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Film Review: How the 49ers Defense Can Thwart the Seahawks in Week 3

By Peter Panacy

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Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Thomas Rawls (34) rushes against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Overpower and Maul a Weak Seahawks Offensive Line

How will all the aforementioned defensive approaches work for San Francisco?

It’s simple — win the battles up front.

The 49ers pass rush wasn’t a factor in Week 2. That will change this Sunday though. Just consider Pro Football Focus‘ zero-to-100 scale grades for the Seahawks this year:

  • LT Bradley Sowell — 42.2
  • LG Mark Glowisnki — 48.3
  • C Justin Britt — 78.7
  • RG J’Marcus Webb — 34.6
  • RT Garry Gilliam — 34.2

The left side is bad. The right side is even worse. Only Seahawks center Justin Britt has an adequate grade here.

Just watch how Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald made quick work between Britt and right guard J’Marcus Webb:

Left guard Mark Glowinski also had problems against the Rams defense. Just look here:

If we flip the script, and insert the 49ers defense and rookie DE DeForest Buckner, we’d likely get the following result. Just take a look at this clip, courtesy of Niner Noise’s own Nicolas McGee:

And if the Seahawks double up on Buckner, watch for second-year pro Arik Armstead to collapse the pocket from the other side of the line.

Interior pressure should work here. If the Niners set the edge, Russell Wilson shouldn’t be able to escape the pocket. San Francisco should be able to contain any damage.

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Of course these are all instances of “should,” “could” and “maybe.” The 49ers aren’t going to be able to get to Wilson, running back Christine Michael or whichever offensive weapons the Seahawks feature all the time.

But the Niners can throw off anything Seattle is trying to do.

And that would put San Francisco in a great position to come away with a Week 3 win.

Next: 49ers Face a Fork in the Road in Week 3 vs. Seahawks

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of ESPN.com, Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.