Seahawks week 10: 6 questions about the 49ers with Niner Noise

Seahawks offense versus the 49ers defense

12th Man Rising: If you were the Seahawks offensive coaches looking at the 49ers powerful defensive line, how would you attack the San Francisco defense?

Peter Panacy: San Francisco switched to a wide-9 defensive alignment, which allows the edge rushers more open space at the expense of a more-exposed interior. Teams have had success running the ball against the interior of the Niners defense, which is something I’d expect to happen again in Week 10. On top of that, the 49ers’ loss of linebacker Kwon Alexander to a season-ending pectoral injury could be critical. It’s a storyline to watch.

San Francisco still seems susceptible to giving up successful screen and swing passes, and there’s usually one or two of those per game in which the Niners defense gives up a huge gain. Those quick outs negate a strong pass rush.

49ers offense surprise!

12th Man Rising: What have been two or three of the biggest surprises about the 49ers offensively?

Peter Panacy: As a whole, it’s not much of a surprise to see the Niners do what they have been doing this side of the ball. Head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, when it has the pieces in place, can function like this. Just take a look at what the 2016 Atlanta Falcons were able to do when Shanahan was the offensive coordinator there.

But there have been surprises, namely with the player not typically getting a lot of attention. The 49ers have been down their starting offensive tackles, Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchey, for the majority of 2019. Fill-in tackles Justin Skule and Daniel Brunskill have been solid enough, not playing at Pro Bowl levels or anything, but doing more than just holding their own.

San Francisco will welcome Staley back in Week 10, and McGlinchey could return, too. But it’s worth giving some credit to both Skule and Brunskill for shouldering the load in the intertim.