49ers positives from win vs. Seahawks despite Trey Lance injury

Positive No. 4: 49ers clamped down on Seahawks rushing attack

With Geno Smith now in charge of Seattle’s offense, one might figure head coach Pete Carroll and Co. would revert back to an age-old Seahawks “bread and butter” offense with a run-first, run-heavy approach.

Especially with the ascent of their top running back, Rashaad Penny, who came on strong in 2021 and figures to be a key part of the offense this season, too.

However, Niners defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans emulated shadows of his own 2021 offense, especially down the stretch when San Francisco kept opponents from rushing for at least 100 yards in every game after Week 10 except one, a tilt against the Hawks no less, but there was no repeat 100-yard performance by Seattle on Sunday.

Quite the opposite, honestly.

Penny was held in check, managing only 15 yards on six carries, while the entirety of the Seahawks’ ground game netted a mere 36 yards on 14 attempts for a paltry 2.6 yards per carry.

Granted, it helped that the 49ers were able to get out to a 20-0 halftime lead in the wake of Trey Lance’s injury, thereby forcing Smith to throw more and the Hawks to run less.

Still, the Niners didn’t allow Seattle to control the ground game whatsoever.