There was a time when winning the NFC West was considered a given for the 49ers. After all, they were crowned division champion 13 times from 1981 to 1997.
Since '97, they've only captured the division once (2002). Today, they have the opportunity to stake claim to it once again by beating last season's champion, the Seattle Seahawks. QUARTERBACKS Matt Hasselbeck is off to one of his best starts as a pro, throwing for 751 yards with five touchdowns and only two interceptions. Normally a very accurate passer, occasionally Hasselbeck will take a chance — something he probably picked up from his former mentor, Brett Favre. Last time Hasselbeck faced the 49ers, it wasn't one of his best performances. He was sacked three times and threw two interceptions in a 24-14 loss at Seattle. That very matchup was probably Alex Smith's best all-around game of his short career. In fact, Smith appears to like the Seahawks. He had five total touchdowns (three passing, two rushing) against them last season and didn't throw an interception in two games. Smith showed signs of coming around late against the Steelers last week. Let's hope that continues into this week. Advantage: Seahawks RUNNING BACKS Honestly, I've never liked Shaun Alexander. I consider him the second coming of Emmitt Smith, not because he's light on his feet and dances a mean mambo, but because I believe he's a product of his offensive line. Two years ago, with perennial All-Pros Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson manning the left side of the line, Alexander was barely even touched as he compiled a then-record 27 rushing touchdowns. That offseason, Hutchinson left for a greener pasture, and Alexander hasn't been the same since. The holes that were there for Frank Gore last season haven't been there this season. Playing Seattle could go a long way in getting the ground game back on track. Last year, Gore torched the Seahawks for more than 400 total yards. After being completely shut down last week against the Steelers, I expect Gore to come out firing on all cylinders. Advantage: 49ers. WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS 49ers offseason acquisition Darrell Jackson gets a chance to prove to Seattle how big of a mistake it was to trade him, let alone within the division. Look for him to be very fired up. With Vernon Davis out, Delanie Walker will be called upon to make a few plays. He's up to the task. The Seahawks wideouts are interchangeable. Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch (13 receptions, 199 yards and a touchdown) has been Hasselbeck's favorite target the past two weeks, but Nate Burleson and Bobby Engram can be counted on to make plays too. Advantage: Draw. OFFENSIVE LINE There's been much criticism thrust upon the 49ers' offensive line over the past week, most of it deserved. I expect Larry Allen and Co. to come out early and establish dominance at the line of scrimmage early in this one. Jones headlines a solid group for Seattle. Hasselbeck has only been sacked five times this season. Advantage: Draw. DEFENSIVE LINE Patrick Kerney got off to a fast start for Seattle this season, collecting 1.5 sacks Week 1 against the Buccaneers. Since then he's been quiet. I consider the defensive line the weakest link in the Seahawks' defense. The 49ers D-line, however, had progressed nicely so far, especially with the resurgence of Bryant Young. I expect these two units to have a large impact on the outcome of the game. If the 49ers' O-line can dominate, then Gore will have his first monster day of the season. And if San Fran's D-line can get pressure on Hasselbeck, freeing up the linebackers, then this might not be a close game at all. Advantage: 49ers. LINEBACKERS If the D-line is the Seahawks' weakness on defense, then the linebackers would be their strength. Julian Peterson (officially a Seahawk now) and Lofa Tatupu make up one of the best linebacking tandems in the NFL today. Both have a nose for the ball and a knack for making plays. The 49ers counter with rookie sensation Patrick Willis. If there's something he hasn't done so far, I'd like someone to let me know what it is. For the 49ers group to become even more dangerous, though, there has to be more Brandon Moore, less Derek Smith. Advantage: Seahawks. SECONDARY Both teams are solid in the defensive backfield. Nate Clements has been the force the 49ers hoped he would be this season. The Seahawks counter with Marcus Trufant and Deon Grant. I'll be surprised if there's many huge passing plays today. Advantage: Draw. SPECIAL TEAMS Both teams feature playmakers on special teams. Burleson is always a threat to return one for Seattle, while the 49ers picked up Michael Lewis (Hooray Beer!) this week to take the place of Brandon Williams (good riddance). San Fran hasn't had a return man the caliber of Lewis since probably John Taylor or Deion Sanders. The kickers, Josh Brown and Joe Nedney, haven't missed a field goal this season. Advantage: Draw. COACHING Until I see more production on the offensive side of the ball, I'm going to consider offensive coordinator Jim Hostler a liability for the 49ers. Mike Holmgren is nothing of the sort for Seattle. It seems, though, Mike Nolan and his staff figured out how to beat the Seahawks last year. Let's hope it carries over to this season. Advantage: Seahawks. PREDICTION 49ers 28, Seahawks 21 — I expect the 49ers' offensive line to set the tone early. This is as close to a playoff game as you can have in Week 4. Last year's experience and this season's defense will lead the way for San Francisco. Clements or Willis will make a play late to seal the victory.
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