SEATTLE — Sure it’s noisy at CenturyLink Field, and the ear-splitting racket created by the fans — who refer to themselves as the 12th Man — causes plenty of havoc for opposing offenses. But what about the Seahawks’ own defense?
The burden Sunday for the 49ers on offense is to communicate without being able to hear. It’s also an extra challenge every home game for the Seahawks’ defense, which has learned to use non-verbal cues to get on the same page.
“Yeah, it’s one of the awesome things here that we just have to work really hard in terms of the way we can signal and get the information out to the guys out fast,’’ Seattle defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said, “because with our fans and the energy that they bring to our field is something that we have to work at and practice at.”
The best way to inspire Pro Bowl CB Richard Sherman? Criticize or slight him. He still is ornery he was a fifth-round draft pick.
“It’s incredibly mind- boggling,’’ Sherman said. “Yes, it is, and it fuels me every single day. Every day I look at the write-ups people wrote. They say he’s stiff. He has no ball skills. He has no explosion or instincts to play corner. I think about that every day. I look at the clippings. A lot of people are like, ‘Don’t read your news clippings.’ I read them every day. Anything negative somebody said about me, I find it and use it as fuel. I use it to make the chip a little bit bigger.’’
Unlike the 49ers, who rely heavily on Vernon Davis as a play-maker, the Seahawks’ tight ends have not been a big factor in the passing game. Zach Miller had just two receptions in the two games this season against the 49ers. Luke Willson (3-70, one TD) was productive in the 19-17 loss to the Niners in December.
“We’d love to have them catch more balls,’’ Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said of his tight ends. “When we’re throwing the ball around 20 times a game, it’s hard to spread it around, there are not that many balls out there.’’
Weather should not be a factor in Seattle, with the forecast pretty much the same as it’s been all week: Cloudy, temperatures in the mid-40s, calm wind and no chance of rain.
RB Marshawn Lynch rarely speaks with the media — he was fined $50,000 this season for his reticence — but he does make his presence felt in the locker room for blaring loud rap music during the open-access period. He relented and conducted a brief interview on Friday, providing one-sentence answers to every question.
On being one game away from the Super Bowl, Lynch said, “Our team feels like we haven’t done anything yet.”