win streak, the defense has surrendered only 10.7 points per game, 56.7 yards rushing and taken the ball away 12 times.
“They’ve got guys who have been in the system for a while, they’ve played together for a while, you can see it on tape. They really rally to the football,” Smith said. “You add all the talent they have, a bunch of first-round guys, some really good players up front, a great front seven and a really good back end. They make it hard on you. They don’t do too many crazy things. They just like to play hard.”
