In this Thursday night matchup, we preview the Seattle Seahawks traveling to the bay area to take on the San Francisco 49ers.
This will be a hard-hitting, physical contest for both teams on a short week.
I present my BSO preview and matchups:
Try And Run:
Both teams prevent you from running the ball on most Sundays.
The 49ers are ranked no. 1 in the league in rushing, and Seahawks hold that same rank as a defense against the run. The Niners need to run to get any consistency from their offense, so you can definitely expect Seattle to stack the line of scrimmage.
U Mad Bro:
Richard Sherman and Brandon Browner are two tall, physical corners who do their best to dictate to the receivers they are facing. It will be imperative for Alex Smith to play fearless against these two and try to fit balls into tight spots. The 49ers must get solid protection from their outside receiver or it will be a long night for Frank Gore.
Russell Wilson:
The 49ers have a top-tier defense, but do not necessarily cause that much havoc in the passing games. Their passing defense is dictated by a team approach with the linebackers feeling in gaps and playing the middle well. If Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson can get some shots outside, he must hit a home run or two. San Francisco only has two interceptions on the season, and their corners can be had.
This will be a physical contest from the first whistle. If the Seahawks can hang around, make plays in the passing game, and let their corners do what they do, this game will be close at the end.