Seahawks vs. 49ers: 5 questions about the Niners for week 15
By Lee Vowell
How can 49ers pull off the upset on Sunday?
12th Man Rising: The 49ers were missing a lot of players in week 13. What are a couple of reasons San Francisco fans can be hopeful that the 49ers pull off the upset on Sunday?
Panacy: Running back Matt Breida was banged up. And while Jeff Wilson has been good the past couple of weeks, Breida’s presence is helpful. So is wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who missed the previous two weeks with a personal leave of absence. Goodwin takes the top off a defense, and the passing game has been woefully different without him in the lineup.
San Francisco’s secondary is going to be questionable, however, especially at safety. Jaquiski Tartt has missed time with a shoulder issue. Same with nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams. This thrust defensive backs Marcell Harris and D.J. Reed into starting roles. Harris missed three tackles in Seattle but made some excellent open-field takedowns last week. It’s going to be interesting to see what the rookies do after a down game in Week 13, then a great effort versus Denver.
49ers draft in 2019
12th Man Rising: The 49ers currently have a draft pick in each of the first four rounds of the 2019 draft. What does San Francisco need to get from next year’s draft to help them be successful in the next three seasons?
Panacy: Pass rush, pass rush and more pass rush. That’ll solve a whole heck of a lot. Fortunately, the 2019 NFL Draft is laden with outside edge rushers, of which the Niners could use at least one. Perhaps two. Cornerback is close to the top of needs too, although second-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon has shed many of the early issues he’s had this season over the past few weeks.
And it would be great to see a big-bodied wide receiver with speed to burn. There really isn’t any true “go to” guy on the roster just as of yet, although former Washington wideout Dante Pettis has come on as of late.
After that, depth. The 49ers’ depth has been tested a lot this year.