NFC Championship Preview
by Caleb Musselman
San Francisco #5 vs. Seattle #1
So here we are. Right where we thought we would be. In my opinion, this entire season has been null and void in the NFC. Seattle and San Francisco are the only two teams who deserve to be in the NFC Championship game. The Saints, Eagles, Lions and Packers are offensively dynamic, the Panthers and Cardinals have a stellar defense. However, the truth is most teams in the NFC have serious flaws that eliminate them from the championship conversation.
Seattle and San Francisco are the only two truly complete teams in the NFL today. In fa
ct, these teams are so incredibly similar that today's game is nearly impossible to predict. Some will say Seattle has the edge because the Seahawks have outscored San Francisco 71-16 at CenturyLink in their past two meetings. This is without a doubt a difficult stat to get over. However, I'm going to do it right now.
Seattle's 12th man is stunning. They are one of the few crowds that have ever actually been able to impact the outcome of a football game. Seattle's defense is tremendous. With the best secondary in the league, the Seahawks defense gives nightmares to passing quarterback's around the league.
San Francisco's defensive line and linebacking crew are dynamic. Easy the best front seven in the league, the 49ers match up beautifully with the rush-first Seattle offense.
So what in the world is going to happen in this game?
First, this will be the most physical, nasty and smash-mouth game in recent memory. These teams hate each other. These coaches loathe each other. In my opinion, this is currently the best rivalry in the NFL. Combine that with two you
ng teams filled with overly passionate players and you can expect multiple altercations. Which team will be able to channel that in the correct way?
Second, expect Kaepernick to expose the only weak point in Seattle's defense; their linebackers. The combination of Kaepernick's rushing ability and Vernon Davis' receiving prowess will cause the Seahawks fits on critical 3rd downs throughout the game. This is my #1 key to the game.
Third, expect Marshawn Lynch to rush for 100 yards. No one can stop Lynch, but the 49ers can slow him down. Lynch will be good but not great. Watch for the Smith (Justin and Aldon) twins to put pressure on Lynch and Wilson in the backfield on a consistent basis.
Fourth, expect Russell Wilson to continue his current slump. Wilson has relied on his defense and running attack more heavily than usual during his past five games. He looked very average against a slightly above average Saints defense last week. How do you think he'll fair against this suffocating D?
This game will be close throughout. In my mind, the 12th man can win this game for Seattle in the first 20 minutes. On the other side, San Francisco can get the upper hand if they put together solid drives in the first quarter which will neutralize the 12th man. San Fran is streaking and they have a confident QB who can't be stopped with Crabtree and his full cast of weapons. Seattle is very good but peaked too early this season which was showcased in a game last week against the Saints where their offense was never able to put away Drew Brees and Co. That game showed me a lot about Seattle at this point in the season.
So here we go. The game is finally here. This game will come down to the final three minutes. What better way to send the NFC to the Super Bowl? Kaepernick heads a last minute drive capped by a chip shot field goal.
Final Score - San Francisco 23 Seattle 20
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| sanfrancisco.greatpartybus.com |
Seattle and San Francisco are the only two truly complete teams in the NFL today. In fa
ct, these teams are so incredibly similar that today's game is nearly impossible to predict. Some will say Seattle has the edge because the Seahawks have outscored San Francisco 71-16 at CenturyLink in their past two meetings. This is without a doubt a difficult stat to get over. However, I'm going to do it right now.
 |
| mensfitness.com |
San Francisco's defensive line and linebacking crew are dynamic. Easy the best front seven in the league, the 49ers match up beautifully with the rush-first Seattle offense.
So what in the world is going to happen in this game?
 |
| blog.sfgate.com |
ng teams filled with overly passionate players and you can expect multiple altercations. Which team will be able to channel that in the correct way?
Second, expect Kaepernick to expose the only weak point in Seattle's defense; their linebackers. The combination of Kaepernick's rushing ability and Vernon Davis' receiving prowess will cause the Seahawks fits on critical 3rd downs throughout the game. This is my #1 key to the game.
 |
| sportshumor23.wordpress.com |
Fourth, expect Russell Wilson to continue his current slump. Wilson has relied on his defense and running attack more heavily than usual during his past five games. He looked very average against a slightly above average Saints defense last week. How do you think he'll fair against this suffocating D?
This game will be close throughout. In my mind, the 12th man can win this game for Seattle in the first 20 minutes. On the other side, San Francisco can get the upper hand if they put together solid drives in the first quarter which will neutralize the 12th man. San Fran is streaking and they have a confident QB who can't be stopped with Crabtree and his full cast of weapons. Seattle is very good but peaked too early this season which was showcased in a game last week against the Saints where their offense was never able to put away Drew Brees and Co. That game showed me a lot about Seattle at this point in the season.
 |
| espn.go.com |
Final Score - San Francisco 23 Seattle 20
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