SEA @ SF – Final Thoughts

September 30th, 2007 7:16 pm
by Big Dog

To be honest, this game has been pretty disappointing. Even Seattle fans don’t have much to be thrilled about. At best you can say that the Seahawks have been able to do what is needed to secure the win. Probably the best aspect of their game has been their clock management. Mike Holmgren is known for running the clock down once he’s established a lead and today was no exception.

While QB Matt Hasselbeck has put up some good numbers, I think the more dominant Seahawks performance has come from their pass rush, which consistently caused problems for the 49ers. In addition, CB Marcus Trufant came away with two interceptions for the game.

While the final score may give the impression that Seattle controlled the game, it would be a mistake to believe that completely. By far the most decisive onfield performance was the San Francisco Offensive Line. They were offensive in almost every way, with 7 penalties, 6 sacks allowed and an inability to provide any kind of consistent protection for QB Trent Dilfer.

This made Dilfer skittish and jumpy, showing a tendency to scramble or throw early and often getting himself and his receivers into trouble as a result. In addition, it eroded the trust need to run an offense successfully. With the QB second guessing his line, the receivers second guessing the QB and nobody trusting anybody, there was no way San Francisco was going to turn this around.

That may sound harsh, but there’s no questioning the fact that San Francisco had their chances. They blocked a punt in the first half and failed to convert the excitement that generated into points. They started the second half with a successful onside kick. The first play of that drive Dilfer threw for an interception. Even when Dilfer was making good throws (and to be fair, he made some excellent throws), his receivers weren’t holding onto them.

At the end of the day, Seattle did what it took to win and San Francisco struggled to do anything at all.

Final score: Seattle 23 – San Francisco 3.

Posted in Analysis, Game, Marcus Trufant, Matt Hasselbeck, Mike Holmgren, NFL, NFL Coaches, NFL Franchises/Teams, NFL Players, NFL on FOX, NFL on television, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Trent Dilfer, Week 4 Instant Analysis | No Comments »