Tomsula met with reporters at the 49ers training camp with the sting of a 20-3 setback at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks fresh in everyone’s mind. The 49ers were 1-for-11 on third downs, and that just killed their chances of scoring through the game.
What Happened: Points are usually at a premium when these two teams meet, as they both tend to rely on their defenses.
So what will it take to snap that losing streak and beat the Seahawks on Thursday night at Levi s Stadium?
Lynch, who carried the ball 27 times, scored a touchdown on a 1-yard run to cap a 12-play, 61-yard march that lasted 6:36 to give Seattle a 7-0 lead.
By now, it is common knowledge that Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception that cost his team the game against the New England Patriots when his team was just feet away from the end zone.
With a closer look, it’s clear that a strong running game has been the essence of the Seattle Seahawks. However, as I watch the fifth-year quarterback play, I am reminded of what legendary college coach Jerry Claiborne said to a promising young player: “Son, your potential is going to get me fired”.
ESPN analyst Mark Sclereth, a former offensive lineman who played 12 seasons in the National Football League, said Thursday’s criticism of Kaepernick is misplaced.
Look for starting outside linebackers Aaron Lynch and Ahmad Brooks to play a massive role in the outcome of the game.
The coach did admit that there were times during the game when the intensity dipped on the 49ers sideline. That will be a Week 8 matchup in Dallas against the Cowboys. But the Seahawks at least proved they were an extremely better 2-4 team than the Niners. “At that point, making a run and getting into the postseason wouldn’t seem very farfetched”, writes ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia.
Richard credited defensive line coaches Travis Jones and Dwaine Board for the plan that got the Seahawks the six sacks, including 1 1/2 from Cliff Avril. I knew coming into this game that the 49ers were going to struggle, but I wasn’t expecting them to punt on 9 out of their 10 possessions. Soon San Francisco will have successfully transformed from Super Bowl contender into raging dumpster fire in the span of three years. He was under pressure and missed throws all day long.
For the Seattle Seahawks, the win puts them in a 3-4 win-loss record and only behind Arizona Cardinals in NFC West. They are still in playoff contention which should be expected given that they have appeared in the past two Super Bowls and winning one. Thursday was an opportunity to right a sinking ship against a feeble opponent.
“We had a good defensive game plan”, said rookie safety Jaquiski Tartt, who replaced Antoine Bethea (shoulder) for the second half. Against a semi-competent offense, Seattle would be 2-5 this morning.
FINISHING ‘EM OFF: While Carroll wasn’t happy with two turnovers, he couldn’t complain about how Seattle finished this one out after so many fourth-quarter collapses.
Reggie Bush takes a knee near the end of the 49ers’ loss to Seattle, Thursday October. 22, 2015. He went 13-of 24 attempts for just 124 yards during the game.
