The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 24-14 last Sunday, marking four straight wins. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey each scored. Quarterback Brock Purdy finished with two touchdown passes, including a late tight-end screen to George Kittle for a 56-yard touchdown that essentially clinched the game.
The game shifted on a Denver special teams turnover when defensive back Siran Neal forced and recovered a fumble, setting up the 49ers on a short field and leading to their first score.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix was held in check, while the 49ers kept their opponent to under 100 rushing yards for the second straight week. With just one penalty and strong play from linebacker tandem Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers secured their most resilient win of the season.
Next up: the Seattle Seahawks in a Pacific Northwest divisional battle.
After a surprising Week 3 loss to Washington, Seattle sits at 3-1. Quarterback Sam Darnold has missed two weeks, and injuries have sidelined their running backs. Coach Mike Macdonald has previously given Brock Purdy fits with his defensive schemes, which resulted in losses in the last two matchups.
Seattle still has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball, but it's certainly not the most disciplined team right now, ranking third in the NFL in most penalty yards (327).
It's always a physical battle between these two rivals. There is no love lost. Here are five players to watch in this NFC West showdown.
5 - Dre Greenlaw
Dre Greenlaw's motivations were on full display last week against a former coach who ultimately spurned him, recording a team-high 12 tackles and a forced fumble against Denver. His solo and total tackle output has increased each week. Greenlaw's coverage on opponents is allowing just five yards per target. Keeping everything in front of him has worked, as long as Seattle's skill players or tight end AJ Barner do not accumulate much run after catch against him.
4 - Fred Warner
Last year's ankle injury kept Fred Warner out of the last two matchups against Seattle. Leading the team in tackles, including two forced fumbles, Warner is back to All-Pro form. He has similar coverage numbers to Greenlaw, but Warner has made his mark on run defense, ranking first among all qualified linebackers. He will get his tackles, but when Seattle runs, expect a patented peanut punch attempt or two from Warner.
3 - Deommodore Lenoir
In the last six games against the 49ers, Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has had two 100+ receiving-yard games but zero touchdowns. That matchup will assuredly feature cornerbacks Renardo Green and Upton Stout, but Deommodore Lenoir will likely get most of the work.
JSN has caught at least five passes for 75+ receiving yards in every game this season, plus six touchdowns. Lenoir's assignment this week is to do anything to slow down that production. Avoiding a pass interference penalty will be vital as well.
2 - Christian McCaffrey
With four touchdowns in the last three weeks, McCaffrey has been reliable without lofty production so far. His longest rush and reception have been 16 yards, so big gains are unlikely, but his efficiency remains consistent, with CMC averaging 4.5 yards per rush. He hasn't surpassed 19 touches this season, but against a division opponent on the road, it wouldn't be a surprise to see McCaffrey get 20-25 touches this week, possibly with another score.
1 - Brock Purdy
In five career games at Seattle, Brock Purdy averages under 200 passing yards with eight touchdowns and four picks, but the last two matchups have produced no scores and three interceptions. Seattle's defense under Mike Macdonald has given Purdy fits, but so far, Purdy has been exemplary. The poise and accuracy have been on full display.
This week, the key will be his decision-making, avoiding tight windows, and perhaps scrambling out of the pocket for first downs. Purdy has been cooking, so anything is on the table statistically, and wouldn't be a surprise.
More info on: Renardo Green, Dre Greenlaw, George Kittle, Deommodore Lenoir, Christian McCaffrey, Siran Neal, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, Upton Stout, Fred Warner
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