Studs and duds from the Seahawks thrilling Week 11 win against the 49ers

Coming off their bye week, the Seattle Seahawks faced a pivotal matchup against their NFC West rival, the San Francisco 49ers. The stakes were high as the Seahawks aimed to snap a two-game losing streak and reignite their playoff hopes. Despite the 49ers dealing with a depleted lineup, they remained as formidable as ever, bringing physicality and grit to what has become one of the fiercest rivalries in the league.

The Seahawks showed resilience, digging deep to secure a thrilling comeback victory. The offense found its rhythm in the second half, while the defense made crucial stops to turn the tide. This win not only gave Seattle a much-needed morale boost but also kept them in contention within the highly competitive NFC playoff race. However, the game was far from flawless, with moments of brilliance shadowed by lingering inconsistencies.

As we break down the action, it's clear there were standout performances that defined the Seahawks’ success. At the same time, some missed opportunities and costly errors nearly derailed their efforts. Let’s take a closer look at the stars of the game and the moments Seattle will need to clean up as they gear up for the season’s final stretch.

Studs and duds from the Seahawks must-have victory over the 49ers in Week 11

STUD - Seahawks stopping the run

The Seahawks entered their bye week searching for solutions to snap a two-game losing streak and reignite their season. Standing in their way in Week 11 was a San Francisco 49ers squad loaded with playmakers, presenting a daunting challenge. Known for their physicality and explosive rushing attack, the 49ers have historically given the Seahawks’ defense fits, particularly with their ability to dominate time of possession on the ground.

In this matchup, however, the Seahawks’ defense rose to the occasion, successfully neutralizing much of the 49ers’ rushing threat. Christian McCaffrey, one of the league’s premier backs, was held to 79 rushing yards and kept out of the end zone. This was a critical achievement for a defense that had struggled to contain running backs in previous games. While quarterback Brock Purdy found success with his legs, tallying 40 rushing yards and a touchdown, the Seahawks limited the overall impact of San Francisco’s ground game.

By stepping up against one of the NFL’s most dynamic rushing offenses, the Seahawks’ defense provided the foundation for a much-needed victory. Though there’s room for improvement—particularly in containing mobile quarterbacks—the team proved it has the resilience and grit necessary to compete in high-stakes divisional battles.

DUD - Seahawks run offense

The Seattle Seahawks have faced recurring issues throughout the season, and one of the most glaring has been their struggling run game. Inconsistent performances on the ground have hampered their offensive balance, allowing opposing defenses to key in on Geno Smith and the passing attack. Without a reliable rushing attack to keep defenses honest, the Seahawks have often struggled to sustain drives and capitalize in critical moments.

In Week 11, the run game continued to falter despite a brief spark from Kenneth Walker III, who managed to score a rushing touchdown. However, Walker’s production was otherwise limited, as he tallied just 54 rushing yards on the day. The lack of explosive plays or consistent gains on the ground forced the offense to rely heavily on Smith, making it difficult to maintain momentum against a stout 49ers defense.

For the Seahawks to succeed down the stretch, finding solutions for their running game woes is essential. Whether it’s better execution from the offensive line, more creative play-calling, or a greater commitment to the ground game, adjustments need to be made. Without improvement, the pressure on Smith and the aerial attack will only grow, making it harder to compete against playoff-caliber opponents.

STUD- Ernest Jones IV

The Seattle Seahawks’ run defense has steadily improved this season, thanks to a collective team effort that emphasizes discipline and physicality. However, in their Week 11 comeback win against the 49ers, one player stood out above the rest: newly acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV. His presence in the middle of the defense has been a game-changer, particularly in shutting down one of the league’s most formidable rushing offenses.

Jones, who joined the Seahawks via trade just a few weeks ago, has quickly made his mark on the team. Against San Francisco, he delivered a standout performance, recording 13 total tackles, several of which contributed to negative or minimal gains for the 49ers’ rushing attack. His ability to read plays, shed blocks, and make crucial stops helped neutralize Christian McCaffrey and limit San Francisco’s ground game to manageable yardage.

The impact of Jones extends beyond his impressive stat line. His leadership and energy have elevated the play of those around him, solidifying a defense that had previously struggled against elite rushing teams. As the Seahawks push toward the postseason, Jones’ contributions will be critical in maintaining a balanced and effective defensive unit capable of competing against top-tier offenses.

DUD - Seahawks pass protection

The Seahawks’ offensive line has been a recurring issue this season, consistently struggling to provide adequate protection for quarterback Geno Smith. This vulnerability has forced Smith into hurried throws, often leading to turnovers that have derailed Seattle's offensive drives. With the line unable to hold up against sustained pressure, the Seahawks’ offensive rhythm has suffered, putting additional strain on the team’s passing game.

In Week 11 against the 49ers, the line once again faltered, allowing four sacks. While this might seem like a respectable performance against a defensive front anchored by Nick Bosa, it underscores a troubling pattern. Smith faced relentless pressure throughout the game, which disrupted Seattle’s offensive flow and limited their ability to exploit opportunities downfield. Even when not sacked, Smith had to navigate collapsing pockets, further impacting his effectiveness.

If the Seahawks hope to make a playoff push, the offensive line must find a way to improve. Whether it’s through personnel changes, improved communication, or adjustments in coaching strategy, the line needs to provide better protection for Smith. Without a stable foundation in the trenches, the Seahawks’ offense will continue to face challenges, making it difficult to compete against top-tier defenses like San Francisco’s.

The Seahawks’ thrilling comeback win against the 49ers was a much-needed boost for a team fighting to stay in the playoff race. Key performances on both sides of the ball made the difference, showcasing the team’s potential when they play with resilience and determination. However, with the NFC playoff picture tightening, Seattle cannot afford to let recurring issues like offensive line struggles and an inconsistent running game linger.

To sustain their momentum, the Seahawks must build on the standout efforts that secured this win while addressing the glaring weaknesses that could derail their postseason hopes. Every game from here on out is crucial, and Seattle will need a collective effort to stay competitive in the battle for a playoff spot. The path ahead is challenging, but with continued growth and improvement, the Seahawks have the tools to make a strong push.

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