Enemy Reaction 2021: San Francisco 49ers

I suppose it’s only fitting that Russell Wilson would pick up his 100th regular season win against a team he has beaten more than anyone else in his ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. The San Francisco 49ers were on the front foot early but never grew their lead beyond 7 points, and in the end they lost by 7 points.

I’m sure 49ers fans are sick of being featured on Enemy Reaction. Well maybe their team should beat the Seahawks more than 4 times over the past 21 attempts. Let’s see how this Niners Nation meltdown unfolded... along with our own after that ghastly start.

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Ross Dwelley boxes out Sidney Jones for a touchdown (7-0 SF)

Jimmy Garoppolo picked off by Quandre Diggs (7-0 SF)

...But the Seahawks get no points after another 3rd down drive killing sack (7-0 SF)

DK Metcalf ties the game (7-7)

Russell Wilson scrambles for the go-ahead touchdown (14-7 SEA)

Trenton Cannon fumbles the kickoff twice, Seahawks recover (14-7 SEA)

Russell Wilson rolls back the years with dazzling, magical touchdown to Freddie Swain (21-7 SEA)

Deebo Samuel is all alone (21-13 SEA)

Tyler Lockett draws defensive pass interference on 3rd down (21-13 SEA)

Alex Collins dances his way for a touchdown (28-13 SEA)

Deebo Samuel stopped on 4th and 2, killing off 49ers’ slim hopes of a win (28-13 SEA, 28-21 SEA Final)

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Post-Game: 49ers aren’t a Super Bowl caliber team (Peter Panacy, Niner Noise)

There’ll be those fans who say otherwise, and it’s always great to appreciate the enthusiasm.

But the cold, hard reality of this 49ers team is they aren’t equipped to make it to the Super Bowl this year, let alone win it. And it’s not even necessary to use the injury bug as an excuse, although that’s key.

In 2019, the Niners had both the talent and momentum to overcome multiple mistakes in certain phases of the game. Case in point, when kickoff returner Trent Cannon muffed his return, then lost the loose-ball fumble to Seattle, Wilson was able to punch the ball into the end zone for the Seahawks’ second touchdown within a four-play period.

San Francisco couldn’t overcome that. Nor could it overcome the fact kicker Robbie Gould missed the game with a groin injury, leading to punter and fill-in kicker Mitch Wishnowsky missing both a field goal and extra-point attempt.

Super Bowl-caliber teams need to be able to overcome those kinds of setbacks. The 49ers can’t right now.

The talent and relatively easy remaining schedule, outside the NFC West, mean the Niners will still compete for a playoff berth and likely get there.

Just don’t expect a game in February.

Post-Game Video: Kyle Shanahan is on the hot seat (Grant Cohn)

Enemy Preaction: Los Angeles Rams

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Bring on the Rams! Last place can turn into 2nd place in the NFC West in less than two weeks, with a less grueling stretch against the Steelers, Jaguars, and Saints rounding out the month before the bye week. Things are looking up for now, but the Seahawks clearly have to play to a higher standard to be taken seriously as a playoff contender. Perhaps this season will mark a return to playing their best football deeper into the season instead of in the first few weeks.

Thanks for reading and go ‘Hawks!