By the time the 2014 NFC Championship Game between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks kicks off, both teams will know who the AFC representative in Super Bowl XLVIII will be. The New England Patriots and Denver Broncos play three and a half hours prior to the start of their showdown and as they prepare to meet for the third time this season, both squads are relishing the opportunity to advance to the league’s biggest game. Despite dropping their last two trips to CenturyLink Field in Seattle – 42-13 last season and 29-3 in Week 2 of the current campaign – safety Donte Whitner and the Niners know they have to be physically and mentally prepared this time around if they’re to advance.
“We don't want it to end for us, but we understand we have to go up there in a hostile environment, against a really good football team, and do what a lot of people probably are not going to pick us to do,” he said. “And that's OK. We understand what we have to do. We've been here. It's not our first time. We're not excited. Until we get back to the Super Bowl and bring that trophy home, it's going to feel like just another game to us.”
San Francisco did earn a 19-17 home victory against the Seahawks back in Week 14 of the season but when it comes to playing Seattle on the road, quarterback Colin Kaepernick has struggled. Combining the last two trips to Washington, the former University of Nevada star has thrown just one touchdown against four interceptions while being sacked four times. Despite the recent struggles at the loud CenturyLink Field, 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh has complete faith that his team is ready for the next challenge. After all, he’s just as pumped up as his players are.
“This game is only for the tough,” the former NFL quarterback said. “The things I’d give to be able to play in this game are pretty significant but I think the guys are ready for this game. There’s nothing better than playing but coaching is the next best thing because you are competing. We’re ready to go.”
2014 NFC Championship – San Francisco at Seattle: DATE, TIME & VIEWING INFO
DATE: Sunday, January 19
TIME: 6:30pm, ET
TV COVERAGE: FOX
LIVE STREAM: CLICK HERE
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