49ers-Seahawks matchups: Boldin v. Seattle’s cornerbacks

The 49ers cannot line up Anquan Boldin at flanker across from Richard Sherman all game and expect Boldin to play well. Sherman will get the better of that matchup.

Sherman got the better of Boldin two years ago when Boldin was a Raven and Sherman was a rookie. Boldin caught zero passes when he was covered by Sherman.

Boldin only caught two passes total in that game. Brandon Browner shut him down as well. Browner may or mat not play this Sunday.

Look for the 49ers to line up Boldin in the slot and try to get him matched up on the Seahawks’ smallest cornerback, Walter Thurmond III, or the Seahawks tiny free safety, Earl Thomas. Boldin can use his size to win those matchups.

But if Boldin starts hurting the Seahawks from the slot, look for Sherman follow Boldin and cover him no matter where he lines up. Sherman doesn’t have the quickness of a prototypical nickelback but he has enough quickness to cover Boldin in the middle of the field.

Advantage: Seahawks

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