Bump’s Seahawks Breakdown: The 3 matchups to watch vs the 49ers
Jan 13, 2023, 10:53 AM
The Seahawks were able to get into the playoffs after missing the postseason last year. Their prize? A third date with the NFC West-champion 49ers.
San Francisco not only won 10 straight games to end the season and to secure the NFC’s No. 2 seed, but the ‘9ers also swept the season series with the Seahawks for the first time since 2011.
When these two teams face off for a third time this season, what should you keep a close eye on? Former NFL receiver Michael Bumpus of Seattle Sports 710 AM’s Bump and Stacy shared the three matchups he’ll be looking for this weekend. If the Hawks can get the edge in these matchups, Bump thinks they may be able to pull off the upset.
The first matchup is star 49ers tight end George Kittle going up against Seattle’s safeties. Kittle had two touchdowns the last time these two teams faced off, and one of those was on a bit of a trick play that resulted in the Seahawks’ safeties getting out of position.
The second matchup also involves Seattle’s defense. That would be the second level at linebacker. Starting inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks tore his ACL in Week 17, so Cody Barton is now the on-field play-caller for the Seahawks’ defense and Tanner Muse has been the team’s other inside linebacker when they’re in base defense. They will be key figures in defending the 49ers’ rushing attack, Bumpus said.
“Can these guys be disciplined with their eyes?” he asked.
And last but not least, the quarterback battle.
The 49ers have seventh-round rookie Brock Purdy while the Hawks have Pro Bowler Geno Smith.
Purdy may be “Mr. Irrelevant” as he was the final pick in last April’s draft, but Bump pointed out that this Saturday will be Smith’s first career playoff game as well.
Watch and listen to Bump’s latest video breakdown at this link or in the video player at the top of this story.
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• Seahawks enter playoff game vs 49ers in good health, Neal to return
• Pete Carroll previews Seahawks’ playoff matchup vs rival 49ers
• Seahawks’ Kenneth Walker III could be difference this time vs 49ers
