49ers vs. Seahawks: Position grades from San Francisco’s Week 15 win

The San Francisco 49ers snapped a 10-game losing streak to their NFC West rival with a 26-23 upset over the Seattle Seahawks. Niner Noise has your full position grades and analysis from the 49ers’ overtime victory in Week 15.

Cornerback Richard Sherman has a history of victory celebrations after matchups between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, but Sunday was the first time the star corner celebrated while wearing Niner red-and-gold.

The 49ers’ Week 15 victory was sweet for Sherman, who signed in San Francisco partially for the opportunity to face his former team twice a year. After suffering through a blowout loss to the Seahawks just two weeks prior, the Niners’ defense brought a little extra on Sunday — both for Sherman and for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Saleh — who also has roots in Seattle — was on the hot seat after the 49ers’ 27-point loss to the Seahawks in Week 13. While a strong performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 14 cooled the coordinator’s seat, San Francisco’s defensive showing in Week 15 likely ensured Saleh’s return in 2019.

Although he wasn’t the difference maker in yesterday’s contest, Sherman received the team’s game ball. Sherman’s revenge game against the team that cast him away was important to the star corner, which made it important to everyone in the 49ers’ organization. This fact was evident from the team’s impassioned play on the field and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s post-game locker room speech:

"“Guys, we know the obvious game ball today. He’s done an awesome job for us. We’re so pumped to have him on our side, and I know this means a lot to him. Alright, let’s give one to Sherm.” – Kyle Shanahan"

Sherman responded with appreciation for both Shanahan’s gesture and the extra effort demonstrated by his teammates in an attempt to give their defensive leader the victory he sorely needed. But the seasoned veteran knew he wasn’t the only defensive leader that his teammates were playing for on Sunday:

"“You all battled for one another. You all battled for me. You all battled for Saleh. We wanted this win bad, and I appreciate all that you guys do.” – Richard Sherman"

For a summary of yesterday’s matchup, check out Niner Noise’s 49ers Week 15 game recap, which includes highlights, scores and analysis from San Francisco’s 26-23 overtime victory over the Seahawks.

Each week, Niner Noise breaks down and grades the performance of each of the 49ers’ position groups. Let’s start with the San Francisco 49ers’ offense: