49ers Face Tough Test Sunday

By Krupka | Friday, November 18, 2005 | ( 0 )

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The San Francisco 49ers (2-7) face the tough task this Sunday when they host the Seattle Seahawks (7-2) of stopping Shaun Alexander.

The Seahawks feature all pro tailback Shaun Alexander, who already has 17 touchdowns this season in his quest to break Priest Holmes record of 27 touchdowns in a season. Alexander leads the NFL in rushing yards with 1,114 and touchdowns with 17. In Alexander's previous two games against the 49ers, he has rushed for a remarkable 5 touchdowns. In the second game of the two game series last season between the teams, Alexander racked up 160 yards and 2 touchdowns on 26 carries.

The Seattle Seahawks are also led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who is completing 63.5% of his passes this season for 2,124 yards, 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The one-two punch of Alexander and Hasselbeck are among the elite in all the NFL.

In last seasons first meeting between the two teams the Seahawks shut out the 49ers 34-0, marking the first time since 1977 that San Francisco had been shut out. The Seahawks are rolling this season, and are enjoying their best winning streak since an 8 game winning streak in 1984.

For the San Francisco 49ers to have any chance to win they must stop Alexander, something they haven't been able to do. The 49ers posses the 21st rush defense in the NFL, dead last in passing defense, and are last in total defense. It will be a tall task, and many don't think it can be done.

49ers quarterback Ken Dorsey is making his second start of the season. Seattle possesses the 18th pass defense, 11th run defense, and 16th in total defense. Playing the 49ers should help their defensive stats. A cure for any defense is the San Francisco offense. They haven't scored a touchdown in over three games.

The only good that seems able to come out of this week's match up, is yet another learning experience for the young 49ers. The Seahawks should win easily in a rout. Look for Alexander to have a big day.

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