I, like many of you fine readers, was eagerly anticipating the Week 1 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks. Expectations were running high in Mike Macdonald’s second season, and a home win over one of Seattle’s biggest rivals would be the perfect springboard into the 2025 season.
Until it wasn’t.
Those blasted 49ers walked into Lumen Field and scurried away with a 17-13 victory, iced with a forced fumble on Sam Darnold inside the 49ers 10 yard line with less than a minute
to go.
It was a kick to the nuts that resulted in quite an ornery recap column from yours truly. I stand by what I wrote in that article. Seattle got outplayed in almost every facet and were fortunate to be in position to squeak out a win. They were outgained by about 150 yards and lost the time of possession battle nearly 2-1. Seattle’s defense allowed a 50% conversion rate on third down and a 100% (2-2) rate on fourth down. The defense couldn’t get off the field, and the offense couldn’t stay on it.
The thing is, the Seahawks have played in similar games (and some even worse turnover-wise) throughout the season and managed to come away with victories. Look no further than their miraculous 38-37 thriller over the Los Angeles Rams. Heck, the first game against the Rams was arguably worse, and they were in position to win that one as well.
This Seahawks team is battle-tested and sport stones the size of the Moai on Easter Island. If you think these Seattle Seahawks aren’t looking forward to another crack at the 49ers on their home field, I have no idea what team you’ve been watching this season. They want the smoke. Mike Macdonald might not admit it publicly, but he does too.
Sam Darnold is on his revenge tour, and the last stop for the 2025 regular season is in Santa Clara. He already took down his former teams in the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers. Darnold made amends for his 4 interception game against the Rams earlier in the season by leading the Seahawks back from the depths of defeat to the heights of victory. San Francisco is both a former team of his, and another opportunity to atone for a subpar Week 1 performance. With a win, Darnold can sew up the top seed for the NFC playoffs, something he failed to do last year with Minnesota.
And what about Riq Woolen? He was the subject of most everyone’s ire after a shaky performance against the 49ers. Woolen’s name was brought up multiple times around the trade deadline, but the Seahawks stuck with him. They’ve been rewarded with a motivated Woolen, playing like a true shutdown corner. You can bet he’ll want another shot at San Francisco.
Let’s also take a second to look at a few of the players who will be involved in this rematch with the 49ers that weren’t in Week 1, or vice versa. The 49ers will be without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. Those guys are pretty good, right? Brock Purdy played through an injury in Week 1, and George Kittle left very early in the game. Purdy is healthy now, and Kittle is also likely to play. As for the Seahawks, Uchenna Nwosu wasn’t suited up last time. In addition, Nick Emmanwori was injured after only a few snaps. We’ve seen just how important both of those players are in Mike Macdonald’s defense. Emmanwori could be the key to stopping George Kittle, who’s been a consistent thorn in Seattle’s side.
Charles Cross is the only really significant Seahawk who will probably miss this game after playing in the opener. Not ideal for sure, but they’ve won the last two games without him. Fingers crossed that Josh Jones, Cross’ replacement, is able to play after getting banged up against the Carolina Panthers. Seattle has more defensive firepower than last time, and is facing a 49ers defense without arguably their two best players.
It had to be this way. Losing the home opener to San Francisco has stuck in the craw of Seahawks players, coaches, and fans for four months. The Seahawks are being talked about as Super Bowl favorites, yet haven’t even played to their full potential. There’s no better way to put a bow on the 2025 season than getting retribution against the 49ers on their home turf.
Revenge is a b****.
