Seahawks player discusses how to slow down the 49ers offense

admin | December 8, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Seattle Seahawks face a difficult job this Sunday, but one Seahawks defender described how to succeed against a squad like the San Francisco 49ers (spoiler: it’s not easy).

The 49ers are first in the NFL in terms of EPA/play (0.186) and third in terms of points per game (29.3), trailing only Dallas and Miami. This is due in large part to a plethora of offensive weaponry and some outstanding teamwork. Misdirection and movement have been key components, with players like Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey benefiting from defensive uncertainty.

So, what is the key to effective defense against these thugs? Seahawks pass rusher Frank Clark, who has plenty of experience against the 49ers, put it bluntly: “When a team does something well, they’re going to find a way to make it work against you.”

“They’re very good (at misdirection),” Clark said Thursday to The Huddle. “And when you’re good at something, you tend to work at it.” Similarly to the Eagles and the (quarterback sneak). They’re the most skilled at it. I don’t see San Francisco abandoning it anytime soon.”

That’s not very promising. However, the 49ers have not been flawless this season. So, how have various defenses fared against them?

“You notice the teams that do have success against them play them more aggressive,” Clark said in a statement. “They play them straight up, they’re fighting them.” They’re not going to let the deception throw them off guard. As a football player, it is difficult to do because you want to make the play. You notice it and immediately want to fight it. But you already know as an offensive player that’s what you want us to do. I believe it is eye discipline, key discipline, understanding your man, and understanding your task.”

Clark went on to say that keeping the gap sound and limiting mistakes (including penalties) are critical.

The Seahawks are desperate for a victory. They’re on a three-game losing streak and could end up with four straight defeats if they lose to the 49ers. Under Pete Carroll, that has never happened.

Losing streaks can be difficult to break. What is the locker room dynamic like?

“It’s difficult when you lose,” Clark admitted. “You don’t lose as an individual when you lose as a team.” I think a lot of guys regard it as an individual loss when they aren’t successful or don’t achieve a goal they’ve set for themselves. However, it is not a personal loss. Guys, you have to recognize that this is a team loss. It’s something we didn’t do as a group, which is why we’re in this situation. And I’ve always believed that a loss involves both coaches and players.

It’s not only a player who might have had a late-game penalty or who might not have been available. No, it’s a team sport. That’s why football is so exciting: you have to rely on 11 different people… There are several things that go into that throughout a week of preparation… You go through the week trying to be as normal as possible, perform at the highest level possible, and hope that everything comes into place when you get to that game on Sunday.

“That doesn’t always happen. And that’s exactly what happened to us last week. This has been happening to us during this stretch; a lot of figuring out. But I believe that once you figure it out, you do figure it out, and that’s where you can start.”