Kyle Shanahan praises Deebo Samuel ahead of 49ers-Seahawks showdown

The San Francisco 49ers enter a pivotal NFC West matchup with the Seattle Seahawks at 4-0, but Kyle Shanahan knows his team faces one of its biggest challenges of the young season.

Shanahan spoke with the media ahead of Sunday’s matchup, discussing Seattle’s aggressive defense, the challenge of its defensive line, Brock Purdy’s ability to avoid pressure, and Deebo Samuel’s expanding role in the 49ers’ offense.

Under Mike Macdonald, Seattle has built one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, and Shanahan believes its discipline and aggression make it particularly difficult to attack.

“How sound they are, yet still aggressive,” Shanahan said. “When they’re aggressive, they’re very rarely irresponsible.”

The Seahawks have added another wrinkle in safety Nick Emmanwori, whose versatility lets Seattle use him in a variety of roles.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 17: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against Devon Witherspoon #21 of the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Lumen Field on January 17, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

“When you’ve got a guy with that size and length who can run and cover, to not know whether he’s a nickelback, a dimeback, truly a linebacker or a defensive end, schematically it causes a lot of issues,” Shanahan said.

The biggest challenge may come in the trenches. Seattle boasts a deep defensive line led by Leonard Williams, who Shanahan called “second to none.”

“They’re as good as it gets,” Shanahan said. “There’s not one guy out there who’s not a good player.”

On the other side, Brock Purdy enters the matchup having yet to be sacked this season. Shanahan believes Purdy’s ability to recognize when to extend a play and when to get rid of the football is largely instinctive.

“There’s certain times you’ve got to hang in there and really let something develop and take a hit as you throw,” Shanahan said. “And there’s times you’ve got to give up on something and make the play.”

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 04: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

Shanahan also discussed Samuel’s increased workload. With injuries affecting the 49ers’ offensive personnel, Samuel has taken on an even larger role as both a receiver and ball carrier.

“Put the ball in Deebo’s hand, and he can execute it,” Shanahan said. “He runs as good as anyone.”

San Francisco will also be without several key players at practice Thursday, including Kyle Juszczyk, Nick Bosa, James Thompson Jr., Marques Sigle and Upton Stout. Mykel Williams and Mike Evans were limited.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• Sando: 49ers’ sack-free start shows Brock Purdy’s growth
• 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

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our Sactown Sports YouTube page. channel.

Related

Sando: 49ers’ sack-free start shows Brock Purdy’s growthHigh School Showcase: Manteca HC Mark VarnumTim Plough breaks down UC Davis’ explosive win, BYE week priorities49ers-Seahawks: ESPN insider explains why SF must run the ballHas Keegan Murray reached his NBA ceiling?NFL rescinds Kyle Juszczyk’s ‘chugging’ fine