Saturday night marks Part 4 of the Kyle Shanahan–Mike Macdonald series.
The latest chapter arrives in the final week of the NFL regular season, with the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night on ABC/ESPN.
The stakes could not be higher. The winner clinches the NFC’s No. 1 seed and the division title, while the loser is relegated to the wild-card field.
Once again, one of the league’s premier offenses will be tested by one of its top defenses. Through the first three meetings, Shanahan’s offense holds a 2–1 edge over Macdonald’s defense.
No. 1 third down defense vs. No. 1 third down offense
Seattle enters the matchup boasting a top five defense, leading the NFL on third down, ranking second in points allowed, and sitting inside the top three against the run. However, the 49ers’ offense has been operating at an elite level in recent weeks.
San Francisco also ranks No. 1 in the league on third down, setting the stage for a fascinating contrast of strengths. The chess match between play caller and defensive architect is once again front and center.
Mike Macdonald says Brock Purdy running well-oiled machine
Macdonald addressed what he’s seeing from the 49ers’ offense during his media availability on Wednesday.
“The great offensive play callers and designers in our league evolve consistently,” he said. “And (Shanahan’s) done it with the best of them.”
“When you turn on the tape, maybe it’s one thing—no, it’s everything. They’re protecting Brock well. He’s making decisive decisions. He’s been accurate. And he’s got the element of being able to extend plays as well, creating maybe when the first couple reads aren’t there.”