By Scooter_McG
The 49ers remain in first place in the NFC West despite their loss last week dropping them to 3-3, courtesy of a healthy for and against and wins over division rivals. However, if they have plans of securing another playoff appearance this season they will desperately need to fix the Jekyll and Hyde performances that have dogged them so far.
Coming up against a potent Chiefs team that is smarting after a loss last week is not the ideal matchup for such a fix.
The 49ers enter week 7 buoyed by the recent trade for star RB Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers. But realistically, his acquisition is unlikely to play a big factor in the 49ers week 7 encounter with the Kansas City Chiefs, if he even suits up at all. The bigger news for the 49ers, at least as it pertains to this game, is the return of a trio of high profile players from injury - Trent Williams, Nick Bosa and Jimmie Ward. Williams and Bosa are probably the two best players on the 49ers roster and with their return the 49ers will be boasting five of their six elite players on the field in this game (and potentially all six of McCaffrey suits up). Having those playmakers on the field is vital if the 49ers are to provide the upset this week.
Unfortunately it appears unlikely CB Charvarius Ward will be right to go against his former team, while Jason Verrett will not be activated from IR for this game. Following the loss of Moseley the week before, this leaves the CB position thin and inexperienced which is far from ideal against the Chiefs passing attack. The onus will thereby fall on the front 7 and the safeties to force Mahomes and the Chiefs to get rid of the ball quickly and not allow time for easy throws. Given the injuries at CB, we may also see Jimmie Ward dropping down to play CB - either outside of slot - for stretches in this game.
Warner, Greenlaw and Hufanga will also have their hands full in limiting Travis Kelce, who has been Mahomes main target this season. If the 49ers can force Mahomes to look to Smith-Schuster, Hardman and Vandes-Scantlng more so than Kelce they should be in a good position to minimise the damage from the Chiefs offense, even with the two starting CBs out injured.
On offense, the 49ers must find a way to sustain drives and put points on the board. The goal should be a minimum of 27 points in this game - asking the defense to hold the Chiefs to less than that is a tough ask. With the trade for McCaffrey it is clear that Shanahan hasn't been thrilled with the running game this season in the absence of Elijah Mitchell. Getting the run game going will go a long way to getting the offense in rhythm and should be the point of emphasis this week. But, equally, the team needs to find ways to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers in space, and must make sure they take the opportunities down the field when they present themselves (unlike last week).
George Kittle called the team out after the defeat last week for its effort. If they want to stand any hope of winning this game the team needs to lift its intensity, focus and urgency to avoid dropping below .500 and losing the lead in the division.
'Constant' pressure and disruption in the Chiefs backfield will go a long way toward limiting their offensive attack. If that does not happen it will be a real long day at Levi's.
ReplyDeleteJust force someone other than Kelce to make plays. Take him out of the game, stay disciplined in your pass rushing lanes with outside leverage, and spy Mahomes.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteAdam Schefter
@AdamSchefter
Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to San Francisco late Thursday night and flew to his new employer Friday, is expected to make his 49ers debut Sunday vs. the Chiefs, per sources. The 49ers have a package of plays in their gameplan for McCaffrey.
He is as good as it comes.
DeleteSome people are comparing Wilson and CMC stats and stating that Wilson has better stats, (barley). They fail to mention that CMC is the only weapon that the Panthers had, and that Wilson is surrounded by a plethora of talent. Comparing football players is futility at its finest. Variables are way too inconsistent to make any kind of comparison between any player.
ReplyDeleteI think it is fair to say there are a lot of people out there that just want to be contrarian for the sake of being contrary.
DeleteI think anyone that believes Wilson is a better (or even comparable) RB to CMC when both are fully healthy probably should give up voicing their opinions on RBs.
There is so much crap on the internet. Caveat emptor.
DeleteThanks for the write-up, Scooter.
ReplyDeleteCMac joining the team apparently has had a significant positive effect on the spirits of the players, especially on offense. Maiocco reported that Williams broke into a huge smile when CMac walked past him and Maiocco.
The message that this trade sends to stars whose window will soon be closing should not be underestimated, e.g., Williams and Kittle.
49ers better be ready for this kid, Pacheco at running back. He's a hard runner that doesn't go down easily.
ReplyDeleteNational Tight Ends' Day!
ReplyDeleteSunny, crisp fall morning at South Bay with a light breeze. Could get breezier.