The San Francisco 49ers are 3-0, but Week 3 reminded everyone that finishing games matters as much as how you start them.
San Francisco survived a late Arizona comeback to win 36-30 and now remains home for a Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Denver enters at 2-1 after completing an impressive comeback of its own, overcoming a 16-0 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Rams 30-26. The Broncos have already shown they won't go away quietly.
Here are three keys for the 49ers to remain undefeated.
1. Make Bo Nix Uncomfortable
San Francisco's first objective should be simple: Don't let Bo Nix play on schedule.
Nix completed just 17 of 34 passes for 186 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception against the Rams. He has also thrown an interception in each of Denver's first three games. That's an opportunity for the 49ers defense.
San Francisco can't allow Nix to settle into a rhythm with quick throws, easy completions, and manageable third downs. Collapse the pocket, disguise coverages, get hands into throwing lanes, and force him to process after the snap.
The 49ers also need to finish when they create pressure. Arizona ran 81 offensive plays against San Francisco last week, with Jacoby Brissett attempting 52 passes. The 49ers can't let another opposing quarterback get comfortable enough to sustain drive after drive.
Get Nix off his spot. Make him speed up his internal clock. Force him into difficult decisions.
Make Bo Nix uncomfortable. Don't let him play on schedule.
2. Protect the Streak
Three games and zero sacks allowed. The 49ers' offensive line has kept Brock Purdy clean through the first three weeks, and that needs to continue against Denver.
Purdy threw for 297 yards and four touchdowns against Arizona, and the protection in front of him has played a major role in San Francisco's offensive success.
Denver's defense, however, can change a game without dominating every snap. The Rams produced 482 total yards against the Broncos and still lost. Former 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga delivered one of the game's defining plays with a fourth-quarter interception returned for a touchdown, then added another interception to seal the victory.
That's the danger.
San Francisco doesn't need to give Denver's defense additional opportunities by putting Purdy under constant pressure or forcing him into desperation situations. Stay ahead of the sticks. Keep the pocket clean. Protect the football.
And Purdy needs to know where Hufanga is before that ball comes out.
The 49ers are 3-0, and their quarterback hasn't been sacked. Protect the streak.
3. Don't Give Denver Hope
This might be the biggest lesson from Week 3. The 49ers led Arizona 23-6. What looked like an opportunity to put away a division opponent became a 29-27 game in the fourth quarter before Purdy connected with George Kittle for the touchdown that finally gave San Francisco some breathing room.
Denver has already demonstrated why San Francisco can't afford a repeat performance. The Broncos trailed the Rams 16-0 at halftime. They won 30-26. That tells the 49ers everything they need to know.
If San Francisco builds a 10-point lead, keep attacking. If the defense creates a turnover, turn it into points. If Denver looks ready to go away, don't give it a reason to believe a comeback is possible.
This Broncos team has already won games by hanging around long enough to create a late opportunity. The 49ers can't give them one. Don't give Denver hope.
The Bottom Line
The formula for Week 4 is straightforward: Make Bo Nix uncomfortable, protect the streak, and don't give Denver hope.
The 49ers have earned their 3-0 start, but last week's game showed there is still another level for this team to reach. Pressure Nix into difficult decisions. Keep Purdy upright and protect the football. And if San Francisco builds a lead, finish the job. Do those three things, and the 49ers should give themselves a chance to leave Levi's Stadium at 4-0.
More info on: George Kittle, Brock Purdy
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