Niner Noise
FanSided

5 problems 49ers have to overcome in Week 10 vs. Seahawks

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 16: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Barkevious Mingo #51 of the Seattle Seahawks after a catch during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 16: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Barkevious Mingo #51 of the Seattle Seahawks after a catch during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers talks with George Kittle #85 against the Washington Redskins during the first half in the game at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers talks with George Kittle #85 against the Washington Redskins during the first half in the game at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Seattle’s Third-Down Defensive Abilities

One of the key reasons why the 49ers were able to escape their Week 9 Thursday Night Football matchup with the Arizona Cardinals with a win was due to the offense’s ability to convert on key third-down attempts.

In total, the Niners were 11-of-17 on third downs during that game. And on the season, Kyle Shanahan’s offense has converted 48.6 percent of its third-down tries, which is good for second best in the league.

Those efforts in Week 9 ensured the Cardinals wouldn’t be able to complete their third- and fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

Yet the Seahawks are notably difficult defending on third down. True, Seattle boasts only the league’s 22nd best scoring defense, allowing a total of 230 points on the year. On third downs, though, the Seahawks are allowing their opponents to convert just 34.7 percent of the time — eighth best and right in that tier of above-average teams in this particular category.

If third downs are a key attribute in determining the outcome of the game, the Niners need to figure out just how to make this particular stat difference go in their favor.

And it might be notably more difficult without one of their top weapons, tight end George Kittle, who is doubtful for the contest.