Last week, San Francisco lost a close one, 23-24, to the Arizona Cardinals. The Seahawks are on a two-game losing streak and are eager to snap it at home on Thursday Night Football. To return to the win column, the 49ers must stick to these Keys to Victory.
Stop the Run
The 49ers' defense cannot afford another meltdown like they had against the Cardinals, who rushed for 169 yards. The good news is that Geno Smith is not Kyler Murray, although Smith did rush for 72 yards on four attempts against the New York Giants. The 49ers need to contain the Seahawks' running back duo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Taking away the run will force Smith to become one-dimensional.
Execution in the Red Zone
The 49ers went 1-for-6 in the red zone against the Cardinals. Currently, they rank 29th in red zone efficiency, converting just 40.91% of their opportunities this season. The team must find ways to execute and score touchdowns in the red zone. Expect Kyle Shanahan to dial up more creative plays to get into the end zone. The players, especially the quarterback, need to execute those plays better. After reviewing the film, it's clear that each red zone trip should have resulted in a touchdown, but poor execution and negative plays limited them to just one score.
Consistent Rush Attack
The 49ers' rushing attack is strong, but it fades at times. Jordan Mason rushed 14 times for 89 yards against the Cardinals, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Mason should get a minimum of 25 carries, as Shanahan will look to wear down the Seahawks' defense. Seattle's run defense ranks 20th in the NFL, allowing an average of 128 yards per game. The 49ers should remain committed to the run, even if the Seahawks try to shut it down early.
Efficiency
Brock Purdy's completion percentage against the Cardinals was just 54.0%. To build rhythm and momentum, the 49ers need to get back to quick throws, slants, screens, etc. Although explosive downfield throws are impressive, the 49ers are a much better unit when playing in a rhythm. It's almost like a boxing match—you don't throw the haymaker too early, or you risk running out of gas.
When Purdy completes over 60% of his throws, the 49ers are 18-4. Expect the 49ers to move the ball and improve on third-down conversions. Longer sustained drives will keep the Seahawks' offense on the sidelines. Purdy's efficiency is key.
Missed Tackles
The 49ers' defense missed 12 tackles against the Cardinals, mostly in the fourth quarter. It was like a scene from the Twilight Zone, watching missed tackle after missed tackle. The run defense will face a tough challenge against the Seahawks' rushing attack, led by Walker.
Although the Seahawks rank 22nd in rushing, they average 105.4 yards per game. Walker leads the NFL with the highest Pro Football Focus run grade of 91.9. He has missed a few games due to injury, and he's coming off a low-yardage game against the Giants. He has six explosive runs on the season for a long of 28, and 133 of his 202 yards are after contact. The 49ers must be fundamentally sound on defense, wrapping up and tackling consistently.
Although this may not be a mathematical must-win for the 49ers, it is mentally crucial. The team does not want to lose a third game within their division, a scenario that could significantly impact their standings. Expect the 49ers to play with their backs against the wall.
To secure the win, they must stick to the Keys to Victory. The importance of this game cannot be overstated, as it will be pivotal for the 49ers' outlook on the season.