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The San Francisco 49ers face off against their division rival Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, following a disappointing loss to the Chicago Bears last weekend at Soldier Field.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks defeated the Denver Broncos by a point, spoiling Russell Wilson's highly anticipated return to Lumen Field after being traded this offseason for a number of future draft selections.
Here are the keys to winning for the 49ers against the Seahawks in Week 2:
1. Penalties, Penalties, Penalties...
It had to be mentioned.
The 49ers committed 12 penalties for 99 yards in 2022, including two 15-yard Dre Greenlaw penalties, a 10-yard Charvarius Ward penalty, a 10-yard Javon Kinlaw penalty, and a 15-yard Azeez Al-Shaair penalty that prolonged three Chicago drives on which they scored all three of their touchdowns.
Overall, the 49ers consistently beat themselves with penalties on either side of the ball, despite outgaining the Bears by over 100 yards and averaging 1.3 yards per play more.
It was a similar theme for the Broncos in Week 1 against the Seahawks, as the former committed 12 penalties for 106 yards and lost, despite gaining 180 yards more than the latter.
The 49ers need to remain disciplined to control the pace of the game, which should alleviate any concerns of a trap game with the Seahawks.
2. Win the offensive line battle
The 49ers offensive line had an up-and-down performance in Week 1, allowing 12 pressures, but forcing Trey Lance to consistently move in the pocket, while also missing certain blocks in the run game.
Against Seattle, the 49ers will be facing a new-look defensive line, led by former Chargers outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 1.
The 49ers should continuity to build their cohesion amongst their offensive front, which should help spearhead the depleted rushing attack without Elijah Mitchell.
If the run-blocking can continue to improve, the transition for backup running backs Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price should be easier as they seek their first NFL carries.
Last weekend, surprisingly, the tackles struggled more than expected, but Trent Williams should have a bounce-back week, while Mike McGlinchey will look to improve in both facets with an extra week to get healthy.
3. Win the turnover battle
Referring to the earlier concept about beating oneself, the 49ers should look to limit their turnovers after having two in Week 1, compared to Chicago's one.
Similarly, in their Week 1 victory, the Seattle Seahawks won the turnover battle 2-1, forcing two fumbles near the goal line.
While it's evident that the 49ers have the better roster on paper, they'll need to limit unforced errors, such as penalties in turnovers, which requires not only good playcalling, but also perfected execution.
More importantly, the 49ers cannot commit a turnover in the redzone, as they did with Deebo Samuel's fumble in Week 1, which limits scoring opportunities.
Especially with a young quarterback starting, the 49ers need to capitalize on scoring opportunities to control game pace and keep their division rivals at bay.
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