Can the Seahawks’ Pass Rush Turn the Game?
The Seattle Seahawks have built a formidable pass rush, featuring five players who have logged over 40 pressures. This puts them at the top of the NFL. They’ve achieved a 38.9% quarterback pressure rate, ranking them fourth in the league, while they mostly avoid blitzing, currently ranked 25th in that category. Surprisingly, when they do decide to blitz, they become even more effective, showcasing one of the best defensive efficiencies in the league, according to NFL Pro.
This puts the San Francisco 49ers in a tough spot. Their young quarterback, Brock Purdy, has struggled under pressure this season, with the team ranking 24th in passing efficiency against the blitz. In their previous matchups, Seattle ramped up their blitzing almost twofold, leading to a -4.7% completion percentage against the Niners. This year, it’s clear: Seattle’s defense can create significant challenges.
In stark contrast, the 49ers have had an uphill battle with their pass rush this season due to injuries. They sit at the bottom of the sack leaderboard with just 20 and are tied for 29th in interceptions. Yet, during their recent encounter with Seattle, San Francisco surprised many with a 36.7% pressure rate, even outpacing the Seahawks. If they can disrupt Sam Darnold—who struggled with turnovers in 2025—there might be chances for the Niners to capitalize.
Relying on the Ground Game or Trusting Darnold?
In their latest face-off, the Seahawks not only won on the scoreboard but also established dominance on the field. Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet powered the Seahawks with impressive rushing stats, demonstrating that they can win without placing too much pressure on Darnold. Keeping Darnold’s injury in mind, this approach can help shield him from the high-intensity pressure of playoff football.
But can they replicate this success? San Francisco’s defense, previously solid, struggled against the run, allowing a staggering 140 rushing yards to Philadelphia last week. They’ve shown vulnerabilities lately, giving up a season-high 180 yards to Seattle just weeks ago. As the Seahawks’ ground game looks to continue its upward trajectory—in the last eight weeks, they’ve averaged 140.6 rushing yards per game—it’s a battle of wills. Robert Saleh, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator, will undoubtedly be crafting strategies to stop the run, but will it be enough to force Seattle’s hand? If so, they may have to rely on Darnold, a quarterback with a rocky playoff past, leading to plenty of questions as the teams prepare for their next clash.
To amplify your understanding of Seattle’s current strategies and their impact, check out this article on [NFL Blitz trends](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-blitz-trends) for insights on how defenses are adapting this season.
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