The Seattle Seahawks showcased an impressive performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday night. Rashid Shaheed initiated the game with a kickoff return for a touchdown, setting a high tempo right from the start. The Seahawks’ defense displayed dominance, securing two turnovers early in the match. The 49ers, led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, struggled to regain control, eventually falling short despite a brief comeback from 17-0 to 17-6.
Kyle Shanahan’s Acknowledgment of Seahawks’ Defense
After the defeat, Coach Shanahan acknowledged the resilience of the Seahawks’ defense. He noted the consistent struggles his team has faced against this formidable defense in recent encounters. “They’ve got a real good defense,” Shanahan stated, highlighting the challenges he faced throughout the game.
Key Highlights from the Match
- Seahawks’ defense held the 49ers to just 236 total yards.
- San Francisco’s offense managed only 128 passing yards.
- The Seahawks stopped the 49ers on fourth down three times.
- Three turnovers were forced by the Seahawks’ defense.
- Brock Purdy completed 15 of 27 passes for 140 yards, with no touchdowns.
- The Niners averaged 25.7 points per game this season, ranking tenth in the league.
- Their passing yards per game stood at 244.5, placing fifth overall.
Shanahan explained that his team had to abandon their run game after falling behind, which heavily impacted their offensive strategy. This allowed Seattle’s defense to concentrate on defending against the pass, neutralizing any potential big plays.
The Importance of Defense Going Forward
The Seahawks’ defensive efforts not only dominated the game but also eased the pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has been nursing an oblique injury, and with the NFC Championship Game approaching, the support from the defense could be crucial. The narrative surrounding Darnold has often painted him as unable to win significant games, making the performances of the Seahawks’ defense all the more vital in this playoff run.
