Why the Seahawks are a Tough Matchup for the 49ers

SANTA CLARA -- Clearly, the 49ers are better than the Seahawks. But they're extremely similar teams, which is why their games typically go down to the wire.

The 49ers generally are the more physical and energetic team when they face an opponent -- that's the 49ers' identity. They play extremely hard. They outwork teams.

But the Seahawks have the same identity. They're not as talented as the 49ers, but they play just as hard, so the 49ers can't beat them with effort alone. They have to be smart and execute precisely.

"They're so competitive," head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "Doesn't matter what the record is, where you play, offense, defense, special teams, they all go extremely hard. They practice hard. I think just the style of their play and when you watch the silent tape, it's as close to ours as anyone else. I think we're very similar in the style our teams play with."

In the locker room on Tuesday, Fred Warner echoed his coach's feelings about the Seahawks. "We're very similar in the things that are being preached in both buildings, the type of players that both teams are acquiring, the energy that both teams bring -- that makes for some fireworks."

It's worth noting that the 49ers and Seahawks have similar scouting departments which have been competiting for more than a decade.

But despite the similar play styles and cultures, the 49ers have won three in a row against the Seahawks dating back to last season, and Geno Smith was the Seahawks quarterback for all three of those games. Before him, Russell Wilson was 17-4 against the 49ers.

Maybe Wilson was the real season the Seahawks gave the 49ers fits.