Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
ESPN predicts big rushing game for Cam Newton, Patriots win over 49ers
Oct 23, 2020 at 9:42 AM
•
Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
It looks like ESPN's beat writers for the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots are betting on the latter to win on Sunday. Both Mike Reiss and Nick Wagoner picked the Patriots to end their losing streak, and for Kyle Shanahan's squad to fall under .500 again.
Wagoner, the NFL Nation writer for the 49ers, expects a big game on the ground from Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, who is going against a San Francisco defense that has struggled this season to contain athletic quarterbacks.
"New England quarterback Cam Newton will rush for 90-plus yards,"
predicts Wagoner. "Believe it or not, Newton has only four such games in his career and hasn't hit the 90-yard mark since 2017. But the 49ers have struggled to contain mobile quarterbacks, allowing 231 rushing yards to QBs so far this season, most in the NFL."
Wagoner picked the Patriots to win by four points while his colleague, Reiss, has New England by three. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) has the Patriots owning a 50.3 percent chance of knocking off the 49ers.
On Thursday, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was asked about Newton and his unit's difficulty this season defending against mobile quarterbacks.
"He looks like everyone's Madden figure when you create a player on Madden,"
Saleh responded. "… He's a freak athlete. He's got an unbelievable arm. He's got great presence in the pocket where he can feel and slide.
"He's not looking to scramble. He stands in there tall, and the issue with Cam is that you'll bounce off him if you don't bring everything you've got with you. Then he can find his way. He can go scramble and make you play off-schedule football."
That means the 49ers defense will have to play very disciplined football on Sunday if they hope not to get embarrassed by Newton and the Patriots.
"So, the challenge is obviously with all quarterbacks, you've got to keep them in the pocket and always have respect for the level of quarterback," added Saleh. "And then from there, when you have your opportunity to tackle them, just understand you've got to bring everything because just an arm tackle won't do it. You've got to bring your whole entire body with you."
Facebook Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
Draft Watch: 49ers attend Illinois DT Jer'Zhan Newton's pro day
Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz reports that the San Francisco 49ers were among several NFL teams in attendance for former Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton's pro day workout. The defender also goes by the name "Johnny."
Illinois DT Johnny Newton, a projected 1st-round pick, just wrapped up an impressive Pro Day — showcasing elite explosion and power after a Jones fracture that he's fully healed from.I'm told the following teams were in attendance, among others:BillsCowboys49ersJets… pic.twitter.com/ggMIiIBkub—
Former 49ers teammate campaigns for reunion with Brandon Aiyuk on Patriots
The San Francisco 49ers are optimistic they can negotiate a contract extension with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Recognizing the impending significant investment, the team has been strategically planning for the day when Aiyuk's contract demands must be accommodated.
Despite the team's assurance that signing Aiyuk remains a priority, speculation continues to circulate within NFL circles, often involving Aiyuk's name in trade rumors. In March, general manager John Lynch addressed these rumors, stating that the 49ers are actively engaged in discussions with Aiyuk and his representatives while
49ers sign WR Trent Taylor, reuniting with former draft pick
The San Francisco 49ers announced the signing of wide receiver Trent Taylor to a one-year deal, reuniting with the team's former fifth-round draft pick out of Louisiana Tech.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area was the first to report that the 49ers were discussing a potential reunion with Taylor. The receiver was part of head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch's first draft class in 2017 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team.
The #49ers are talking with free-agent slot receiver/return man
Draft Watch: Western Kentucky WR Malachi Corley visiting 49ers on Wednesday
The San Francisco 49ers are hosting several draft prospects this week as the deadline for pre-draft visits draws near. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the team will host former Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley on Wednesday.
Corley is expected to be a Day 2 pick. San Francisco owns two selections on Day 2—the No. 63 overall pick in the second round and the No. 94 overall pick in the third round. Currently, the receiver is visiting with the Seattle Seahawks.
Western Kentucky @WKUFootball receiver Malachi Worley
