Trey goes down while the Niners defense steps up in a Week 2 win vs. Seattle

Photo by Josie Lepe

By Will Schell

The 49ers did indeed “write back” to Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday with a dominating 28-7 win at the home opener in Santa Clara. The 49ers defense looks to be where they were three years in 2019 when they ranked the best in the NFL. Defensive end Nick Bosa recorded two sacks in this game, dominating first year tackle Abraham Lucas, who the Seahawks drafted with their 72nd overall pick in this year's draft. Despite Pro Bowl caliber safety Jimmie Ward being placed on IR, this defensive backfield has not missed a beat. In the first two games, Talanoa Hufanga has been perhaps the best player for the 49ers. He took down Seahawks running back Rashad Penny in the backfield twice. He also tipped a pass that was intercepted by 49ers recent acquisition Tashaun Gipson. It was Gipson's 28th career interception. 

The cornerbacks are even better than they were in 2019. Cornerback Mooney Ward, who the Niners got from the Chiefs in free agency, is performing very well, playing good defense on Tyler Lockett and Darnell Mooney. Ward also had an interception in this game, he picked off Seahawks running back Deejay Dallas. Yes you heard me right, he intercepted a running back… it was Ward's 5th career interception. But, the best corner on this team has been without a doubt, Emmanuel Moseley. He continued his feud with Seahawks standout receiver D.K. Metcalf this past Sunday. He followed Metcalf all game and held him to 4 receptions on only 35 yards receiving. He looks to be back to full strength to start the 2022-23 season. 

All pro Linebacker Fred Warner, is doing “All Pro Fred” things to begin the campaign. Warner is being utilized in the pass rush more which helped the Niners rattle Geno Smith early in the first quarter. Warner looks like he will have another All Pro season like the past 2 years of his career. 

While it seems the 49ers Defense allowed 7 points in this game, they did not, the special teams did. The Seahawks’ only points were on a blocked Robbie Gould field goal returned for a touchdown by Seahawks Corner Back Micheal Jackson. Jackson took it all the way to the house for a 91 yard touchdown. The 49ers were not phased by this and shut the Seahawks out from there. This defense may need to carry this team all year after second year Quarterback Trey Lance broke his ankle and will be out for the remainder of the 2022-23 season. This looks to be the 49ers best defense in years and will have their biggest test of the year on Sunday Night when they face longtime rival Rusell Wilson, who now leads the Broncos. They have struggled against Russ in the past, but they are looking to change that narrative. I’m sure the 49ers want to please former all pro tackle Joe Staley who said “I hate Russ” on Greg Papa and John Lund's show on Monday.