SF 49ers: 5 things Niners must do to upset Seahawks in Week 8
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: SF 49ers must win the time-of-possession battle
It’s somewhat cliche to say, but in the case of Week 8, it’s true.
What’s the best way to prevent Russell Wilson from doing damage? Keep him off the field.
Years ago, back when the Seahawks boasted one of the league’s elite defenses, this wouldn’t have been an easy task. But with an average of 6.3 yards per play allowed, third worst in the NFL through Week 7, Seattle isn’t exactly intimidating opponents’ offenses with short drives and 3-and-outs.
Interestingly enough, the SF 49ers have also tried engineering their own offensive drives to make up for a banged-up, makeshift defense, as The Athletic’s David Lombardi pointed out:
49ers are #6 in time of possession per drive and #12 in points per drive. Both have been climbing as Garoppolo has returned to health and O-line has performed better.
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 27, 2020
But the disproportionately high TOP shows the Shanahan approach: Complementary football to help the weakened D
Additionally, the Seahawks’ lack of a pass rush — just nine sacks through six games — has opened up a hole on their third-down defense, which is allowing conversions 48.8 percent of the time, good for 25th best.
If San Francisco maintains possession, eliminates turnovers and controls the clock, it’ll win.