The Seahawks have arrived at the video game boss portion of their schedule. In two of their next three games they will be facing their most bitter division rivals in the 49ers. In between they’ll visit the Cowboys and then after the second meeting with San Francisco they get to host the league-leading Eagles. Safe to say that going 0-4 during this run is not out of the question. Seattle can help prevent a major slide by starting out on the right foot against the Niners tonight.
Here are 8 things to know about these two teams heading into their holiday matchup.
1
Niners have another elite defense
The Seahawks have faced a couple of top-five defenses already this season in Baltimore and Cleveland. Now they’re in line to play yet another. Heading into Week 12, San Francisco once again has the league’s top scoring defense, giving up just 15.7 points per game. They also rank fifth in fewest yards allowed per game (302.8).
2
Javon Hargrave, Chase Young make it even better
Since the Seahawks last faced this team the Niners’ defense has gotten even better where they are strongest. In free agency they signed Javon Hargrave away from the Eagles, then at the trade deadline they acquired Chase Young. Only the Eagles can boast of having a better defensive line right now and it will put Seattle’s pass protection to the test.
3
Brock Purdy is as good as he needs to be
There’s some debate as to whether 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is actually any good, or if he’s just a product of having great talent around him – both at the skill positions and as part of Kyle Shanahan’s scheme. Like Jimmy Garoppolo before him, it’s clear Purdy is benefitting from Shanahan’s playcalling. However, he’s better than most people are giving him credit for.
"I mean, the argument about Purdy has become pointless, the guy is a very good player."
It’s time to stop thinking of Brock Purdy as a system quarterback, and here’s why in this week's "Xs and Os with @gregcosell and @NFL_DougFarrar"#49ers Vs #Seahawks | #NFL pic.twitter.com/lycLH8KN7y
— For The Win (@ForTheWin) November 22, 2023
Then again Purdy is undersized, not particularly athletic and doesn’t have much arm talent to speak of. He also doesn’t have much experience in games like this, so it’s possible the Seahawks will be able to rattle his cage.
4
Third down woes are destroying Seattle's season
The Seahawks have one of the most talented offensive units in the entire NFL. However, their heads have bumped into a low ceiling thanks to poor situational football. The worst of it is that they’re atrocious on third down. Only the Jets and the Giants have a lower third down conversation rate than Seattle does (31%) this season.
5
Red zone struggles are not helping
The other major problem is that they have not been able to consistently produce in the red zone. Heading into Week 12 they are only scoring on 48.57% of their trips inside the 20, which ranks No. 22 in the league.
6
The Devon Witherspoon + Jamal Adams effect
On the bright side, things are going the other direction on defense. After a rough start to the year this unit has come on strong, particularly since Devon Witherspoon made his debut and Jamal Adams joined the group in Week 4. Since that game the defensive numbers have been solid, even after getting demolished by the Ravens.
The #Seahawks Defense Post Week 3 (return of Jamal Adams and Devon Witherspoon):
Total Yards: 319 (#12)
Passing Yards: 217 (#10)
Rushing Yards: 126 (#21)
YPC: 3.85 (#8)
Points 18.6 (#7)Top 10 defense in almost all aspects of the game. pic.twitter.com/KRlpO3aYrM
— Seahawks Today (@TodaySeahawks) November 22, 2023
7
Geno Smith is questionable
The biggest injury to watch going into this game is Geno Smith’s throwing arm, which suffered a tricep injury in Sunday’s loss to the Rams. Smith is listed as questionable but there is optimism he will be able to play. Drew Lock will be available if he can’t go, and the Seahawks may choose to elevate practice squad QB Brett Rypien just in case.
8
Ken Walker is doubtful
While it sounds like Geno Smith will play, his partner in the backfield most likely will not. Starting running back Ken Walker suffered an oblique strain last week and is listed as doubtful to play against the 49ers. If he can’t play, Zach Charbonnet will take over as the lead back. DeeJay Dallas will back him and up and rookie Kenny McIntosh will make his debut as RB3.
