Seahawks QB Geno Smith talks exercising demons vs. 49ers

Seahawks QB Geno Smith talks exercising demons vs. 49ers

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical NFC West showdown against their arch rival San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. Losers of two consecutive contests, the Seahawks are attempting to avoid a third straight loss. The challenge versus a 49ers team also anxious to get back in the win column will be difficult.

The Seahawks have struggled mightily versus the 49ers in recent meetings. The Seahawks have averaged just 11.6 offensive points per contest throughout five consecutive defeats to San Francisco, including playoff meetings. Starting quarterback Geno Smith commented on what’s made Kyle Shanahan’s defense so difficult to play against.

“Yeah, I think what they [49ers] do well, they’re obviously great at creating turnovers,” Smith told the media on Wednesday. “You talk about personnel and Nick Bosa is one of the better defensive ends league. They have Fred Warner at MIKE ‘backer, one of the better middle linebackers in the league. They have playmakers all over their defense. They don’t try and trick you as far as scheme goes. They play together and they fly around. They’re going to line up and force you to beat them for 60 minutes. We respect them. They’ve been a great team, especially in recent years. It’s time for us to go out there and get it done.”

Smith started four of those five straight losses to San Francisco. In one start against the 49ers last season, Smith completed 18-of-27 passing attempts for 180 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception.

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49ers will be without superstar defender vs. Seahawks

49ers will be without superstar defender vs. Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks may be without the services of several high-end defenders against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. General manager John Schneider placed outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu on IR, ruling him out for a minimum of four contests. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has also been ruled out. Cornerback Riq Woolen and edge Derick Hall are also at risk of missing out after being sidelined during Tuesday’s practice.

Luckily for the Seahawks, they’re not the only ones that will be missing critical defenders for Thursday’s divisional showdown. Superstar 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga will miss approximately one month with torn ligaments in his wrist. Kyle Shanahan confirmed the news on Tuesday.

Hufanga suffered the injury in Sunday’s defeat to the Arizona Cardinals. The former USC standout played just 11 snaps before exiting with the injury. Without their game-changing safety in the fold, the 49ers blew a sizable second-half lead.

Hufanga has recorded eight tackles this season. Veteran safety George Odum and rookie Malik Mustapha are expected to play more snaps in his absence. On Sunday against the Cardinals, it was Mustapha that replaced Hufanga.

The 49ers will also be without kicker Jake Moody, who suffered an ankle sprain. Cornerback Charvarius Ward (knee), tight end George Kittle (ribs), linebacker Fred Warner (ankle), wide receiver Chris Conley (oblique) and safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) are also on the 49ers injury report ahead of Thursday.

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