For all the hype about the 9ers leading up to this - turns out they were just a bunch of frauds.
Yeah, the score was far closer than the actual game was, but the game was never really in jeopardy. Yeah, SF had a dalliance or two on offense that felt like they were getting momentum, but it was always snuffed out. The most prolific offense in the league the last few weeks showed up and got punched in the mouth - by the end of the game it looked like their will was broken, and I love the hell out of that.
In an odd twist of deja vu, a lot of the talking heads, aka idiots were favoring SF - and I mean A LOT, making this game reminiscent of the SB vs the Donkeys. Seattle completely dominated SF, it just wasn't the scoring blowout we expected. Also a LOT of the SF fans, you know the 'worst in sports' as we like to cvall them, werte SO overly confident they were gonna send Seattle home crying. Well, they are all butt hurt today, and that is a term I never use but it absolutely feels right here.
Watching Seattle move the ball at will on the opening drive - was a thing of beauty - Sam missing Zach for a brutal sack - brought back that 'oh no, Sam, no' feeling quickly. I didn't like the going for it on 4th there - if it was on the one, yeah, better case for that, but I lean into getting points no matter what. Of course lookiung back, a FG there is no gimme - hahah. Not last night, anyway.
Yup, the big Darnold gaffe we were worried about happened on that drive - that fucking brutal sack - and Darnold got it out of his system for the rest of the game. I particularly loved that he ran the ball when the opportunity was there - somehting about him running seems to pump him up and play fearlessly.
I don't crunch stats on here very often, but a few need to be acknowledged. The vaunted SF offense score a total of 20 points against the Seahawks in two game. The greatest offense since that Donkey Dynasty that sputtered and wilted gloriously before the LOB. Both the 9ers and Donkeys were feeling pretty cockey - until Seattle defense showed up and started laying the lumber on 'em. Man, Seattle defense was hitting hard last night, they were out to make a statement. Manning? Fuck you. Purdy? Fuck you. Wanna catch that ball? You're gonna pay.
Seattle had more yards rushing, 180, than SF had total offense, 173. Seattle had more yards passing, 181, than SF had in total offense, again, 173.
Finally the running game is dominating with the two headed attack of Walker and Charbs. Funny how not that long ago there was the grand lamenting around here that Seattle needed to 'pick a back and just go with him, stop splitting carries' - oh, the hand wringing and outrage that Seattle dared to use both weapons - an asset few teams have. Yeah, looks like maybe they know what they're doing. I do want to ask Wakler what the fuck was that play where he ran right into the defender on a pass in the flat that looked like it could be a big play. I mean was he blinded by the bright lights or what? Of course teh 19 yarder later on third an 17 made up for it, so we'll let it slide.
So, how 'bout that defense? Purdy looked legit worried the whole game. He made some really good plays - but only a few. I don't think he wants to see this defense again anytime soo - they simply had thier way. Now, to be fair, Williams and Pearsall were out, and that sucks for them, but we also had a starting LT out, so fuck you with the excuses.
I had no idea how this game would go - again - it felt like the SB matchup vs the Donkeys - It felt too close to call. But now we know. I have not felt this confident in this team since that SB win. Seattle getting that running game into fifth gear - is just so, so, huge. The oline is not a weakness, they are finding thier way, and not only did they dominate in the run game, The Darnold had a pretty clean pocket most of the night, and yeah, we know their defense has had major injury issues, that I am only acknowledging reluctantly, because SF fans are just the fucking worst.
The team that gives me the most concern right now is the Eagles - stout dline, stout run game, mobile QB, and those qualities travel well, and work in any weather condition.
The Game of the Century turned into a one-sided boxing match with CHardonnay Nation taking the overwhelming majority of the punches, and I love love love it. AT no point was this a high blood pressure game, just a few "fuck, we left points on the field" moments. Full execution on offense and it's 26-3, most likely, maybe worse as SF would have had to really air it out to catch up. Either way, this was not as close as the score, which in an odd way is funny because now the narrative pathetic Chardonnay nation can tell themselves is 'we almost beat them', while simultaneously knowing damn well they are lying to themselves and I absolutely love that for those turds.
Let's see where it goes from here - what a spoecialm season we have been treated to. I can't stop smiling thinking how much better Seattle could be next year as the offense is likely to improve with one more draft and infusion of talent.
Go hawks...
