Editor’s note: This is the final part in a series that spotlights three 49ers-Seahawks matchups to watch Sunday, 1:25 p.m., at CenturyLink Field in Seattle.
49ers QB Colin Kaepernick vs. Seahawks CB Richard Sherman
Tale of the tape
Kaepernick (7): 6 foot 4, 230 pounds, fourth season, Nevada
Sherman (25): 6 foot 3, 195 pounds, fourth season, Stanford
Sherman has four interceptions in five games against Kaepernick. But his biggest play was the tipped pass on a throw in the end zone intended for Michael Crabtree that led to the game-clinching interception for linebacker Malcolm Smith in the NFC Championship game. But Kaepernick this week said he does not regret challenging one of the best in the league.
“If I throw that ball a little bit further, we’re going to the Super Bowl,” Kaepernick said. “So it’s not something I regret. I just have to throw a better ball.”
[MAIOCCO: 49ers-Seahawks Matchup No. 2: J. Martin vs. Avril]
The 49ers still have a slim chance at advancing to the playoffs. They need to win their final three games and hope two of the following teams lose at least twice to close the regular season: Seattle, Detroit, Philadelphia and Dallas. And it’ll all start with Kaepernick. He must take care of the football and play better.
Sherman and the Seahawks have certainly gotten the best of the 49ers since Kaepernick was elevated into a starting role in 2012. In five career games against Seattle, Kaepernick has thrown nine interceptions and three touchdown passes. The 49ers’ main nemesis in the Seattle secondary is Sherman -– whether he’s covering Crabtree or not.
“He’s fast,” Kaepernick said. “He’s long. He does a great job covering guys. So he makes the windows very small for being able to get the ball into receivers.”
When asked if Sherman is the toughest corner to face, Kaepernick answered, “I’d say he’s one of. He does a very good job at what he’s coached to do and it makes it tough on our receivers, makes it tough on quarterbacks.”
