Of the two divisions from each conference sending two teams to the 2012 NFL playoffs, the NFC West’s entries are the strongest of the bunch.
The San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1) and Seattle Seahawks (11-5) qualified as the No. 2 and No. 5 seeds, respectively, in the NFC. Their combined record of 22-8-1 ranks only below the 23-9 mark of the AFC’s Texans (No. 3) and Colts (No. 5).
That slightly lower winning percentage, though, belies the overall strength of these clubs as they enter the postseason.
San Francisco and Seattle both overcame the third-highest strength of schedule among all 12 playoff teams (.504). The 49ers also produced a strength of victory percentage of .477, second only to the Seahawks’ .534.
Houston (.496, .432) and Indianapolis (.441, .403), as can be seen, had a much easier road to January football.
Moreover, Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers won five of their final seven games, while Pete Carroll’s ‘Hawks emerged victorious in their final five. The Colts certainly deserve ample praise for also winning in similar fashion. But the Texans, on the other hand, crumbled down the stretch, losing the last two games and a chance to secure home-field advantage or a first-round bye.
The point is that the top-two teams from the NFC West played one of the hardest regular season schedules in 2012 and won more difficult games than anyone else. It’s one of the reasons they’re both in position to go big in the 2012 postseason—they’re simply more battle-tested this year.
Let’s take a look at the opening road ahead for both the 49ers and Seahawks.
San Francisco 49ers
As the NFC’s No. 2 seed, the 49ers secured a first-round bye and home field for their divisional matchup. They also have the luxury of nursing long-standing wounds—both major and minor.
This is especially significant for Justin Smith and the San Francisco defense.
Smith partially tore his triceps in Week 15 against New England and hasn’t played since. The usually smothering contingent gave up 86 points in 2.5 games in his absence (missed second half @ NE).
In Week 16, Marshawn Lynch ran right at his replacement Ricky Jean-Francois for a 24-yard touchdown on Seattle’s opening drive. Aldon Smith, Mr. 19.5 Sack Artist himself, did not register a single one with Justin out of the lineup (fatigue also being a contributing factor).
With the Pro-Bowl defensive lineman receiving a month of recuperation time, the 49ers will at least have their Paul Bunyan-like figure in some capacity on his home turf. That does not bode well for their potential foes.
J. Smith is the one who helps shut down the opponents’ running game at the point of attack. He performs all the necessary grunt work, commanding double teams and opening up pass-rushing lanes for his 49er brethren.
Having Justin Smith back on the field provides a fundamental cog to this defense and an unwelcome sight for the opposition.
Speaking of which, if Green Bay beats Minnesota in their third battle this season, the 49ers will host the Packers. If the Vikings win, San Francisco will host the winner of the Seahawks-Redskins game.
Playing the Packers, Seahawks or Redskins at home presents a significant advantage. The 49ers are 6-1-1 in the friendly confines of Candlestick Park.
They have already taken down the Seahawks—a Thursday night game in October notwithstanding—without the benefit of their “12th Man.” And they’ve already stifled the Packers 30-22 at Lambeau Field; beating them away from Green Bay will surely be a more manageable task.
The Packers are just 4-4 on the road, compared to defeating all other seven teams not named the 49ers at home. Similarly, the Seahawks crushed the opposition at home (49ers included), going a perfect 8-0, while posting only three wins outside of Seattle.
Washington is the only opponent somewhat foreign to San Francisco.
The Redskins, led by unprecedented phenom Robert Griffin III, are equally proficient at any venue, posting identical 5-3 records. They’re also riding an incredible seven-game win-streak, one that will increase to eight if they reach the 49ers.
Based on intangibles and magic alone, the Redskins might prove the toughest matchup. Not to mention the 230 points scored and three games with 38-plus on the road.
Fortunately, San Francisco is much more stout defensively at the ‘Stick, surrendering 51 fewer points (111 compared to 162). It’s where the NFL’s No. 2-ranked unit really dominates.
Led by its heart-and-soul on defense, the team itself will match with a similar effort and go big in the divisional round.
Remember—it’s not like it hasn’t accomplished as much just one year ago.
Seattle Seahawks
From San Francisco’s perspective, Seattle is a lowly 3-5 on the road.
From the Seahawks perspective, they went 2-0 on the road in December, winning in both comeback and dominating fashion. They’re early-season struggles were merely a thing of the past.
Well, it’s pretty hard to argue with that.
The Seahawks showcased their resiliency with a 23-17 come-from-behind win over the then 8-3 Bears. Rookie QB Russell Wilson threw the go-ahead touchdown with less than 30 seconds remaining in the fourth. Then, after relinquishing said lead as time expired, Wilson came right back and tossed the game-winner in overtime.
Three weeks later, the Seahawks crushed Buffalo 50-17. An inferior opponent, yes, but racking up 466 yards, including 270 on the ground and five offensive TDs is nothing to scoff at.
Wilson—the quarterback no less—rushed for 92 yards and three scores. And the defense once again limited the other team to 17 points, this time completely putting the clamps down in the second half. Safety Earl Thomas ran an interception back for a TD to boot.
However, there are additional relevant dynamics to Seattle’s prime standing for the playoffs.
The ‘Hawks produced a point differential of plus-113 in the month of December. That monstrous number derived from a scoring margin of 173-60, with an average of 34.6 points scored and a mere 12 allowed per game.
In other words, Carroll’s Seahawks are peaking at absolutely the right time. They are clicking on all sides of the ball and the fiery head coach has them stepping on opponents’ throats.
Will the streak continue against the Redskins, their latest foe?
It most certainly can. The problem, however, is that Seattle and Washington are mirror images of each other to a large extent.
Both are teams that run the ball exceptionally well, can stop the run, have ball-hawking defenses and feature fabulous rookie quarterbacks that possess big arms, dynamic running abilities and that shy away from turnovers.
Each are also well coached with magical young quarterbacks that thrive in the big moment.
So what’s the kicker?
Toughness and sheer badass mentality.
The Seahawks punch you in the mouth and just don’t stop. They mash around on the gridiron with just that much more swagger. They have just a little more of that killer instinct.
Seattle could very well lose this game. But one thing’s for sure:
It won’t be because it isn’t prepared to go big on the road against the vaunted RGIII-led Redskins.
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