Finally.
At long last, the Seahawks have broken their San Francisco curse.
A run of six straight defeats against the 49ers was ended by some terrific Seattle defense and a trademark Geno Smith game-winning drive.
However, if Seattle are to repeat the feat against the NFC West-leading Arizona Cardinals next week, they will need to raise their game once more.
Here are five key issues the ‘Hawks must resolve in order to build on Sunday’s win.
1. Snap problems
Connor Williams’ wayward snaps killed multiple Seahawks drives this season, while Olu Oluwatimi sent one flying over Smith’s shoulder on Sunday.
Seattle’s often sputtering offense can ill-afford these costly mishaps on a weekly basis.
2. The run game
Seattle’s running backs are regularly meeting opposition well before the line of scrimmage this season.
Once as dynamic a home run threat as any player in the NFL, Kenneth Walker has a longest rush of 28 yards this season. Zach Charbonnet’s is just 13 yards.
Teams have often struggled to run on the Cardinals defense recently – the Seahawks need to reverse this trend.
3. Contain the quarterback
Brock Purdy had some success spinning out of the pocket against the Seahawks.
He scrambled for a touchdown early on, before evading pressure to find the impressive Jauan Jennings for another score in the fourth quarter.
While Purdy is a sneaky-athletic quarterback, the Seahawks can not afford to allow the Cardinals’ dual-threat playmaker Kyler Murray the same chance to escape. Murray could gash Seattle on the ground unless the ‘Hawks do a better job of setting the edge next weekend.
4. Tight end difficulties
The Seahawks will undoubtedly have been relieved to see George Kittle miss out for the Niners on Sunday. He scored two touchdowns when the sides met last month.
Against the Seahawks this season, Patriots tight end Hunter Henry surpassed 100 receiving yards, while the Falcons’ Kyle Pitts ended up with 65 yards.
Tight end Trey McBride is in terrific form for the Cardinals and the Seattle defense will need to keep him quiet if they are to prevail next weekend.
5. Third and fourth down
In their last two matches, the Seahawks failed in vital short-yardage situations.
Facing third-and-one in each game, the offensive line was obliterated on successive plays – leading to the ‘Hawks turning the ball over on downs.
On Sunday, Seattle also allowed San Francisco to convert seven of 11 on third down.
When the Seahawks have beaten Arizona in recent years, they have relied heavily on heroic plays on third and fourth down on both sides of the ball. With the Cardinals in dangerous form, these big moments will most likely prove pivotal again next week.
