Tag: Seattle Seahawks vs San Francisco 49ers

Seahawks CB Josh Jobe isn’t giving up separation

Seahawks CB Josh Jobe isn’t giving up separation

One of the biggest revelations of the 2024 Seattle Seahawks’ season to date has been the recent emergence of cornerback Josh Jobe. An undrafted free agent defensive back out of Alabama in 2022, Jobe initially joined the Seahawks’ practice squad in late August. He’s since maximized his opportunity to play meaningful snaps.

Injuries to Tre Brown and Riq Woolen catapulted Jobe into the starting lineup for a Week 7 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons. Jobe’s play earned him another chance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. He became the first player to intercept superstar quarterback Josh Allen this campaign, since convincing head coach Mike Macdonald to promote him to full-time boundary starter opposite Woolen, relegating Brown to the bench.

Jobe was outstanding in Sunday’s critical 20-17 Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. In fact, Jobe has yet to have a game with over 1.6 yards of separation per target allowed, according to Next Gen Stats. As Corbin K. Smith pointed out via social media, that advanced metric indicates his coverage has been tight even on completed throws in his direction.

Pro Football Focus credited Jobe with allowing just two receptions for 17 receiving yards against the 49ers. In a Week 9 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams, the ex Crimson Tide performer forfeited just one catch on four targets for 16 yards. Jobe hasn’t allowed a touchdown in coverage yet this season.

Jobe has also totaled three pass breakups. Opposing quarterbacks are seeing a passer rating of just 54.4 when targeting him in coverage. Finding quality starters in unlikely places helps propel NFL rosters forward. The Seahawks found an absolute gem in Jobe.

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV has been force multiplier in the run game

The Seattle Seahawks were displeased with their linebacker play in the middle of the season. That’s precisely why general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald decided to call an audible. The team acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for fellow linebacker Jerome Baker and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

Since then, the Seahawks have also released Tyrel Dodson. They began the campaign with Baker and Dodson at off-ball linebacker, and that duo has since been swapped out for Jones and day-three rookie Tyrice Knight. It appears to be a shrewd decision, particularly with Jones playing fantastic football against the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s critical Week 11 victory within the NFC West.

Jones recorded a team-high 13 tackles. A run defense that’s struggled with tackling and gap discipline at times this season limited 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards, zero touchdowns, and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry. Backup running back Jordan Mason, who played well in McCaffrey’s absence earlier this season, rushed for 13 yards via two carries.

“This defense, I look to my left and see. T-Knight [Tyrice Knight], I look behind me and I see ‘Spoon [Devon Witherspoon] and those safeties,” Jones said about the Seahawks’ defense following the 49ers victory. “We can go out there [as a defense] and play with anybody. We showed what we are. We played physically and with discipline. I think we can be something special,” Jones concluded.

Jones’ evaluation of Seattle’s defense is accurate. Poor linebacker play and discipline at times held back Macdonald’s unit from reaching its capable productivity earlier this campaign. Jones has completely transformed the defense.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on defense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Mike Macdonald’s excellent defense limited Kyle Shanahan’s offense to 17 points and just 277 total yards of offense. Brock Purdy threw for just 159 yards and one interception. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Devon Witherspoon | CB | 78.2

Devon Witherspoon was everywhere, totaling a season-high eight tackles for Aden Durde’s aggressive defense. Witherspoon was competitive, recording three pass breakups in this game alone. PFF credited the versatile corner with allowing just four receptions on seven targets for 37 receiving yards. The 49ers found no success throwing the ball in his direction.

Tyrice Knight | LB | 77.5

Mid-round linebacker Tyrice Knight was outstanding in his first start at off-ball linebacker since the team surprisingly released Tyrel Dodson. Knight accumulated 10 tackles and one quarterback hit. Seattle’s new LB duo helped hold superstar running back Christian McCaffrey to 79 rushing yards and a pedestrian 4.2 yards per carry.

Coby Bryant | S | 70.4

Coby Bryant has done an admirable job stepping up while the Seahawks have navigated some injuries in the secondary. Bryant played all 63 defensive snaps against the 49ers, remaining on the field for every defensive snap. The former Cincinnati standout totaled five tackles and allowed just one reception for a five-yard gain.

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Geno Smith was motivated by seeing Seahawks legend on 49ers sideline

Geno Smith was motivated by seeing Seahawks legend on 49ers sideline

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith was outstanding in Sunday’s Week 11 victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Smith completed 25 of 32 passing attempts for 221 yards. More importantly, he rushed for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter with mere seconds remaining in a then-tie game.

Smith recently joined the Richard Sherman Podcast to discuss his performance. Smith told Sherman that he was especially motivated to end his winless streak versus the 49ers when he looked towards their sideline and noticed ex-Seahawk linebacker KJ Wright. Wright is a defensive quality control coach on Kyle Shanahan’s staff.

“I was actually just smiling as I was running on the field for that last [game-winning] drive,” Smith told Seahawks legend Richard Sherman in response to a question about his performance. “I knew we were going to win. Sometime in the third quarter, I looked over at their bench and saw KJ [Wright] standing there. I was like what the…? We have to beat these guys. When I saw KJ, it just kind of pissed me off. He’s a Seahawk. He shouldn’t have those [49ers] colors on.”

Wright was drafted by the Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He enjoyed an illustrious 10-year career (2011-20) in Seattle, winning Super Bowl XLVIII for the franchise. Wright was also named to the 2016 Pro Bowl. He ranks second in franchise history in tackles with 593 takedowns, trailing just Bobby Wagner (915).

Smith is correct. It hurts seeing Wright sporting 49ers colors. Smith found appropriate motivation and spearheaded Seattle to a massive NFC West victory over their arch rival 49ers.

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Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

Analyzing Olu Oluwatimi’s 1st start at C following Connor Williams’ retirement

The Seattle Seahawks were left stunned earlier this week when starting center Connor Williams decided to abruptly retire in the middle of the season. The 27-year-old Williams had signed a one-year contract with the club in August. His departure catapulted sophomore fifth-round pick Olu Oluwatimi into the lineup for Sunday’s divisional showdown with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Seahawks were dealing with various changes to their offensive line. Abe Lucas returned from a season-long stint on the sidelines to play the majority of snaps at right tackle. Luckily for head coach Mike Macdonald, Oluwatimi was outstanding in his 2024 debut start at center, a thrilling come-from-behind 20-17 win over the 49ers.

Oluwatimi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays. Brady Henderson posted this clip, highlighting one of his more encouraging reps on Geno Smith’s game-winning drive.

Pro Football Focus largely agreed with ESPN’s research. They assigned Oluwatimi blame for allowing one single pressure in pass protection en route to a qualifying pass-blocking score of 61.8. That pressure was defined as a 49ers hurry on Smith.

Furthermore, Oluwatimi was downright dominant as a run blocker. He was Seattle’s highest-graded run blocking offensive lineman, earning an elite score of 86.8. The Seahawks rushed for 94 yards, including Smith’s game-winning 13-yard scramble.

Williams’ unforeseen retirement placed an already struggling Seahawks offensive line in a tough situation. In a much-welcomed turn of events, Oluwatimi was fantastic, arguably playing better than Williams had all season. The sophomore blocker will start at center versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

How did Seahawks OT Abe Lucas fare vs. 49ers in 1st game back?

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abe Lucas made his 2024 regular-season debut in Sunday’s Week 11 thrilling victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Lucas had been practicing in recent weeks, but had spent the first 10 weeks on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. It was an encouraging debut for the former Washington State standout in a must-win game within the NFC West.

Head coach Mike Macdonald decided to ease Lucas back into the lineup. He rotated in and out of the lineup, totaling 42 offensive snaps. Rookie blocker Mike Jerrell occasionally replaced him, playing 18 snaps.

Pro Football Focus credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. He played a high-quality game, earning a pass-blocking grade of 73.4. As a run blocker, Lucas was Seattle’s second-highest graded lineman at 79.0.

“The last five or six plays [of Geno Smith’s game-winning drive], I was breathing very heavily,” Lucas admitted to reporters during his post-game media conference. “It’s been almost a year since I’ve played. When Geno took off and I knew he was going to score, I said thank you Jesus.”

Coach Macdonald and his staff wisely managed Lucas’ workload. He was terrific, helping transform Seattle’s struggling offensive line to a productive unit against the 49ers. The Seahawks were efficient on third down, converting six-of-13 attempts. Seattle’s offense out-gained San Francisco’s 289-277.

Lucas will attempt to continue showing signs of growth against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seahawks QB Geno Smith showcases clutch gene in walk-off win vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith entered Sunday’s contest versus his NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers with some demons to exercise. Smith owned an 0-5 record in his career against the 49ers, postseason included. Leading up to Sunday’s showdown, the veteran signal caller admitted that it was personal.

Sunday’s game was a back-and-forth affair. The 49ers owned a 7-6 lead at halftime. After kicker Jake Moody extended that advantage to 10-6 in the third quarter, Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III scored a one-yard rushing touchdown to give Seattle a 13-10 lead.

Hope was momentarily lost when 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings restored San Francisco’s lead through a three-yard touchdown that featured one helluva individual effort. Seattle’s next drive ended when backup ball carrier Zach Charbonnet was stuffed on a fourth-and-1 rushing attempt at San Francisco’s 37 yard line. Luckily for Smith and the offense, Mike Macdonald’s defense came up with a quick and critical stop, limiting the ensuing possession to five plays and a swift 49ers punt.

Smith took over possession with 2:38 remaining. He oversaw an 11 play drive that gained 83 yards, culminating with a walk off 13-yard touchdown scramble. Smith converted two third-down attempts on the outstanding drive, completing a pair of passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the clutch. The game-winning score arrived with 18 seconds remaining, leaving the 49ers with just 12 seconds.

All in all, Smith threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 more to complete his 10th game-winning drive as Seattle’s starting quarterback. It was a season-saving victory for the Seahawks, who improved to 5-5. The Seahawks are in a three-way tie with the Los Angeles Rams and 49ers for second place in the ever-competitive NFC West.

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Seahawks C Connor Williams may miss Sunday’s game vs. 49ers

Seahawks C Connor Williams may miss Sunday’s game vs. 49ers

Seattle Seahawks starting Connor Williams missed Wednesday’s and Thursday’s practice. His designation on the injury report is “personal reasons.” Members of the media are unaware of the reason behind his absence. Williams is entitled to a personal life and doesn’t owe us details.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald should deliver final game-day designations on Friday ahead of Sunday’s Week 11 game versus NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Williams has played all 618 offensive snaps for Seattle this season. His status for Sunday is legitimately unknown, but Macdonald should confirm his status during Friday’s scheduled meeting with the media.

The backup center is sophomore fifth-round selection Olu Oluwatimi. The former Michigan standout has played just four offensive snaps as a sixth blocker this season because Williams has been a full participant. Oluwatimi played 128 snaps at center as a rookie in 2023, earning an overall grade of 53.1 from Pro Football Focus.

The other option would be rookie undrafted Jalen Sundell. The coaching staff has occasionally preferred him to Oluwatimi this season according to practice reps, so there’s a possibility he’d earn the start if Williams is unavailable. Sundell totaled 70 snaps at center during the preseason, earning a stellar overall grade of 72.4 from PFF.

Seattle’s offensive line has struggled this campaign and Sunday’s matchup versus the 49ers is important within the NFC West. Williams has been Macdonald’s second-best offensive lineman behind just franchise left tackle Charles Cross this season. Williams’ availability is key to Seattle’s chances on Sunday.

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Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

Seahawks’ Ernest Jones IV dishes on new LB partner Tyrice Knight

The Seattle Seahawks made the surprising decision to release starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson earlier this week. Dodson was leading the Seahawks in tackles with 71 and has since been claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins. The move will catapult rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight into the starting lineup opposite Ernest Jones IV.

Jones was recently acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans that sent linebacker Jerome Baker and a mid-round 2025 draft pick to Nashville. In two appearances with the Seahawks thus far, Jones has recorded 24 tackles and one pass breakup. On Thursday, he discussed the team’s decision to release Dodson and promote Knight with members of local media.

“He hasn’t played that many games,” Jones said about Knight. “He doesn’t have experience on his side, but he comes to work every day. You can tell he’s a good player. He can flow and mimic the ball carriers. I feel confident in knowing that he’s going to execute on Sunday [versus the San Francisco 49ers]. We need to communicate and make it simple for him. I’ve been traded twice [this season], nothing surprises me,” Jones concluded when asked if Dodson’s departure surprised him.

The No. 119 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, Knight played college football at UTEP. The rookie fourth-rounder had previously been playing a rotational role for the Seahawks. Heading into Sunday’s showdown versus the 49ers, Knight has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots due to injury, the athletic linebacker posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

The Seahawks will require that type of effort from Knight to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers on Sunday.

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Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

Seahawks QB Geno Smith really wants to beat the 49ers on Sunday

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical matchup within the NFC West against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Week 11 date is the final scheduled meeting versus the 49ers this season after the Bay Area-based team beat the Seahawks 36-24 in Week 6. Starting quarterback Geno Smith is 0-5 in his career against the divisional rival. Smith is anxious to put those struggles behind him on Sunday.

“It’s very personal, man,” Smith responded when asked about defeating the 49ers on Sunday. “When you think about division opponents, these games matter the most. Especially with the 49ers. They’ve been on top of our division for a while. If we want to be the type of team we say we are, we’ve got to go through teams like this. I know I’m going to step on the field with that chip on my shoulder, that edge I always have,” Smith concluded.

The 4-5 Seahawks are at the bottom of the NFC West. The 5-4 49ers trail the surprising 6-4 Arizona Cardinals. Smith struggled in the first meeting versus the 49ers, completing 30 of 52 passing attempts for 312 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Running back Kenneth Walker III was limited to 32 rushing yards and DK Metcalf totaled just 48 receiving yards. Smith will be anxious to spearhead a far more successful offensive showing on Sunday.

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