The 49ers were overmatched up front against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2025 NFL season — and Richard Sherman didn’t sugarcoat why.

Speaking on “The Richard Sherman Podcast,” the former All-Pro cornerback bluntly assessed what went wrong when San Francisco’s offense faced Seattle’s defense.

“They got bullied,” Sherman said.

San Francisco’s struggles were especially evident late in the season, when it dropped two lopsided games to Seattle — a 13-3 regular-season loss and a 41-6 playoff blowout.

Sherman pointed to both of these matchups, noting the 49ers simply couldn’t hold up against Seattle’s defensive front. While a key turnover — a bobbled pass from Christian McCaffrey — helped swing one game, Sherman emphasized the bigger issue was physicality.

“It was decimation,” Sherman added.

To fix it, Sherman believes the solution starts in the trenches.

The 49ers must “get some attitude back” on the offensive line, he said, stressing the need for stronger, more physical interior linemen who can win at the point of attack. Seattle’s defensive front — featuring players like Byron Murphy, Jarran Reed and Leonard Williams — consistently held its ground, even against double teams.

“You haven’t been able to move them,” Sherman said. “That means your guys aren’t strong enough.”

That reality leaves San Francisco with limited options.

Sherman acknowledged teams can try to scheme around dominant defensive linemen, but warned it won’t be enough against a unit as disciplined and athletic as Seattle’s.

“You’re going to have to get body movers,” Sherman explained. “If you can’t move them, then you’re going to have the same problem next year.”

Otherwise, the burden shifts to Brock Purdy and the passing game — a risky proposition against a defense built to capitalize on predictable offenses.

At its core, Sherman framed the matchup simply: execution and physicality will decide it. Until the 49ers prove they can match Seattle’s strength up front, he expects more of the same.

“It’s going to be a grind,” Sherman stated.

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