The San Francisco 49ers concluded their 2025 NFL season with a disappointing 41–6 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks, revealing a crucial matchup issue that Richard Sherman believes could pose a persistent challenge. Sherman, a former player for both teams, addressed this significant concern during the latest episode of “The Richard Sherman Podcast,” labeling Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald as a serious hurdle for the 49ers’ future success.
Sherman emphasized the immediate impact of the game-starting 95-yard kickoff return touchdown by Rashid Shaheed, which set an unfortunate tone for San Francisco. The 49ers struggled to maintain offensive momentum throughout the match, failing to score a touchdown and finishing with just six points, which is a rarity under head coach Kyle Shanahan’s regime. In his tenure, Shanahan has presided over 163 games, but his team has been held under seven points only four times, with half of those instances occurring against the Seahawks in recent matchups.
According to Sherman, the familiarity between the two teams ultimately worked in Seattle’s favor. He pointed to Macdonald’s adaptability in making game-time adjustments, contrasting that with Shanahan’s apparent struggles in responding effectively during the game. “They were unable to execute, and it cost them,” Sherman stated, highlighting how essential it is for Shanahan’s team to execute better in the face of tough defensive strategies.
Sherman also shared an interesting statistic regarding Macdonald’s defenses, noting their impressive record of allowing zero points in the second half of playoff games during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens and the Seahawks. The Seattle defense overpowered San Francisco’s offensive line, highlighting a critical area needing improvement moving forward. Sherman clearly stated that future success hinges on the effectiveness of the 49ers’ offensive line, urging the franchise to invest heavily in that unit.
As the 49ers look toward the offseason, they face pivotal questions regarding player health, particularly concerning key figures like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Mykel Williams, as well as overall roster construction. Sherman made it clear that the primary focus should be on strategies to effectively combat the Seattle Seahawks. “If you can’t move them, you can’t beat them,” he concluded, underscoring the urgency for the 49ers to address these concerns head-on.
Despite the setback, there remains an opportunity for the 49ers to reassess and improve, laying the groundwork to come back stronger in the next season.