Not even being the defending Super Bowl champions has been enough for the Seattle Seahawks to get the credit they've earned. People often talk about bigger markets, flashier players, and other franchises, as if that were enough to go the distance.
That's why everyone was quick to move on from the Los Angeles Rams to jump on the San Francisco 49ers' bandwagon. They're one of the few undefeated teams in the league after four weeks, though, so they deserve some credit.
That said, the 49ers' 4-0 record might not be as impressive upon further review. They've caught some lucky breaks, and they still haven't put anything on tape that should make the Seahawks lose any sleep.
The 49ers have been good, but the Seattle Seahawks are better
Through four games, Kyle Shanahan's team is tied for the second-most points scored per game (30.5), leads the league in successful third-down conversion rate (57.5 percent), and averages the ninth-most yards per game (389.0). On defense, they hold opponents to just 16 points per game, the third-lowest average.
That's impressive and all, and certainly better than the Seahawks thus far. In the first month, Mike Macdonald's team averaged 26.3 PPG (11th) and allowed 18.3 PPG (fifth). However, they do have the second-best defense in total yards allowed (263.3) and the No. 1 pass defense in the league (144.8 passing yards).
That said, our take goes well beyond the numbers. Let's take a look at the 49ers' schedule to date and their four wins to prove just why they're not as big a threat as the media wants everyone to believe.
First, they hosted a jet-lagged Los Angeles Rams team that pretty much sold the season opener in Australia. Aaron Donald didn't play, Myles Garrett had a bad knee, and it looked like Matthew Stafford was still tucked in between the sheets. It was an unprepared disaster by Sean McVay's team.
Then, the 49ers hosted the Miami Dolphins for their home opener. Yes, that's the same Dolphins team that has yet to win a game and ranks dead last in points per game (11.5). Forgive me if I'm not that impressed by their ability to shut down Malik Willis.
Still not convinced? Well, what if I tell you that the Jacoby Brissett-led Arizona Cardinals took them to the wire with a 36-30 thriller? It was a two-point game in the fourth quarter before the Cardinals found a way to Cardinal their way to a road loss in this one.
Brissett threw for 280 yards and two scores with no turnovers, and the Cardinals had more first downs, went 2-for-2 on fourth down, and dominated time of possession.
Finally, the 49ers went against a contending team for a change, hosting the Denver Broncos in Week 4. Little does the average fan know that the Broncos were down their top two corners for this game, and Bo Nix has only thrown for over 220 passing yards once this season. In fact, that was his first game without throwing an interception.
The 49ers are talented and well-coached, but they're also a hospital. They can't stay healthy, and they've proven to be a regular-season team. So, yeah, they might lead the NFC West for now, but the Seahawks are still the better team.
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