Pass Rush Is Key To 49ers Win Over Seahawks On Thanksgiving
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Both the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers are surprised that they don’t sit atop the NFC West at this point in the season, but both still have a good chance at claiming a wild card spot at the very least. However, whoever loses on Thanksgiving night is going to be majorly behind the ball.
In order for the 49ers to win and keep their playoff hopes alive, they need to apply pressure on elusive Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. With star defensive end Aldon Smith coming back from suspension, that pass rush has been stellar and they’ll need to continue that on Thursday.
Unlike in year’s past, the 49ers actually rank in the bottom half of the league in sacks, ranking 22nd overall. That’s unusual for a team that usually feasts on the quarterback. One could point to that as a key reason the team is on the outside looking in on the playoff picture.
However, that pressure has ramped up in recent weeks. They’re going to have to continue that momentum against a Seahawks team that protects their passer extremely well. Even when they allow free rushers, Wilson is often able to elude pressure and pick up small bits of yardage to avoid negative plays.
Smith and his defensive line teammates have their work cut out for them. If they can keep Wilson in the pocket and shut down the passing game, Seattle will be forced to go to the ground. The 49ers are ranked seventh in the NFL against the run, so they will be playing to their strength.
It’s rare, but Wilson will make mistakes from time to time. In an important rivalry game, forcing him into those rare mistakes is going to be of paramount importance. That all starts up front with the defensive line.
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