The Seattle Seahawks travel to the Bay Area this weekend hoping to start the season 2-0. This will be the 47th meeting between the clubs with Seattle leading the series, 2917. The Seahawks have won 14 of the last 16 games, winning nine in a row from 201418, five of the last seven, and are on a current four game-winning streak. Each of the last three wins has been by a one-score margin.
BOUNCE BACK GAME FOR THE NINERS
The Niner’s offense had Nine of its 11 possessions end with zero points, including it’s last four drives of the game. While the game was played in miserable weather second-year quarterback Trey Lance is expected to improve on his sub-par performance in game one. Lance was 13 of 29 for 164 no touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked twice and finished the game with a quarterback rating of 50.3. The Niners have an explosive offense that is looking to make amends for a dismal week one performance. Their defense is top-ranked after the first week.
CAN THE DEFENSE CONTINUE ITS TRAJECTORY WITHOUT ADAMS
Arguably the heart and soul of the Seahawks defense strong safety Jamal Adams suffered a season-ending leg injury in the second quarter of the Broncos game. Josh Jones stepped in and did an admirable job according to head coach Pete Carroll. Jones is expected to start against the 49ers after recording seven ( 4 solo) tackles in the Broncos game. Ryan Neal is expected to see some time as well. How will the two handle a 49ers offense that is expected to see the return of TE George Kittle who missed the Niner’s first game. Stopping Kittle and the Niners Brando Aiyuke. There were a lot of expectations for the 24-year-old coming into his third season after compiling 116 catches for 1,574 yards over his first two seasons.
Aiyuke had just three receptions in the Bears game and Niners quarterback Trey Lance vowed to get the ball to the playmaker in the upcoming match-up with the Seahawks
“I mean it’s kind of what the defense dictates, what the concepts dictate,” Lance told reporters on Wednesday. “He made a couple of big plays and he’s had a great training camp. So man, still have all the trust in the world. It definitely wasn’t anything like that,” Lance assured. “I know you guys freak out when BA only has a certain amount of touches but it’s definitely not like you go into a game being like ‘OK, we’re going to give Deebo the ball eight times plus’s or whatever it may be. Deebo’s obviously going to get more touches because he’s in the run game. ”
Lance was referring to the Niner’s versatile playmaker Deebo Samuel. Samuel is coming off a season in which he had 77 receptions for 1, 405 yards and six touchdowns he averaged 18.2 yards per catch. Add his 59 carries for 365 yards and eight touchdowns you end up with one of the most dynamic players in the league.
ADDITION OF KENNETH WALKER TO THE RUN GAME
After a one-week delay, the long-awaited debut of Kenneth Walker III will commence on Sunday. Last year’s Doak Walker Award winner the award given to college football’s best running back looked good in training and was on track to contribute to the Seahawk’s running game until a hernia injury. With the injury behind him and a full week of practice, Walker is ready to make his NFL debut.
A healthy Walker will be a big boost to the Seahawk’s run game. Rashaad Penny rushed for 70 yards in the Broncos. Walker is fast, quick, and can run between the two tackles which would make it difficult for the Niner’s defense to key on Penny.
NINERS VS SEAHAWKS BY THE NUMBERS
HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPETITION
| 2021 REGULAR SEASON | SEAHAWKS | 49ers |
| Record | 1-0 | 0-1 |
| Total Yard Gained | 253 | 331 |
| Total Offense ( NFL Rank) | 253.0 (29) | 331.0 (20) |
| Rush Offense | 76.0 ( T24) | 176.0(7) |
| Pass offense | 177.0 (27) | 155.0 (30) |
| Points Per Game | 17.0(25) | 10.0 (T27) |
| Total Yards Allowed | 433 | 204 |
| Total Defense | 433.0 (29) | 204.0 (1) |
| Rush Defense | 103.0 (T16) | 99.0 (15) |
| Pass Defense | 330.0 (30) | 105.0 (1) |
| Points Allowed/ Game | 16.0 (7) | 19.0 (T9) |
| Possession Avg. | 26:21 | 33:28 |
| Sacked/Yds.Lost | 2/18 | 2/9 |
| Sacks Made /Yds Lost | 2/10 | 2/16 |
| Interceptions By | 0 | 1 |
| Penalties/Yds | 5/77 | 12/99 |
| Punts/Avg | 2/50.5 | 4/40.3 |
| Turnover Differential | +1(T6) | -1( T18) |
TEAM LEADERS
2022 STAT LEADERS
| Seahawks | 49ers | |
| Rushing | Rashaad Penny 60 (12-5.0-0) | Trey Lance 54 (13-4.2-0) |
| Passing | Geno Smith 195(28-23-2-0119.5) | Trey Lance 164(28-13-0-1-50.3) |
| Receptions | DK Metcalf 7(36-5.1-0) | Jauan Jennigs 4(62-15.5-0) |
| Scoring | Dissly & Parkinson | Deebo Samuel |
| ( non kicker) | 6 | 6 |
| Sacks | Barton & Nwosu 1.0 | Bosa &Ebukam 1.0 |
| Int | n/a | Talanoa Hufanga 1 |
| Punting | Michael Dickson 50.5/49.0 net (0 in 20) | Mitch Wishnowsky 40.3/40.3 net (3 In 20) |
| Kicking | Jason Myers 5(1/1 FG, 2/2 Pat) | Robbie Gould 4 (1/1 FG,1/1 PAT) |
