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Seattle Seahawks: 5 Players that must shine vs. 49ers in Week 10

By Samuel Teets

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 3: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates as he leaves the field after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at CenturyLink Field on November 3, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won 40-34 in overtime. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 3: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates as he leaves the field after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at CenturyLink Field on November 3, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won 40-34 in overtime. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 03: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a two-yard touchdown against Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on November 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 03: Tyler Lockett #16 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a two-yard touchdown against Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter during their game at CenturyLink Field on November 03, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

4. Tyler Lockett, WR

After looking like he’d reached his peak following the 2017 season, Lockett has turned heads with his stellar transition into the No. 1 receiver role in Seattle. While Lockett flashed his potential as a top weapon last season, he’s already reached a different level in 2019.

Last year, Lockett averaged 3.6 receptions and 60.3 receiving yards per game. In 2019, he’s averaging 6.6 receptions and 85.2 receiving yards per game. He’s averaging the seventh-most receiving yards per game, outpacing players like Davante Adams and DeAndre Hopkins.

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However, Lockett faces a daunting challenge against the 49ers. San Francisco’s defense is allowing 138.1 passing yards per game, the fewest in the NFL this season. Then there’s Lockett’s former teammate, Richard Sherman.

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Sherman is allowing the lowest passer rating when targeted among qualified cornerbacks this season. His 35.7 passer rating allowed easily tops Stephon Gilmore‘s 45.1. Gilmore was a First-Team All-Pro last season.

Lockett and Wilson always have great chemistry, and that’s something they desperately need against San Francisco.

3. Bobby Wagner, LB

As previously mentioned, the 49ers have the second-best rushing attack in the league. While Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed will also play a big role in dealing with San Francisco’s three-headed backfield, the most responsibility falls on Wagner.

At the center of Seattle’s defense, Wagner has the speed and range to cover the length of the field. Wagner’s skills have earned him five Pro Bowls and four First-Team All-Pro selections in the previous five years. This season, Wagner is third in combined tackles with 86.

Wagner will also deal with George Kittle on some snaps. While Kittle isn’t nearly as dominant as he was in 2018, the tight end still has big-game potential. Wagner and Seattle’s other linebackers must stick to Kittle in pass coverage.

K.J. Wright also has a major role to play against the 49ers. Wagner’s partner in crime and a former Pro Bowler, Wright is tied for fourth in combined tackles this season with 78. Besides Wagner, the veteran outside linebacker is the only starter remaining on Seattle’s defense from the Legion of Boom era. He’s very underrated and has more game-changing potential than people realize.

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