Film Review: How the 49ers Defense Can Thwart the Seahawks in Week 3
By Peter Panacy
Match DB Jimmie Ward on WR Doug Baldwin
Seattle slot wideout Doug Baldwin is still quarterback Russell Wilson’s favorite target. He leads all Seahawks receivers with 12 receptions — nearly double anyone else — and has the team’s lone touchdown on the season.
The 5-foot-10 target is a perfect matchup for 49ers corner Jimmie Ward.
Ward excelled in the nickel role last year. Primarily working on the outside this season, Ward should bump to the inside when the Seahawks go with three-wide sets.
On this fan clip from Seattle’s game-winning Week 1 touchdown over the Miami Dolphins, we can see Baldwin take advantage of a corner not turning his head around on Baldwin’s corner-fade route.
Here’s another look:
Miami’s defensive back guesses the cut will be to Baldwin’s right. The slight misjudgment puts the defender out of position just enough to give Baldwin the room needed to make the grab.
Ward probably won’t make this same mistake. But having a safety providing some help towards the middle will ensure the top Niners defensive back will have help if the cut moves in this direction.
Simply put, Ward needs to read and react appropriately.
Next: Contain Russell Wilson Within the Pocket