Still plenty to fear in Seattle without Lynch or a full-strength Wilson
The 49ers will arrive with Seattle’s offense in a sleepy state that certainly has something to do with Lynch’s retirement and Wilson’s sprained ankle.
In their last nine meetings, including playoffs, Lynch had six 100-yard rushing performances and scored 10 touchdowns.
Wilson has been hobbling on a sprained ankle he sustained in a season-opening win against the Dolphins.
Wilson holds the top 11 marks for single-game rushing yards by a quarterback in franchise history.
[...] safety Niners Eric Reid says Wilson is most dangerous when he scrambles, keeps his eyes downfield and throws deep to a pass-catcher who has broken free on a playground-style play.
Despite the state of the Seahawks’ offense — it has managed 15 points in two games — the 49ers still aren’t getting much respect from the oddsmakers.
There’s nothing wrong with Seattle’s defense, which last year allowed the fewest points in the league for the fourth straight season, second only to the 1953-57 Browns, who did it five seasons in a row.
Seattle hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 24 straight games and their secondary still includes cornerback Richard Sherman and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor.
The trio has combined for 52 interceptions and 12 Pro Bowl seasons since 2011.
“I think the Seahawks secondary is probably the best in the league right now,” Niners head coach Chip Kelly said.
Gabbert ranks 29th in the NFL in passer rating (74.4) and 31st in completion percentage (54.9).
The latter figure should be particularly troublesome for Kelly, who has placed “repetitive accuracy” at the top of his list of traits a quarterback must possess.
Gabbert has bounced two easy-to-complete screen passes to wide receiver Torrey Smith, and tossed another that Smith had to go to his knees to grab on a failed 4th-and-1.
The Seahawks’ offensive line is its weakest position group and hasn’t adequately replaced stalwarts such as C Max Unger and LT Russell Okung.
Buckner (eight tackles) has been solid this season, but this is the opportunity for a breakout game, particularly with elusive Seahawks QB Russell Wilson dealing with a sprained ankle.
In their last eight regular-season games against the Seahawks, the 49ers have averaged 14.8 first downs, 251 yards and 9.3 points.
The 49ers are averaging 20.7 yards a drive, second-lowest in the NFL (Rams, 19.1).