Enemy Reaction 2017: San Francisco 49ers

It took over 110 minutes for the 2017 Seattle Seahawks to finally score a touchdown, but when they did, it propelled the team to a 12-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers, who still seem to be very allergic to the end zone. In the Russell Wilson era, the Niners have failed to prevail in Seattle 100% of the time, and they’ve not scored more than 18 points in any of those defeats.

This was not an aesthetically pleasing game to watch, but it put Seattle in the win column, and it also means our first Enemy Reaction of the season. Opponent game thread comments are courtesy of none other than Niners Nation. Enjoy!

On 4th and 1, Russell Wilson keeps on read-option to extend Seattle’s opening drive (0-0)

Brian Hoyer throws it right to Bobby Wagner, who fumbles it, but Richard Sherman recovers (3-0 SEA)

Tanner McEvoy drops a touchdown, Seattle settles for another field goal (6-0 SEA)

Carlos Hyde breaks free for 61-yard gain, 49ers kick a field goal (6-3 SEA)

Carlos Hyde runs for 27 yards on 3rd and long, 49ers tie the game (6-6)

Tanner McEvoy drops another crucial pass, forcing Seattle to punt (6-6)

Frank Clark sacks Brian Hoyer just outside the goal line, so no safety (6-6)

49ers march down the field and kick go-ahead field goal (9-6 SF)

Russell Wilson escapes, finds Paul Richardson for the go-ahead touchdown (12-9 SEA)

Blair Walsh misses the extra point (12-9 SEA)

Chris Carson rushes for 16 yards for game-clinching first down (12-9 SEA Final)

Post-Game: It’s not time to bench Brian Hoyer just yet (Peter Panacy - Niner Noise)

San Francisco’s offense, outside of the running game in Week 2, has struggled in nearly every facet. The offensive line, while better in Seattle, still has a long way to go before establishing itself as a reliable unit. Wide receiver play has been less than desirable, and there aren’t too many go-to playmakers for anyone under center.

Week 5 might be a better opportunity for the rest of the 49ers offense to get on track, including Hoyer.

That way, the Niners can hit the middle of their season with a little bit of momentum. And if Shanahan elects to make the change, doing so later in the year would increase the chances of Beathard working with a more cohesive offense than what’s been displayed now.

Remember, the most popular player on a bad team is the backup quarterback. We’ve heard this argument before.

While Hoyer isn’t the answer, Beathard isn’t going to provide an upgrade anytime soon.

Post-Game: 7-27 in the post-Harbaugh era (Skeebers - 49er Outsider)

After two games, it’s clear the 49er defense is vastly improved. Just how much will have to wait until they play a team with a modestly proficient NFL offense. Which neither Carolina nor Seattle has demonstrated yet.

However, after two games, the Niner offense has yet to score a TD. Heck, they’ve yet to put up as much as ten points.

There’s a twisted logic at work here, but I’m danged if I can put my finger on it. Former HC Jim Harbaugh roared into town with the reputation of an offensive guru, and he did indeed improve the offense. But the backbone of his team was the defense. Now we have Kyle Shanahan with the big offensive credentials, yet his offense is limping badly while his defense thrives.

At the end of the day, it’s another loss and an 0-2 start to the 2017 season. The post-Harbaugh Niners are 7-27 through 2+ seasons. They’re in last place in the NFC West and will remain there for at least another two weeks — either alone or in a shared occupation. The Rams come to town Thursday, and it will take a win over them to avoid being the only winless team in the division.

Post-Game Crow: I’m sick of my team losing to Seattle (The A-Bomb)

Post-Game Audio: Opponent audio recap with 49ers announcers Ted Robinson and Tim Ryan (via Softy Mahler Show)

Enemy Preaction: Tennessee Titans (Music City Miracles)

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It’s supposed to be almost 90 degrees in Nashville on Sunday, so ideally the Seahawks offense gets its act together so we don’t have a repeat of the 2014 Chargers game. The Titans finally got their own offense clicking in the 2nd half of the Jaguars win, with Derrick Henry rushing for nearly 100 yards and a touchdown. It’ll be Marcus Mariota’s first time playing against the Legion of Boom, and it’s also just the second time (!!) that the Seahawks have ever played at Tennessee. Their lone appearance to date occurred in 2005, when Seattle rallied from 24-14 down to win 28-24, thus clinching a first-round bye.

Oh yeah, and the Titans do play on grass. In the Russell Wilson era, the most they’ve scored on an outdoor grass field is 27 points against Washington in 2014, and they’ve averaged approximately 17 points per game. Maybe 17 will be enough against the Titans, but I’m sure we’d all love to see the Seahawks light up the scoreboard starting this Sunday.

Thanks for reading and go ‘Hawks.