49ers vs. Seahawks: How San Francisco Can Adjust Without Kittle and Handle Seattle’s Surging Ground Game
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into one of the most physically demanding matchups of their season - a playoff showdown in Seattle. The Seahawks are coming in well-rested, and the 49ers are trying to shake off a forgettable Week 18 performance that saw their offense stall out with just three points on the board. To make matters more complicated, they’ll be without one of their most dynamic weapons: George Kittle.
But there’s a glimmer of good news - linebacker Fred Warner was back on the practice field for the first time since suffering a tough ankle injury against Tampa Bay. His presence, even if limited, could provide a much-needed emotional and tactical lift for a defense that will need all hands on deck against a Seahawks team that’s found something late in the season.
Let’s break down what the 49ers need to do to bounce back on both sides of the ball - from filling Kittle’s massive shoes to containing a Seattle run game that’s quietly heating up.
Replacing George Kittle: A Tall Task, But Not Impossible
There’s no sugarcoating it - losing Kittle is a major blow. He’s not just a tight end; he’s a tone-setter in the run game, a mismatch nightmare in the pass game, and a safety valve for any quarterback under pressure. But the 49ers don’t need one player to be Kittle - they need a few to step up in different ways.
Jake Tonges is expected to take over as the primary receiving tight end, but don’t be surprised if Kyle Shanahan leans heavily on fullback Kyle Juszczyk to help fill the void. The 49ers lead the league in 21 personnel usage (two backs, one tight end), and that’s where Juszczyk shines - not just as a blocker, but as a sneaky weapon in the passing game.
Against the Eagles, “Juice” came through with timely catches that helped keep the offense on schedule. Expect to see more of that on Saturday - think motioning out wide, running stalk rail routes, and making Seattle’s linebackers think twice before crashing down on the run.
Tonges will get his looks, especially in play-action, but this feels like a game where Juszczyk becomes a bigger part of the game plan, both as a decoy and a chain-mover.
Can the 49ers Run the Ball Against Seattle’s Stout Front?
The Niners stuck with the run last week against Philadelphia, but the results were underwhelming. Now they face a Seattle defense that’s been elite against the run - and they do it without stacking the box.
Seattle leads the NFL in run defense EPA, and what makes them so effective is they don’t have to commit extra bodies to stop the run. That allows them to stay versatile and keep two safeties deep, which limits explosive plays through the air as well.
They use light boxes (six or fewer defenders) on a whopping 78.3% of snaps, the second-highest rate in the league. And they’re not just good against inside runs - they’re elite across the board. Their EPA allowed on outside runs is -0.19, and it’s even better inside at -0.20.
Even with Trent Williams back in the lineup, running outside won’t be easy. But abandoning the ground game isn’t an option.
The 49ers need to keep grinding out positive yards to stay out of third-and-longs and avoid becoming one-dimensional. Expect Shanahan to get creative with motion, misdirection, and maybe even some Debo Samuel carries to keep Seattle honest.
Disrupting Darnold: Can the Pass Rush Get Home?
Sam Darnold hasn’t thrown a touchdown or an interception in two career games against the 49ers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing for Seattle - it means he’s been careful with the football. But it also means San Francisco hasn’t rattled him enough to force mistakes.
That needs to change on Saturday.
The 49ers’ defensive front has the talent to disrupt any quarterback, and with Warner potentially back in the mix, their communication and coverage on the back end should tighten up as well. The key is getting Darnold off his spot early and often. If Nick Bosa and company can collapse the pocket and force Darnold into quick decisions, the chances of a turnover - or at least some drive-killing incompletions - go way up.
This game could come down to whether the 49ers’ pass rush can make Darnold uncomfortable without having to blitz. If they can, it frees up the secondary to focus on Seattle’s playmakers and limits the damage after the catch.
Seattle’s Evolving Ground Game: More Motion, More Problems
Seattle’s run game has taken a late-season leap, and motion has been a big part of that evolution. The Seahawks rank 13th in the NFL in motion usage at 56.9%, but that number jumped significantly in Week 18 - and it paid off.
In that game, 20 of their 32 rushing attempts used motion, and those plays averaged a positive EPA of 0.06 per rush. The other 12 rushes without motion? They went for a negative EPA of -0.05.
That’s a big swing, and it tells us something: Seattle has found a rhythm with pre-snap movement, and they’re using it to create angles, force hesitation, and open up lanes for their backs. The 49ers’ defense will need to stay disciplined, especially at the second level. Missed tackles were cleaned up nicely against Philadelphia, thanks in part to Eric Kendricks’ strong performance, but Seattle brings a more physical, nuanced rushing attack.
Look for the Seahawks to stick with what worked - motion-heavy runs, pulling linemen, and a commitment to physicality. The 49ers have to match that intensity and avoid getting caught out of position.
Final Thoughts
This game is going to be a test of resilience and adaptability for the 49ers. Without George Kittle, they’ll need to lean on role players and scheme to keep the offense moving. On defense, they’ll need to be sharp, physical, and ready for a Seahawks team that’s found a new gear in the run game.
If the 49ers can stay ahead of the sticks, win the battle up front, and force Darnold into mistakes, they’ll put themselves in a strong position. But make no mistake - Seattle is coming in with confidence, and this one has all the makings of a playoff slugfest.