Week 11 Post Match Review: 49ers at Jaguars

 

By Scooter_McG

This game had the potential to be a trap game for the 49ers. If they'd played it two weeks ago it probably would have been. But say this about the embarrassment against the Cardinals - it was the humbling loss the 49ers clearly needed to learn that their attitude was not good enough to be serious competitors in the NFL. Hopefully it didn't come so late in the season, and after too many defeats, to make the playoffs in what is becoming a crowded fight for spots. 

Instead this game was a dominant display from a 49ers team that has rediscovered the tough minded mentality that saw them surprise the NFL in 2019. Over the past two weeks the 49ers have said goodbye to the silly little errors that had plagued them through the first 8 games of the year. For the second straight week they committed no turnovers, had no clear drops, and comprehensively won the penalties. For the second straight week it was the opposition making those mistakes. And for the second straight week it was precipitated by a hard-nosed, run first offensive philosophy that was happy to grind their way down the field mixing in some dynamic runs from their number one playmaker Deebo Samuel. 

As was the case in the game against the Rams, the 49ers first offensive drive was a statement of the physicality the team intended to play with, and showcased their focused and grinding mentality. The drive lasted more than 13 game minutes and 20 plays. It was littered with small gaining run plays as the Jaguars set their stall on stopping the run. While on paper those runs won't look like much, they were just as important as the handful of explosive runs by Deebo and the efficient passing of Jimmy G as they kept the offense inching forward to set up 3rd and short and took energy out of the defense. A nice conversion on 3rd and 12 to Aiyuk was also a key play early in the drive, as were some critical penalties against the Jaguars to extend the drive when it should have been stalled.

While they would eventually need to settle for a FG (after Jimmy G missed a wide open Wilson for what should have been an easy TD), the opening drive was critical to sapping the energy and confidence of the Jaguars defense. 

The defense also did its part. They started with a great play by Ebukam to drop the RB behind the line of scrimmage, and broke up the deep ball on third down without giving away the dreaded DPI. On the second defensive series Josh Norman forced the fumble on the first play which Warner recovered. 

After the opening drive, forcing the three and out put a tired Jaguars defense back on the field quickly. The 49ers took advantage with a rapid fire, 7 play scoring drive that started with a nice catch and run for Aiyuk for around 20 yards, followed by a series of big runs, including a long TD run by Deebo. 

After the fumble recovery the 49ers went on a second straight 7 play scoring drive, this time benefitting from some more ill discipline from the Jaguars on what should have been a stop on third down, but instead saw their starting safety Rayshawn Jenkins ejected for throwing a punch at Jauan Jennings. The drive would end with a nice short pass to Aiyuk for the TD. 

Those first five drives (3 offensive, two defensive) put the 49ers well in control of the game right from the get go, up 17-0. They would allow the Jaguars to get a FG late in the half, as well as a FG of their own, to end the half leading 20-3. 

It was a half of complete and utter dominance by the 49ers, where they won in every facet of the game. The type of half you expect to see from a playoff calibre team against a 2-7 unit with a rookie QB. And the type of half you expect from a team playing with a high level of confidence and commitment. 

The start of the second half would see more of the same, with a defensive stop and then another TD drive on offense that was highlighted by three big plays by Deebo - a 15 yard catch and 2 big runs - finished by a red zone TD for Kittle that makes it 3 in 3 weeks. 

It wasn't until the 49ers brought their backups in that the Jaguars were able to score a TD late in the 4th quarter, on a series that was predicated on picking on the rookie Ambry Thomas. The dominant win in fact enabled the 49ers to get most of their rookies some game time once they were up 30-3 - the first time this season the team has been able to rest its starters while in front. 

Other Notables

Nick Bosa was able to rack up two sacks in this one, taking his tally into double digits on the season for the first time in his career. Aiyuk also had a very nice game as he continues to see his usage increase, catching all 7 of his targets for 85 yards and a TD. 

Deebo Samuel only caught one pass this week, for 15 yards, with only two targets. But his impact on the game was still significant as he led the team with 79 rushing yards on 8 carries and TD. The transition to using him more as a RB over the past two games has highlighted just how important it is to find ways to get the ball in the hands of your best playmakers.

This win marked the second straight week the 49ers ran the ball more then 40 times, and finished with a run to pass ratio of around 2:1. There can be no mistake now that Shanahan has realised the template for success involves sticking with the run even when the defense tries to take it away. The same template that saw the 49ers go on their 2019 Super Bowl run. 

Looking Forward

With the Panthers and Saints losing, and 49ers, Vikings and Eagles winning, the race for the 6th and 7th NFC wildcard spots got a whole lot more interesting this weekend. The 49ers host the Vikings next week in what should be a much tougher contest than the Jaguars and looks to be critical in deciding the playoff picture.