Niner Noise
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5 matchups 49ers must win on Monday Night Football vs. Seahawks

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by by Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks is tackled by by Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JANUARY 22: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers takes the field during introductions against the New York Giants during the NFC Championship Game at Candlestick Park on January 22, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Joe Staley vs. JadeveonClowney

Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is the living embodiment of stats not telling how good a player is on the field. Don’t let his 20 combined tackles and two sacks fool you, Clowney has been a monster for Seattle this year transitioning to a 4-3 EDGE.

He’ll match up mostly against veteran tackle Joe Staley, who should be returning from his broken leg suffered earlier in the year.

On the defensive line, Clowney is easily the best player Seattle has. If Staley can contain him, then the Seahawks lose a lot of their power on the defensive line.

The key here will be how fast Staley can get back to full ability after a stint on the sidelines. Some rust may naturally be apparent.

San Francisco can help scheme for this, however, with some double-team blocking, at least until he’s able to get back to his full ability.

If they neutralize Clowney, the Niners will have time to throw.

Which segues nicely to the next matchup.