Seahawks week 10: 6 questions about the 49ers with Niner Noise
By Lee Vowell
The good 49ers drafts
12th Man Rising: The 49ers have drafted to scheme and have done it well defensively. What will be the biggest challenges facing the team in three or four seasons?
Peter Panacy: Defensively, it’s always tough to “keep the gang together.” It’s why you often see those defensive-first teams retain prominence for only a handful of seasons before they regress.
The Niners are one of the best teams in the league managing the salary cap (thank you, Paraag Marathe). But, unlike recent years when the 49ers weren’t good, there are going to be some tough contractual decisions coming up in the very near future. Armstead, who has been outstanding in 2019, is a free agent next year. Buckner is due for what promises to be a massive contract extension, while tight end George Kittle could be extended as early as next year.
In the immediate future, keeping the depth along the defensive line is going to be tough. Then finding some younger, cheaper options in the secondary will be pressing in the next couple of years.
Russell Wilson anyone?
12th Man Rising: If you were a 49ers fan rightfully confident that your favorite team will beat Seattle, what would be a couple of your biggest worries going into week 10?
Peter Panacy: Russell Wilson and Russell Wilson. Maybe some Russell Wilson, too.
Seattle’s quarterback is on pace to be the league MVP. It’s crazy to think the only game he’s posted a less-than 100 passer rating is the loss to the Baltimore Ravens, in which he tossed his lone interception on the year. So much of the Seahawks’ 2019 success has fallen on Wilson, and 49ers fans know too well he’s more than capable of putting his team on his shoulders and taking over a game.
Yes, wide receiver Tyler Lockett is dangerous. So is running back Chris Carson. Linebacker Bobby Wagner is oh-so dangerous, too. But if you want to bet on any Seattle player doing the most damage to San Francisco, it’s Wilson. Hands down.