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The Seattle Seahawks entered training camp expecting another brutal NFC West fight with Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers.
Instead, the division’s biggest early storyline has nothing to do with a quarterback battle, a blockbuster trade or a preseason depth chart.
MORE: Should Seahawks Sign Deebo Samuel To 'Rock Out' With Super Bowl Champs?
Shanahan is recovering from significant injuries suffered in a July 14 car crash near his Northern California home.
The 49ers coach reportedly broke three ribs, his nose and a hand, received more than 40 stitches to his face and sustained a severe concussion.
Those injuries aren’t considered life-threatening, and Shanahan is believed to be recovering well. Still, he’ll begin training camp on a limited basis while doctors monitor his concussion symptoms.
For Seattle, that creates an unexpected wrinkle inside a division where every advantage matters.
This isn’t about celebrating a rival’s misfortune. Shanahan’s health is bigger than football, and the fact that neither driver suffered fatal injuries is the only result that truly matters.
But from a competitive standpoint, San Francisco now has to open camp without its head coach operating at full capacity.
Assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster will take on additional responsibilities, while the 49ers’ coordinators help manage practices and preparation.
That matters since Shanahan isn’t merely a walk-around head coach.
He’s the architect of San Francisco’s offense, the primary play-caller and the coach responsible for tying the entire operation together. Even a temporary reduction in his workload could affect installation, communication and the rhythm of camp.
Shanahan enters his 10th season with San Francisco carrying 82 regular-season victories, the third-most in franchise history.
Eleven more wins would move him ahead of Bill Walsh for second place. His longevity and offensive reputation have made the 49ers one of Seattle’s most difficult annual opponents.
Now San Francisco must balance football preparation with Shanahan’s recovery.
The timing only increases the challenge. The 49ers are scheduled to begin their season Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, adding international travel and an unusual opening-week routine to an already complicated summer.
Seattle can’t assume San Francisco will suddenly unravel. The 49ers still have an experienced staff, a talented roster and a system that’s been in place for years.
MORE: Seahawks Signing: Champs Bolster TE Room, Bring Back 10-Year Veteran
But training camp is where teams build timing, establish leadership and eliminate confusion. The Seahawks will be watching closely to see whether this disruption leaves any cracks.
The NFC West race hasn’t started yet, but it has already taken a sharp and completely unexpected turn.
Continue reading...
Instead, the division’s biggest early storyline has nothing to do with a quarterback battle, a blockbuster trade or a preseason depth chart.
MORE: Should Seahawks Sign Deebo Samuel To 'Rock Out' With Super Bowl Champs?
Shanahan is recovering from significant injuries suffered in a July 14 car crash near his Northern California home.
The 49ers coach reportedly broke three ribs, his nose and a hand, received more than 40 stitches to his face and sustained a severe concussion.
Those injuries aren’t considered life-threatening, and Shanahan is believed to be recovering well. Still, he’ll begin training camp on a limited basis while doctors monitor his concussion symptoms.
For Seattle, that creates an unexpected wrinkle inside a division where every advantage matters.
This isn’t about celebrating a rival’s misfortune. Shanahan’s health is bigger than football, and the fact that neither driver suffered fatal injuries is the only result that truly matters.
But from a competitive standpoint, San Francisco now has to open camp without its head coach operating at full capacity.
Assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster will take on additional responsibilities, while the 49ers’ coordinators help manage practices and preparation.
That matters since Shanahan isn’t merely a walk-around head coach.
He’s the architect of San Francisco’s offense, the primary play-caller and the coach responsible for tying the entire operation together. Even a temporary reduction in his workload could affect installation, communication and the rhythm of camp.
Shanahan enters his 10th season with San Francisco carrying 82 regular-season victories, the third-most in franchise history.
Eleven more wins would move him ahead of Bill Walsh for second place. His longevity and offensive reputation have made the 49ers one of Seattle’s most difficult annual opponents.
Now San Francisco must balance football preparation with Shanahan’s recovery.
The timing only increases the challenge. The 49ers are scheduled to begin their season Sept. 10 against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, adding international travel and an unusual opening-week routine to an already complicated summer.
Seattle can’t assume San Francisco will suddenly unravel. The 49ers still have an experienced staff, a talented roster and a system that’s been in place for years.
MORE: Seahawks Signing: Champs Bolster TE Room, Bring Back 10-Year Veteran
But training camp is where teams build timing, establish leadership and eliminate confusion. The Seahawks will be watching closely to see whether this disruption leaves any cracks.
The NFC West race hasn’t started yet, but it has already taken a sharp and completely unexpected turn.
Continue reading...
