49ers-Seahawks: ESPN insider explains why SF must run the ball

The San Francisco 49ers are 4-0, and ESPN’s Nick Wagoner believes their ability to win in different ways could signal something special.

Wagoner joined Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show to break down San Francisco’s hard-fought 24-14 victory over the Denver Broncos and look ahead to Sunday’s pivotal NFC West matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

Rather than relying on an explosive offensive performance, the 49ers leaned on their defense and special teams against Denver. Saran Neal’s forced fumble on a kickoff return was one of the game’s biggest plays and helped swing momentum in San Francisco’s favor.

“To me, the most amazing part of that play was just the tackle,” Wagoner said. “He makes that play and then gets the ball out. It changed the game.”

Wagoner believes those wins are especially valuable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The 49ers have plenty of veterans who have experienced high-pressure games, but younger players also need opportunities to learn how to win when everything doesn’t go according to plan.

Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers shakes hand with Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks following a game at Levi’s Stadium on January 03, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. The Seattle Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 13-3. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“That’s a sign of a good team, is when you can win games in multiple ways,” Wagoner said.

The 49ers will need that versatility against Seattle, particularly against a Seahawks defense that has given San Francisco plenty of problems. The 49ers failed to score a touchdown in either matchup against Seattle last season.

Wagoner believes the key could be surprisingly simple: run the football.

Seattle often runs a nickel package that lets safety Nick Emmanwori function almost like an extra linebacker. That creates opportunities for San Francisco, but only if the 49ers can consistently run against the lighter defensive personnel.

“The only way that you can have a lot of success against them is if you can run the ball effectively,” Wagoner said.

Wagoner also discussed Deebo Samuel’s evolving role. Rather than force-feeding Samuel, San Francisco has found creative ways to deploy him while taking advantage of his versatility and improved conditioning.

“He has come back in outstanding shape,” Wagoner said. “He looks like he’s got the juice that he used to have.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the game against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Mike Evans also earned praise after catching five passes while playing through a painful rib injury. Wagoner expects Evans to continue playing as he gets healthier.

Meanwhile, defensive line reinforcements could be on the way. Mykel Williams could make his 2026 debut against Seattle after participating in team drills last week.

Wagoner also believes the 49ers should explore the defensive line at the trade deadline.

He specifically mentioned Khalil Mack as a potential affordable target, suggesting San Francisco could make multiple additions rather than sacrificing premium draft capital for one major name.

Watch the full conversation in the video player at the top of the page or on the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ Sactown Sports’ Matt & Kayla, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Barrows: Behind the 49ers’ 4-0 start to the season
• ESPN’s Nick Wagoner: Brock Purdy is playing at an MVP level
• Is Brock Purdy A Top-Tier Quarterback?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• Sunday, October 11th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:25 pm PT
• Monday, October 19th – vs. Washington Commanders – 5:15 pm PT
• Sunday, October 25th – @ Atlanta Falcons – 10:00 am PT
• Sunday, November 8th – vs. Las Vegas Raiders – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, November 15th – @ Dallas Cowboys – 1:25 pm PT

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