San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks: Taming the Beast

from seahawks.com

I would like to do a much longer preview, but I didn't have time today. If you don't know my rule, know I never bet against the 49ers, so you can safely assume I'm picking them to win this game.

I can write 10,000 words explaining to you why the offense will be better equipped to unlock the Seattle defense with Michael Crabtree on the field. But you can read that anywhere. As important as Crabtree's return is, I think it's possibly been overstated. Maybe not overstated actually, but his return has overshadowed other keys to the game.

from atlantablackstar.com

When it comes down to it, I truly believe (way deep down) that the 49ers playing their best are better than the Seahawks at their best. I think we have more weapons on offense, and I think that when Colin Kaepernick is in a rhythm and on his game (a big if) he is a better quarterback than Russell Wilson (who is undoubtedly a more polished, consistent and accomplished passer overall at this point).

I think our defense has the better front seven, I think they clearly have the better secondary, but overall I'd take the Niners' starting 11 on defense over the Seahawks' starting 11. Our four linebackers are unmatched in terms of talent and production; and I'd take their sure tackling, pressure on the quarterback, and ability to create turnovers on any play (passing or running) over the Seahawks' "legion of boom."

With the Seahawks away from CenturyLink, and the 49ers focused and motivated to play their best football, I think our best tops the Seahawks' best tomorrow. I think Frank Gore will run effectively enough, if not spectacularly, to give Kaepernick the balance he needs to have a solid passing day.

from nydailynews.com

I expect that when it's all said and done, we will say that Kaepernick won this game with his arm.

In the first meeting in Week 2, the 49er defense played strong from the start. By the end of the first quarter Russel Wilson's stat line looked like this: 0-6 for no yards, an interception, and a sack. That was in Seattle.

The offense single-handedly lost that game despite a stellar first half performance by the defense. Turnovers and a lack of offensive cohesion that caused short, ineffective drives put the defense in bad positions time and time again until they finally broke. It was inevitable. They played admirably though; much, much better than the 29 points scored against them would indicate. I expect more of the same in this game, but this time the Seahawks won't have the benefit of a cooperative crowd and Aldon Smith smacking an offensive lineman in the helmet for no reason to extend a drive like an idiot (knock on wood).

Our offense was actually more effective than the Seahawks early on in that game, and without a poor redzone decision by Kaepernick we would have taken an early (albeit minimal) lead. Kaepernick is more seasoned and more prepared at this stage of the season, and he will be more comfortable at home. I fully expect such boneheaded mistakes to be erased...or at least kept to a minimum.

The key is aggression. We need to score and score early and we need to keep the Seahawks off-balance offensively. We need to put pressure on them to throw it early and often.

The way to beat the Seahawks tomorrow is simple: stop Marshawn Lynch.

from topbet.eu

We have not stopped the "Beast" in our last three contests, and if he gets going for a fourth consecutive time the Seahawks have a very strong chance to do some damage against our defense. If we can remove Lynch from the equation and make the Seahawks a one-dimensional team, I'll take our pass rush against their offensive line any day. I'd also take our secondary over their receiving corps any day--especially without Percy Harvin.

Russell Wilson is going to work some magic and make plays only he can make. He's going to make you scratch your head in semi-disbelief and frustration, but I do not believe that he can pick apart the Niners secondary without some semblance of a threat of Lynch and the running game. A one-dimensional Seahawks team is a very beatable team, especially at the Stick.

Tame the Beast, and we can take this game.

I'm expecting that to happen.

27-19, 49ers.

from sfgate.com