Film Review: How the 49ers Defense Can Thwart the Seahawks in Week 3
By Peter Panacy
Contain QB Russell Wilson Within the Pocket
Quarterback Russell Wilson’s mobility will be in question, thanks to his Week 1 ankle injury.
While not listed on Seattle’s injury report, the ability to evade pressure may not be the first weapon Wilson uses against San Francisco’s defense.
Take a look at the weak-side pressure the Dolphins apply, which forces Wilson to spin around and try to scramble to his right.
The convergence of Dolphins defensive end Jason Jones (No. 98) forces an early, erratic throw.
Right into the hands of the defense.
Why is this significant? Well, Wilson couldn’t evade the pressure. And while it’s not on the tape above, he couldn’t escape further to his right because of Jones and additional converging defenders.
Just take a look at this stat from Pro Football Focus’ Zoltán Buday:
Last year Russell Wilson led the NFL in passer rating (105.5) when he held on to the ball for 2.6+ seconds. This year he's dead last (39.8).
— Zoltán Buday (@PFF_Zoltan) September 20, 2016
This means edge-rusher Tank Carradine, as well as Niners defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead.
Collapse the pocket and converge. It’s the name of the game.
Next: Overpower a Weak Seahawks O-Line