For the Seattle Seahawks, hosting the 49ers in the Divisional Round represents more than just another playoff game -- it’s the third meeting between these division rivals in 2025, a series that has already tested adjustments on both sides of the ball.
After seeing the Niners travel across the country to defeat the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles last week, it’s clear that while San Francisco’s defense deserves credit, the focus for Seattle and HC Mike Macdonald this week starts on offense, where containing Christian McCaffrey remains the paramount task.
Limiting his explosiveness isn’t simply a question for the defensive line or linebackers; it requires coordination from the back end, particularly from a unique ballplayer like corner Devon Witherspoon.
Devon Witherspoon will affect the outcome of the Seahawks versus the 49ers' Divisional Round game
Witherspoon, a former Day 1 pick out of Illinois a few years ago, has emerged as one of the most unique corners in football, blending coverage instincts with physicality that allows him to play downhill, engage at the line of scrimmage, and take away perimeter options.
In the passing game, Seattle will lean on him to handle a range of San Francisco targets. DeMarcus Robinson, Jauan Jennings, and Kendrick Bourne all present mismatches if left unchecked, and the potential availability of Ricky Pearsall, who has battled a lower-body injury, could shift target distribution heavily -- he could easily see upwards of ten targets.
To counter them, Witherspoon’s alignment versatility will be invaluable. Whether he’s lining up outside or in the slot, he’s capable of taking away key routes, forcing offenses into less favorable matchups, and creating turnovers with his instincts.
Then there's the enforcer mentality that Witherspoon brings to the Seahawks back end, which has remained a hallmark of his presence.
His physicality, football IQ, and ability to operate in multiple roles allow Seattle to maintain defensive balance while adapting to any motion or formation San Francisco presents, and for a team intent on punching its ticket to the NFC Championship Game, limiting big plays, slowing McCaffrey, and creating chaos in the passing lanes is non-negotiable.
This week, as the Seahawks attempt to capitalize on home-field advantage and secure the next step in their postseason journey, Witherspoon will be the cornerstone of their defensive strategy -- a physical, versatile, playmaking presence tasked with keeping the Niners in check at every turn.