showdown in seattle

johnny sunchips



When the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers kickoff at 6:30 eastern on Sunday, make sure that wherever you are, watching the game, all your needs are at close range. This match up has all the makings of a good old fashioned rock fight and you surely do not want to miss a single play. These are undoubtedly the two best teams in the NFC. I know Carolina secured the number two seed in the conference, but the 12-4 'niners were more deserving of their five seed, and that showed last week on the road against the Panthers. Seattle has been arguably the best team in the entire league over the course of the campaign with just one loss at home, a week sixteen loss to a very good Arizona Cardinal team that didn't qualify for the post season, despite winning ten games. What's more, there is a genuine dislike between the players. After a week fourteen meeting in which San Francisco prevailed by a score of 19-17, the always outspoken Seattle defensive back Richard Sherman was quoted as calling the meeting no more than a "glorified practice". Bulletin board material? Perhaps. Here is how I see the contest...

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1) Offense: Two young quarterbacks, who are emerging as the faces of the future under their respective centers, Colin Kapernick and Russell Wilson, can both pass with precision and also make plays with their legs. Running backs Frank Gore and Marshawn Lynch can gain both tough yards up the middle or bust loose for big gains on both the short and long sides of the field. Here's the difference maker. The return of wide out Michael Crabtree has taken pressure of Anquan Bolden and Vernon Davis, opening up a well rounded 49er offense. On the other side, the health status of versatile wide receiver Percy Harvin, concussed last week versus the Saints, remains in question for Seattle. He may go, but how effective will he be if he does. Advantage: 49ers

2) Defense: This is a virtual coin flip. San Francisco's strength lies with their linebackers. Ahmad Brooks, NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis and Aldon Smith may rank with the best ever on a team at one time, after all is said and done. The cornerstone of the Seahawks unit lies in the secondary. Hard hitting Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas and Byron Maxwell average just over three years in experience, and could be good for a long time. This category is dead even.

3) Special Teams: The 49ers have fifteen year veteran Phil Dawson who made 32 of 36 field goal attempts during the season and has yet to miss in six tries this post season. Seattle's Steven Hauschka amassed 143 points during the season while making all three of his attempts during the playoffs. The Seahawks Golden Tate can take a punt to the house if a tackle is missed and a big play on special teams can invigorate a team. Do you believe Richard Sherman is the back up punt returner?
Edge: Seahawks

4) Coaching: Both Pete Carroll and Jim Harbaugh have had great success in college and quite frankly have proved me wrong in thinking that their styles would not translate onto the pro level. Both do a great job in motivating their teams and have surrounded themselves with solid assistants. Harbaugh has resurrected a franchise rich in Super Bowl history while Carroll can cement himself in Seattle lore with a Super Bowl win, which would be their first in two tries (lost 21-10 to Pittsburgh in Super Bowl 40). Once again, their is no clear cut advantage. Even.

5) Intangibles: Seattle has been so dominant at home during the season and Century Link field has not been kind to the 49ers in their past two trips there, being outscored by a 71-16 margin. Week two of this year was the last time they played there, losing 29-3. There are a more seasoned team since.  That said, San Francisco has won eight consecutive games, including playoff road wins at Green Bay and Carolina. They relish the opportunities on the road, and their success in enemy territory will continue. Battle tested and with just a bit more experience in the month of January, the edge is clear. Advantage: 49ers

Final Score: San Francisco 20  Seattle 18