Had a lot of time to write up stuff waiting for jd
I have to start with the defense because I'm still giddy that the team once again has a defense that is considered a strength. With Bosa able to shoulder a full workload, the defense gave fits to Baker with the rush and the muddy presnap looks. They again were predominantly zone, only occasionally mixing in man coverge. Sitting back, watching the QB, and letting the four man rush collapse the pocket is very sound gameplan considering Baker is a young QB that has yet to see everything an NFL defense can do.
CLE did no favors for Mayfield as they continually asked him to execute from the pocket using 5/7 step timing plays. Many times he hit the top of his drop, saw no one, and pressure was in his face or around his feet. His instincts took over, he'd look to evade, and the timing of the play was shot. 49ers just sat back in zone and kept the lid on top, not allowing any WRs to get behind them. The one time a WR looked like he was going to break free, Baker threw off his backfoot, couldn't get enough power on the throw and Sherman got his INT.
I thought the misdirection plays CLE had was the only consistent type of play that got them yards. They opened the game with a reverse to Beckham who threw a pass. They also had some success using misdirection to create some confusion, including Chubb's big run, but they never stayed with it. Asking for Mayfield to dropback, survey the field, and throw the ball with a messy pocket was a recipe for disaster. Five routes going out on a pass play helps stretch zones, but CLE having to keep in a RB or TE to help pass block worked against this so it was like a catch 22 - send out five routes to help beat zone coverage, but give Mayfield less time, or keep extra blockers in to give Mayfield more time, but less routes means lesser ability to manipulate the zone coverages that the 49ers were playing.
Offensively the stars were the run blockers and the RBs. I don't think I've ever seen Kyle's 49er guards pull as much as they are this season. The run game is multiple with some very creative wrinkles where they split the defensive front in half by giving mixed reads for the box defenders. I'll try to show a couple of these plays including the Kittle end around.
Their best drive was the opening drive of the 2nd half where they used playaction to move down the field in the passing game. It also included what I thought was Jimmy's best throw of the night, a 3rd & 6 conversion on a 15 yard out from the far hash, thrown perfectly. The 49ers made a conscious effort to get the ball out of Jimmy's hands quickly. I don't think they dialed up one shot play all game. No need to and no desire to with young Skule going up against a premier edge rusher.
This team is winning in ways that I did not expect. I thought during the offseason that having Pettis mature, Deebo, Hurd, Kittle, a stable of good RBs they'd be marching up and down the field putting up points. Instead, they are playing ball control and stifling defense. All that means is once the passing game gets on track, and it will with Kyle at the helm, it's going to get even better.
