The 49ers defense got punched in the mouth for the first time all season in Week 9 against the Cardinals and rookie quarterback Kyler Murray. Now they face a similar style of quarterback in Russell Wilson when the Seahawks visit Levi’s Stadium on Monday night.
San Francisco has an adjustment to make against one of the NFL’s most explosive passing attacks. Here are three keys to stopping the Seahawks:
1. Keep Wilson hemmed in
There’s no area where Wilson really struggles, but the Seattle offense becomes especially dangerous when he escapes the pocket and gets to reset his feet and look down the field. If he does get outside, the 49ers have to make sure they stay in pursuit and keep him on the run to avoid finding a big shot down the field.
2. Find the run defense
Wilson’s productivity may not matter much if running back Chris Carson gets rolling. He’s a tough, hard-nosed runner who wears defenses out. The 49ers have to get to him before he gets going downhill. If they struggle again against the run, Seattle has enough weapons to beat them.
Special BetMGM New Jersey MNF Special Offer! New customers BET $1, WIN $100 in free bets if the 49ers record a sack against the Seahawks tonight. Bet Now!
Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.
3. Who’s the heartbeat?
Kwon Alexander was the emotional driver of the 49ers’ defense. They have to find a way to rekindle his intangibles now that he’s out for the season. If they come out flat defensively, they might be in for a long night. Starting fast and finding that emotional jolt missing with Alexander out is essential. It may not be one player who leads that charge, but they still need to find it.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.