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Seahawks vs. 49ers: 5 Week 12 matchups to watch for San Francisco

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks the tackle of K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks the tackle of K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi's Stadium on November 27, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after defending a pass against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after defending a pass against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Wide Receiver Doug Baldwin

Rookie cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon has been a promising storyline for San Francisco’s defense this season, although he faces a serious test versus Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin on Sunday.

Baldwin currently leads Seattle’s offense with 56 catches and 673 yards, so it’s safe to say he’s the favorite target for Russell Wilson.

Week 12 marks the first time Witherspoon has gone up against a good wide receiver-quarterback tandem since the Niners faced the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. During that contest, when Witherspoon faced off against Eagles wideouts Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor, the third-round draft pick gave up only three receptions on 39 coverage snaps, earning an 88.1 game grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

Both Wilson and Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz have shown the ability to be elusive in the pocket, extending plays and finding their receivers. The added time for opposing quarterbacks to throw means Witherspoon will have to be just as good in coverage, making this matchup critical to the 49ers’ defensive efforts.