The 49ers need to start with a big bang on the road against a difficult divisional opponent, and Ricky Pearsall might be the key to unlock that big win to start the season.
It's not a secret the San Francisco 49ers have a problem with it comes to the depth of its receivers. What was once a strong and deep unit has been decimated by a combination of trades, injuries and holdouts.
Deebo Samuel was shipped to the Washington Commanders, Brandon Aiyuk is still a while away from returning and Jauan Jennings is still requesting a trade or a pay rise off a breakout 2024 season.
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So it's a bit of a weaker position group for the Niners right now. But there is one shining light: 2024 first-round selection Ricky Pearsall.
Pearsall, of course, missed most of his rookie year after being shot before the season began, but he turned some heads with a big home stretch including a breakout game against the Detroit Lions in Week 17 where he had eight receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown. He followed that up in Week 18 with six receptions for 69 yards and another touchdown in the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
What's interesting is this has carried over to the preseason, where he's shown a rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy only threw the ball seven times for five completions for the entire preseason, but three of those receptions went to Pearsall for 42 yards. The 49ers had a plan to use the preseason to get Purdy and Pearsall on the same page, and the preseason alongside a strong training camp shows the role that Pearsall has been entrusted with.
The Seattle Seahawks are no longer the massive threat they used to be, but they're still not to be underestimated. The Niners need to strike ferociously to come out of Seattle with the win and the early start. With the 49ers' receiving corps also not the threat it used to be, it needs someone to step up.
The information we have suggests Pearsall can, and will, be that guy. The breakout performances Pearsall had last season might have been in consolation games, but Week 1 will be the time Pearsall shows what he can do properly.
Eight receptions, 100 yards and a touchdown.
Back him in to be the weapon that brings the win back to the Bay.