This Sunday, the 0-1 San Francisco 49ers face the 1-0 Seattle Seahawks. Coming off of a tough loss, there are a couple of issues the 49ers must fix before Sunday’s home opener against a divisional rival. The Niners have a young quarterback but high hopes for this season. With the NFC West still wide open, it is crucial for the team to not drop 0-2.
The Defense Must Get Off The Field Quickly
The 49ers have one of the top defenses in the league. In week one, the defense combined for one interception, six tackles for loss, and three QB hits. The defense slowed down during the second half of the game, resulting in a team loss. Between the bad weather, penalties, and exhaustion, the Bears were able to push ahead and win. This weekend against Seattle, the 49ers must not give quarterback Geno Smith time to throw or rush for a gain of yards.
The Offense Must Stay on the Field Longer
One of the biggest weaknesses against the Chicago Bears was the short span of time the Niners’ offense was on the field. The team averaged three minutes and three seconds each drive. Going scoreless in the second half, the defense became slower with little time to rest.
Trey Lance Must Utilize His Legs
In only his third regular-season start, and under difficult weather, Trey Lance faced many issues in the season opener. Without having time to find players open, Lance was able to utilize his legs and run for a first down when needed. After one week, Lance leads the team in rushing yards at 54. The strongest run was when the offense was stuck on a 3rd and 13 and Lance took the ball and ran for a first down.
Offensive Line Must Give Lance Time
With former 49ers center Alex Mack retiring in the offseason, there remained many questions about the Offensive line. Lance is a young quarterback with a strong arm. When given the chance, he can throw far downfield. If the offensive line can hold off Seattle’s defense, the 49ers can take advantage of Lance’s deep threat passes. This can help build offensive momentum, and get the offense in good field position to end each drive with a scoring play.
The Running Game Must be Put Together
In week one, the team only had a combined 176 rushing yards. Kyle Shanahan is known to have an offense where any runningback can succeed; however, that was not the case against the Bears. Despite losing running back, Elijah Mitchell to an injury, the team still has multiple weapons to utilize. Currently, Trey Lance and Deebo Samuel lead the team in rushing yards. With solid depths at the running back position, Shanahan can come up with schemes to get the ball moving. If the team can get the momentum going with the run game, Lance will face less pressure, and they can take control of the game. Running the ball can take time off the clock, and keep the defense rested.
The Team Must Reduce Their Penalties
The 49ers gave up 99 yards in week one due to penalties. Many of the calls were for late hits on Bears’ quarterback Justin Fields when he would rush. These calls would result in first downs for the Bears, and eventually a scoring play. There were many times the defense could have forced the Bears to punt, instead the 49ers lost their ten-point lead. Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Geno Smith also has the potential to run the ball and draw in late hits. As long as the 49ers can avoid penalties, they can prevent their opponent from gaining unnecessary gains.
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