When the Seattle Seahawks take the field against the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round, it won’t just be another chapter in a storied NFC West rivalry - it’ll be the third installment of a 2025 trilogy that’s been all about adjustments, matchups, and momentum swings. And this time, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
San Francisco is coming in hot after going on the road and knocking off the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. That win wasn’t just a statement - it was a warning. The Niners’ defense did its part, but the engine behind that playoff push continues to be Christian McCaffrey, who remains one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in football.
That’s where Seattle’s game plan starts. Head coach Mike Macdonald and his staff know that slowing down McCaffrey isn’t a one-man job.
It’s not just about what the front seven can do - it’s about what the entire defense can do in concert. And that’s where Devon Witherspoon becomes a game-changer.
Witherspoon: The Wild Card in Seattle’s Defensive Deck
Devon Witherspoon has become one of the most versatile and disruptive cornerbacks in the league. A former first-round pick out of Illinois, he brings a rare blend of instincts, physicality, and swagger to the Seahawks’ secondary. He doesn’t just cover - he attacks.
Witherspoon’s ability to play both outside and in the slot gives Seattle flexibility that’s going to be critical against a San Francisco offense that thrives on creating mismatches. Whether it’s DeMarcus Robinson stretching the field, Jauan Jennings working underneath, or Kendrick Bourne finding soft spots in the zone, the 49ers have a deep and diverse receiving corps. And if Ricky Pearsall is healthy enough to go - after dealing with a lower-body injury - he could see a heavy target share, potentially shifting the entire offensive balance.
That’s why Witherspoon’s role isn’t just about man coverage. It’s about disrupting timing, rerouting receivers, and forcing Brock Purdy into second and third reads.
When Witherspoon is dialed in, he can take away a side of the field or erase a matchup altogether. That kind of presence doesn’t just help the secondary - it gives the defensive line and linebackers more time to collapse the pocket and bottle up McCaffrey.
The Physical Tone-Setter
What makes Witherspoon truly special, though, is his edge. He plays with a chip on his shoulder and a level of physicality that sets the tone for the rest of the unit. He’s not afraid to mix it up at the line of scrimmage, crash down on run support, or deliver a hit that makes receivers think twice about coming across the middle.
That kind of mentality is contagious, and it’s exactly what Seattle needs against a 49ers offense that’s built on rhythm and yards after the catch. If the Seahawks are going to win this game, they’ll need to disrupt that rhythm - and Witherspoon is one of the few corners in the league who can do that from multiple alignments without giving up leverage or assignment integrity.
Seattle’s Blueprint: Contain, Confuse, and Capitalize
The formula for the Seahawks is clear: limit explosive plays, contain McCaffrey in space, and create chaos in the passing lanes. That’s easier said than done against Kyle Shanahan’s offense, which thrives on pre-snap motion, misdirection, and quick decision-making. But Witherspoon’s football IQ and ability to adjust on the fly give Seattle a fighting chance to match that creativity with discipline and aggression.
As the Seahawks look to protect home turf and punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game, Devon Witherspoon stands at the heart of their defensive identity. He’s not just a cornerback - he’s a tone-setter, a playmaker, and the kind of player who can swing a playoff game with one perfectly timed read or one thunderous hit.
If Seattle is going to survive and advance, it’s going to take a full-team effort. But make no mistake - Witherspoon’s fingerprints will be all over this one.