Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
The San Francisco 49ers begin the season on the road in Seattle in a divisional battle against the rival Seahawks. Team captain Brock Purdy and company are looking to kick off their season with a win and go 1-0 in the NFC West. Here are the three keys to victory versus the Seahawks.
Balanced Attack
The Seahawks’ defense is young and growing, but the 49ers must prepare to play a balanced football game. If the Seahawks are prepped to stop the run, the 49ers must throw the football. If the Seahawks’ defense plays the pass, the 49ers must run.
When the 49ers are balanced in rushing and passing, they dominate and control the time of possession. Expect Purdy to adjust plays at the line of scrimmage based on the look he receives from the opposing defense. Having Christian McCaffery back healthy is key for the 49ers to create a balanced attack against the Seahawks.
Rhythm
Kyle Shanahan’s offense is rhythm-based. Timing is key, and Purdy is learning to master the clock under Shanahan. Expect Purdy to dial up explosive plays downfield after establishing rhythm with his offense early.
Purdy will likely have Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey to support him in executing the quick throws. The more efficiently Brock Purdy plays, the better the chances are that the 49ers achieve victory.
Stop The Run
One of the most significant weaknesses of the 49ers’ 2024 defense was stopping the run. With the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and the addition of key run defenders in the draft, Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and C.J. West, it’s clear that the 49ers want to make their opponents one-dimensional.
The Seahawks will look to run the ball on this young defense with the combination of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Both can run outside and inside very well, and both run tough and like to break tackles.
The 49ers’ defense must be fundamentally sound by wrapping up, tackling, swarming to the ball, and bringing the Seahawks’ two-headed attack down to the ground. If the 49ers can stop the run successfully and force Sam Darnold to throw the ball more often, this can lead to mistakes for Seattle and a road victory for San Francisco.
In conclusion, it’s the season opener, and both teams appear healthy. If the 49ers want to be victorious, they must take the win by any means necessary in Seattle. They can do so if they apply the three keys to victory.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
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