After a private meeting with patrons on Patreon last night, I decided to ask them what their keys to victory are for Monday night. The cool thing is we all shared the same sentiments, concepts, and concerns regarding the 49ers. If the 49ers want to defeat the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, they must perform these "Five Keys To Victory."
RUN THE BALL
Mike Eng from the "Woke Niner Recaps Podcast" said that for the 49ers to win, they must run the ball. The 49ers are sixth overall in rushing without their star running back, Elijah Mitchell. Kyle Shanahan seems to abandon the run when it matters most, but this week, he needs to stick to the run to wear down the Rams' defense. That defense is ranked 10th against the rush, so the advantage should favor the 49ers based on statistics. San Francisco could suit up four running backs, Jeff Wilson Jr., Jordan Mason, Marlon Mack, and Tevin Coleman. With the addition of Deebo Samuel in the backfield, the 49ers' rushing attack could be the key to victory.
CONTAIN Aaron Donald
Peachy from "Nitty Gritty Niners Talk" said that the 49ers must contain Aaron Donald, the best defensive player in the league, at all times. Aaron Donald is unique because he's a defensive tackle that can be placed anywhere on the defensive line. Donald does most of his damage on the inside, but he's just as good on the outside. Expect Donald to line up wherever the 49ers seem weakest on the offensive line.
The 49ers get the Aaron Donald stopper, Daniel Brunskill, back this week. Brunskill usually lines up at the right guard position where rookie Spencer Burford has started all season for the 49ers. There's a possibility that Brunskill could start in place of Burford or center Jake Brendel. Having Daniel Brunskill available is key in containing Donald for four quarters.
PATCH UP the Left Side
John V from the "Locker Room Rant" is concerned about the left side of the offensive line, as he should be. The best offensive lineman in the NFL will be out for four to six weeks due to a high ankle sprain he suffered in last Sunday night's matchup against the Denver Broncos. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that offensive tackle Colton McKivitz would likely get the start in place of Trent Williams. Although McKivitz played well in the final game of the 2020 season against the Rams to help his team make the playoffs, the concern of him just stepping right into action draws the fears. In the last game against the Broncos, McKivitz played 13 snaps, 11 at left tackle and two at tight end. He only allowed one pressure, had zero penalties, and zero sacks. McKivitz is the key to protecting Jimmy Garoppolo from that ferocious Rams pass rush.
SCORE on Defense
One of the 49ers' most die-hard fans, Ms. Tanya, said that the team needs to score on defense. Don't just get a takeaway; capitalize off the turnover by scoring points. When I sat back and thought about this, I didn't realize how sad this sounds, that for the 49ers to win, they must score on defense. That tells me how poor our offense has been all season long. The 49ers' offense is ranked 24th in total yards, 29th in passing, and 28th and points. These stats have the 49ers sitting at the bottom of the league, and the team may need a little help from their defense.
At the end of the Broncos games, linebacker Fred Warner was frustrated because he felt the team didn't capitalize on their opportunities. The 49ers' defense forced two fumbles in that game, and unfortunately, the Broncos recovered both. Both fumbles came at an opportunistic time, which could have sealed the deal for the 49ers. If the 49ers can score on defense, this could be a key to being victorious over the Rams.
LIMIT Cooper Kupp
Another die-hard fan, CynamoKis, feels that the 49ers must focus on Cooper Kupp. How do you eliminate Cooper Kupp? The answer is you don't. You have to do your best to limit the damage from last season's triple crown award winner. The Arizona Cardinals found a way to limit Kupp to four receptions and 44 yards in the air last week. On the ground, Kupp scored on a run play for 20 yards. The 49ers' defense should be able to eliminate Kupp from rushing, but my concern is in the air. If Kupp lines up in the slot, will cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir or rookie Samuel Womack be up for the task? Great play from the nickel-back position is a key to victory.
The 49ers have a tall task ahead of them on Monday night football. Shanahan and Garoppolo have winning records against Sean McVay and the Rams. Unfortunately, they lost when it really mattered, in the NFC Championship game last season.