3 quick reactions from Seattle Seahawks victory over the 49ers Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks moved to 4-8 with a 30-23 victory over the 49ers in Week 13. Seattle showed mettle it wasn’t clear they had. Maybe Seattle won’t make the postseason this season but they did do some things that made it seem like 2022 might be OK and that was good enough.

For what seemed like the first time this year, Seattle led time of possession. Seattle also outrushed the 49ers. Russell Wilson looked good. The defense turned the ball over. It was crazy in a way. Like, where did this team come from?

If not for Gerald Everett, Seattle might have won a lot more easily. But more on that in a minute.

Quick reactions from Seattle Seahawks victory over the 49ers in Week 13

Number one: Larry Izzo is the best unit coach on the team

Special teams is the best and most continuously good part of the Seahawks. Not only is Michael Dickson the best punter in the NFL and kicked one 65 yards against the 49ers that seemed like it traveled halfway to the moon (Dickson averaged 51.3 yards per punt on four punts in the game) but special teams coverage has been great all year and last year.

Larry Izzo made a perfect call on Seattle’s first drive of the game, though, when he called for a fake punt and Tavis Homer took the snap and ran for 73 yards and a touchdown. Izzo seems to know the imperfections of his opposition better than do either Shane Waldron or Ken Norton, Jr. Izzo needs to be signed to a 10-year extension.

Number two: Rashaad Penny is maddeningly good at times

Penny played and didn’t get hurt. That’s news in itself. Penny finished with 35 yards on 10 runs but looked strong and pushed the line forward when he was tackled early. Penny also had a huge catch and run for 27 yards and looked fast and powerful.

The issue with Penny is he doesn’t stay healthy and maybe at times doesn’t seem to want to play when hurt. But Penny can be so good when he plays. This is why Seattle coaches aren’t stupid for sticking with him. Penny looks like he can be great. He is just unreliable.

Number three: Russell Wilson still owns the 49ers

Seattle might be in spoiler-mode for the rest of the year but now they have beaten the 49ers twice in 2021 and Russell Wilson is 16-4 in his career versus San Francisco. Wilson did allow some pressures against him he shouldn’t have but for once he threw to running backs and tight ends.

One tight end, Gerald Everett, had one of the most snake-bit games I can remember as he fumbled twice (one near the goal line of the 49ers) and muffed a sure touchdown that ended up in the arms of a 49er.

Take away Everett and the Seahawks probably win by 14 points or more. And Wilson mostly looked like his old self. Might not help for the postseason this year but vintage Russ gives hope for the next couple of years beyond.