In an important early-season NFC West contest, the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field on Thursday evening.
The Seahawks won their first three games of the campaign but dropped the next two. The last loss was particularly disappointing, a 29-20 defeat at the hands of the New York Giants.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith enters the divisional bout with the 49ers as the NFL's 2024 passing leader with 1,466 yards through the air. He's thrown five touchdown passes and is completing 71.9% of his passes.
At 2-3, the 49ers are beginning to face questions, even from within their own ranks. Star defender Nick Bosa recently criticized the in-game adjustments (or lack thereof) by first-year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, though in remarks to the media on Tuesday, Sorensen downplayed Bosa's criticism, stating that the team has been making defensive adjustments during games with open communication among players and coaching staff on the sideline.
In any event, the struggling San Francisco defense figures to be hard-pressed to contain Smith's favorite target, All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf, who already has 28 receptions for 421 yards and two touchdowns.
Conversely, Seattle coach Mike Macdonald anticipates his defense facing a sturdy challenge from the 49ers' talented offense. Meeting with journalists on Monday, he explained what made him nervous.
"If you're not careful, they can gash you in a hurry," Macdonald said. "You can play 15 plays well in a row, and the 16th play creases you.... They're a really good operation. [I] have a ton of respect for those guys."
The outcome of this Thursday night affair could play a significant role in shaping the race for the NFC West title. Should the Seahawks prevail, they would be 1.5 games ahead of the Arizona Cardinals and two full games ahead of the 49ers. By contrast, should the 49ers come out on top, they would draw even with Seattle in the division.
