49ers’ Offense Sizzles While Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Sizzles: Week 17 Movie Review (Paywall)
“The 49ers are still a two-back team, but they are not lining up in a typical I-formation with fullback Kyle Juszczyk lining up behind Purdy. One of their most effective formations has been the flex with a tight end and Juszczyk lining up off the ball. When Juszczyk gets in motion, he can follow through and lead the block to the strong side, get up and insert to the weak side, or reverse field and lead a throw to the weak side.” weak side perimeter. “The 49ers have shown all of this on film, so defenses have to be prepared for all possibilities when he’s on the move.”
49ers’ Austen Pleasants, former pizza delivery boy, likely back in the game (paywall)
“The story: Pleasants has not only worked for six teams, three of them twice, since entering the NFL in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio University, but he has also been forced to look for other jobs. In 2021, during his first spell of unemployment in football, the physical education major was a teacher’s assistant at Dawson-Bryant High School in his hometown of Coal Grove, Ohio, while also working at Giovanni’s Pizza, delivering the “Hawaiian” and “Pepperoni Pounder”.
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49ers injury update: George Kittle ‘absolutely’ expects to play against Seahawks in Week 18
“Obviously we have to get through the week, but I would be very surprised if George wasn’t there,” Lynch said.
49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: 2 players miss Wednesday practice
“Williams went out on the first offensive play against the Bears due to a hamstring injury and did not return. His status for Saturday remains uncertain. White is working on a groin injury he suffered in the same game.”
Saleh, Kubiak and Purdy preview the matchup between 49ers and Seahawks in Week 18
“After Sunday’s game, DB Deommodore Lenoir said he wanted to follow Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. A couple years ago, Indianapolis Colts CB Charvarius Ward did that here. What are the strengths and weaknesses, the positives and negatives of doing something like this from a schematic point of view?
“That’s a good question. Okay. We can expand on this, but the reality is, it’s easy for the guy who travels, right? I’ve got that guy. I’ll travel wherever I want. But we’re a zone-based defense, right? So if it was man coverage, it would be easy for him, but then it’s a little harder for the other guys. Like, how does everyone else line up? Do you go to a game where everyone just picks a number? What if that number isn’t in the field? Do you choose a different number? Or are we all going to line up with DMo? What if DMo is in the slot? Does that put the nickel at number one where he is not used to? So the techniques change within your men’s principles because now you are in different positions? those who don’t travel, if that makes sense.