3 takeaways from Seattle Seahawks imperative Week 13 win

Opportunistic Defense

Heading into a much-needed win, I felt the key to the game would be Seattle’s ability to stop San Francisco’s rushing attack. The run game of the 49ers was the prime reason for their winning streak as they were able to tally at least 150 rushing yards in their wins. Obviously, no Deebo Samuel affected their offense, but Kyle Shanahan knew the Seahawks would try to stop the run game first.

The 49ers finished the game with only 71 total rushing yards. I felt that if Seattle made Jimmy Garoppolo beat them with his arm, then they had a very good chance of getting back into the win column. By stacking the box and overplaying the run game, the Niners put the ball in Garoppolo’s hands. Early on, he was able to hit George Kittle on a strike up the seam to tie the game in the first quarter. But, Seattle ultimately took advantage of his poor ability to read the field.

An interception by Bobby Wagner and Quandre Diggs help set up the Seattle offense in great field position. In fact, the go-ahead touchdown to Lockett all stemmed from the Diggs interception. On a contract year, Quandre Diggs has definitely earned the right to “secure the bag” and I think one of Seattle’s top priorities should be bringing him back. He has been outstanding for this team as both a ballhawk and tackler.

DE Carlos Dunlap had his best game of the season. Down 23-21, Dunlap was able to bull rush an offensive linemen on his way to tying the game up with a sack in the end zone. Then, on the most important play of the game – 4th and goal with seconds remaining – Dunlap got his hand on the ball that put an end to the 49ers potential game-tying drive. It is worth noting on third down, CB Sidney Jones made a great play on the ball that forced an incompletion. Once again, the Seahawks defense remained resilient and held the 49ers scoreless in the second half of a wild game.