49ers offense hot, Seahawks’ Sam Darnold incoherent: Week 17 film review (paywall)
“The 49ers are still a two-back team, but they don’t line up in the typical I formation with linebacker Kyle Juszczyk Juszczyk lines up behind Purdy. One of their most effective formations is a flex formation with the tight end, where Juszczyk lines up without the ball. When Juszczyk gets in motion, he can go forward and drive to the strong side to block, or he can pull up and insert into the weak side or reverse field and lead off the ball. The 49ers have shown it all on tape, so the defense has to be ready for every possibility when he moves.”
49ers’ Austen Pleasants, former pizza delivery boy, unlikely to return (paywall)
“Here’s the story: Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio University in 2020, Pleasant has not only played for six teams, three of them twice, but has also been forced to work other jobs. In 2021, during his first football layoff, the physical education major worked as an assistant at Dawson Bryant High School in his hometown of Cole Grove, Ohio, while also working at Giovanni’s Pizza for Hawaiian and Pepperoni Pounds.
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49ers injury update: George Kittle ‘definitely’ expected to play against Seahawks in Week 18
“We obviously have to get through the week, but I would be very surprised if George wasn’t here,” Lynch said.
49ers vs. Seahawks injury report: Two players out of Wednesday practice
“Williams exited the first offensive play against the Bears with a hamstring injury and did not return. His status for Saturday remains uncertain. White is dealing with a groin injury sustained in the same game.”
Saleh, Kubiak, Purdy preview Week 18 game between 49ers and Seahawks
“After Sunday’s game, DB Deommodore Lenoir said he wants to go after Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Indianapolis Colts CB Charvarius Ward did it here a few years ago. From a principle perspective, what are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this, what are the advantages and disadvantages?
“That’s a good question. Okay. We could go on at length on this, but the reality is, it’s easy for the guy who travels, right? I got that guy. I’ll go wherever I want. But, we’re a zone-based defense, right? So, if it’s man coverage, it’s easy for him, but it’s a little bit harder for other guys. Like, other guys. How do people align? Do you play with everyone picking one number? What if that number isn’t? Do you pick a different number? Or, well, what happens if DMo is in position? So, your defensive principles change because now you’re trying to match where he is. [CB] upton’s [Stout] Now playing corner three, which he hasn’t done all year? So, you’re going to ask one person to do a lot of new technology. It’s very expensive, not for people who travel, but for people who don’t travel, if that makes sense. Now, can it be done? sure. Do we have it in stock? Absolutely. Can we? perhaps. So, we’ll see. “
