Seahawks versus 49ers: Inside the numbers
By Lee Vowell
Seahawks versus 49ers. Has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? This year, though, the luster of the matchup has diminished. The 49ers are not good. Seattle is banged. Here is a look at some of the numbers for Sunday. You’re welcome.
The Seahawks numbers are a bit skewed because the numbers were built on many players no longer active for Seattle. And Monday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons was just weird. The Falcons won 34-31 but had less than 300 yards total offense even though they were 9-14 on third down. Strange. Very strange.
That said, here is what the raw numbers look like when the Seahawks take on the 49ers Sunday at 1:05 pm PT in Santa Clara, California.
Points allowed per game
Seahawks: 19.9 (tenth in the NFL)
49ers: 26 (30th in the NFL)
The Falcons did score 34 on Monday. But 27 of it was offensive as the defense scored a touchdown. Plus, another Seattle turnover gave Atlanta great field position.
Even though the 49ers give up 26 points a game, they have only given up more than that three time in ten games. San Francisco has given up 21 points or fewer in four games.
Points scored per game
Seahawks: 24.2 (tenth)
49ers: 17.4 (27th)
I think these averages may be more indicative of the score Seattle wins by on Sunday. As I mentioned above, the real number of points the 49ers give up is around 24, if one takes out the outliers of points scored the most and least against the 49ers. This is Seattle’s average offensive output.
The 49ers scored 10 points against Seattle in week two. San Francisco can probably score one more touchdown against a weakened Seattle defense this week.
Turnover margin
Seahawks: +5 (eighth)
49ers: -4 (22nd)
Here is the easiest way for Seattle to win on Sunday: Force turnovers. The 49ers are young. Seattle has a good pass rush. If the Seahawks can get pressure on 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard, he should throw a pick or three. Beathard has thrown at least one interception the last three games. Seattle should make that four in a row.
Penalties
Seahawks: 103 (18th in the NFL; I am joking, of course. We all know they are first by a huge margin.)
49ers: 78 (fifth)
Get ready, 12s! Sunday is going to be completely full of penalties. On both sides. 12s know how every week will go. Some team will sustain a drive because Seattle picks up one or five penalties on third downs on a single drive. It’s just weird. #ConspiracyTheory
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Bottom line is, the Seahawks have to and should win on Sunday. Seattle is simply better than San Francisco.