The New England Patriots are heading to Levi's Stadium to face the 1-2 San Francisco 49ers. Which players pose the biggest threats to the 49ers in Week 4?
RB Rhamondre Stevenson
Stevenson is one of the NFL's most challenging young running backs. He has 52 rush attempts for 224 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and has scored two touchdowns. One notable weakness, however, is his ball security, as Stevenson has fumbled once in every game so far. Expect Fred Warner and the 49ers' defense to try to keep that streak alive. Stevenson ranks fifth in the NFL with 3.58 yards after contact and is tied for sixth with seven explosive runs.
The Patriots rank eighth in the league, averaging 144.3 rushing yards per game. Containing Stevenson and limiting his explosive runs will be crucial for the 49ers, who will likely stack the box to slow him down. If the 49ers can't control the Patriots' ground game, it could be a long day on Sunday.
TE Hunter Henry
Henry is tied for fifth among NFL tight ends in targets (17). He's caught 12 passes for 136 yards, averaging 11.3 yards per reception, and has converted nine first downs. Henry appears to be Jacoby Brissett's favorite target. The 49ers are going to have to cover him, especially on check-downs. If Henry is left wide open underneath, he will take advantage of the 49ers' defense and extend plays for the Patriots.
CB Christian Gonzalez
Gonzalez is one of the NFL's rising stars at cornerback. The former first-round pick has been targeted 20 times, allowing 13 receptions. His average depth of target is 8.8 yards, and he's given up just 79 receiving yards this season. Gonzalez could be a problem for the 49ers' offense, potentially locking down Brandon Aiyuk throughout the game.
S Jabrill Peppers
Peppers is one of the most athletic players in the NFL. He plays the free safety position, so expect him to try to bait Brock Purdy into throwing to the middle of the field. Peppers has the speed and range to make plays on the Ball. He's steadily improved each week, currently ranking 21st among safeties with a 72.6 PFF grade. His Week 1 grade was 64.1 (vs. Bengals), improved to 71.7 in Week 2 (vs. Seahawks), and reached 77.8 in Week 3 (vs. Jets). Peppers has logged eight tackles so far this season, and the 49ers should be wary of his athleticism.
DE Keion White
White, a 6-5 285-pound defensive end, will be aiming to disrupt the 49ers' offensive line on Sunday. In just three games, he has recorded four sacks, 10 solo tackles, one forced fumble, three tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits.
49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz could have his hands full, as White boasts a 91.0 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus, tying him for fifth in the NFL with Steelers' T.J. Watt. If the 49ers don't slide protection White's way, it could be a long day for Purdy.
Though the Patriots may not be one of the NFL's premier teams, they have several standout players making their presence known each week. The 49ers must account for these five threats if they hope to even their record at 2-2.
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Written by:Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
