Hi folks - 49ers fan here. Been a lurker on your boards for quite some time. You've got an informed, passionate and dedicated fan base. This is the best rivalry in the NFL these days because it isn't just about hype and media. It's about the two best teams in the NFL going head to head and beating the snot out of each other. Two dominant defences. Two young, dynamic and improving quarterbacks. The next ten years in the NFC West are going to be a battle - especially if the Cardinals and the Rams continue to improve.
Here's my take on the game (hoping to have a good back and forth discussion on matchups etc. To me arguments such as "OUR FRONT SEVEN IS THE BEST ZOMG!" are kind of pointless.)
1) Kaepernick has to play very well for us to win. Wilson doesn't have to play very well for the Seahawks to win. Your home field advantage is real. The Saints game showed that Beast Mode and the defence can win a game when your QB is subpar (that's not intended as a shot. But Seattle passing game hasn't been clicking past month). This is especially true at home where your 12th man makes the late shifting and last minute snap approach of the 49ers offence very difficult to execute effectively. In my opinion, Kaepernick needs to generate two TDs (passing or running) by himself with no turnovers for us to win.
2) A healthy Crabtree, Boldin and Davis makes a difference for the 49ers as does an emerging Patton. But I still give the edge to your secondary. The niners needs the passing game to do enough to stop you guys from playing that Bear or Eagle front or whatever it is called when you stack 8 across the line. Gore has to be an impact player in this game. He hasn't been able to do that, especially in Seattle, in the most recent matchups. I think the 49ers offence is much better going into this game than it has been all year.
3) Our pass protection needs to hold up. The niners offensive line is excellent. But its strength is really in the run game. It struggles at times against the pass. And that is especially true in obvious passing downs against speed rusher. That package of pure pass rushers you guys can run out there is a big challenge. The niners need to stay ahead of the chains and keep the 3rd downs to less than 5 to go as much as they can.
4) Niners pass rush has to keep Wilson in the pocket. Containment is even more important than sacking him. Wilson is a dynamic player. He clearly has a good football IQ. But he isn't the same player when force to pass from the pocket as he is on the edge or when he is scrambling (at least that's how it looks to me). When he breaks contain that's when the shot plays happen. The niners and the cardinals did a good job with this in the two most recent games.
One common thing I've noticed between the 49ers fan base and the Seahawks fan base is the total frustration we have in our offensive coordinators. The sheer number of "Bevell sucks!" threads is only rivalled by the sheer number of "Roman sucks!" threads. It's really quite hilarious. Two teams built around running and defence running what many casual fans consider to be sub part offensive schemes with a lot of questionable play calling. And yet, here we are, 14 wins each and one win away from the Superbowl.
Anyway, I hope this doesn't provoke flames and yelling (but this IS the internet). Just wanted to give my take of what our side needs to do. And curious to get your collective take on what your side needs to do. I think whoever wins this game will win the Superbowl. I don't think those AFC teams can handle the beating the NFC West can deliver.
What matchups worry you guys? What are your keys to the game? Eager for some good football talk and friendly banter. I think this is our best shot to finally get a win at the CLink. But this game is still a pick 'em to me.
GO NINERS!
Here's my take on the game (hoping to have a good back and forth discussion on matchups etc. To me arguments such as "OUR FRONT SEVEN IS THE BEST ZOMG!" are kind of pointless.)
1) Kaepernick has to play very well for us to win. Wilson doesn't have to play very well for the Seahawks to win. Your home field advantage is real. The Saints game showed that Beast Mode and the defence can win a game when your QB is subpar (that's not intended as a shot. But Seattle passing game hasn't been clicking past month). This is especially true at home where your 12th man makes the late shifting and last minute snap approach of the 49ers offence very difficult to execute effectively. In my opinion, Kaepernick needs to generate two TDs (passing or running) by himself with no turnovers for us to win.
2) A healthy Crabtree, Boldin and Davis makes a difference for the 49ers as does an emerging Patton. But I still give the edge to your secondary. The niners needs the passing game to do enough to stop you guys from playing that Bear or Eagle front or whatever it is called when you stack 8 across the line. Gore has to be an impact player in this game. He hasn't been able to do that, especially in Seattle, in the most recent matchups. I think the 49ers offence is much better going into this game than it has been all year.
3) Our pass protection needs to hold up. The niners offensive line is excellent. But its strength is really in the run game. It struggles at times against the pass. And that is especially true in obvious passing downs against speed rusher. That package of pure pass rushers you guys can run out there is a big challenge. The niners need to stay ahead of the chains and keep the 3rd downs to less than 5 to go as much as they can.
4) Niners pass rush has to keep Wilson in the pocket. Containment is even more important than sacking him. Wilson is a dynamic player. He clearly has a good football IQ. But he isn't the same player when force to pass from the pocket as he is on the edge or when he is scrambling (at least that's how it looks to me). When he breaks contain that's when the shot plays happen. The niners and the cardinals did a good job with this in the two most recent games.
One common thing I've noticed between the 49ers fan base and the Seahawks fan base is the total frustration we have in our offensive coordinators. The sheer number of "Bevell sucks!" threads is only rivalled by the sheer number of "Roman sucks!" threads. It's really quite hilarious. Two teams built around running and defence running what many casual fans consider to be sub part offensive schemes with a lot of questionable play calling. And yet, here we are, 14 wins each and one win away from the Superbowl.
Anyway, I hope this doesn't provoke flames and yelling (but this IS the internet). Just wanted to give my take of what our side needs to do. And curious to get your collective take on what your side needs to do. I think whoever wins this game will win the Superbowl. I don't think those AFC teams can handle the beating the NFC West can deliver.
What matchups worry you guys? What are your keys to the game? Eager for some good football talk and friendly banter. I think this is our best shot to finally get a win at the CLink. But this game is still a pick 'em to me.
GO NINERS!
