The Seahawks have their biggest game of the season so far on Monday night, heading to San Francisco to take on the undefeated 49ers. Sports commentator Art Thiel says that there are a lot of moving parts to this game.
The 49ers boast a defense that includes five first-round draft picks, including the likely Defensive Rookie of the Year in Nick Bosa.
“He’s just a terror at defensive end," Thiel said, "and I think he’s going to cause the Seahawks a lot of problems.”
But there is a new face on the Seahawks offense for Monday night: newly signed wide receiver Josh Gordon. He was recently released by the New England Patriots despite leading the league in receiving yards in 2014. He was suspended for two seasons after that, having his share of off-field problems, but has the potential for a huge upside.
“This is a third chance, maybe a fourth chance, given how many times teams have enabled him,” Thiel said.
But Thiel also says that, from what he can tell, Gordon always has been a decent teammate. And if he can manage his personal issues, he can be a solid addition to the offense.
On the other side of the ball, the Seahawks defense has shown some vulnerability this year. They’re 25th overall in the league in yards surrendered. There have been high expectations for the players on the defensive line, which they haven’t lived up to, and Thiel says the inexperience of the secondary is a problem, too.
“The best player they’ve got in the secondary, Shaquill Griffin is a third-year guy," he said. "The other cornerback, Tre Flowers, is a second-year guy. And now they’re starting a rookie, Marquise Blair, at free safety.”
Thiel says this is something the 49ers will look to exploit, and it could be a big challenge for the Seahawks to pull off a win Monday night.
