PROTECTION
The offensive line must protect quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at all costs. It looks like Jaylon Moore will be starting at left tackle. Moore will face his most significant test against the Panthers, phenom edge rusher Brian Burns. If having tight end George Kittle to aid to the left side means protecting your quarterback, I'd say get on board. For Garoppolo to be efficient, he will need a clean pocket.
Establish a RHYTHM Early
Head coach Kyle Shanahan needs his quarterback to establish the rhythm early. Garoppolo has thrown the ball for a completed pass in his last two games on the first play to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk for first downs. The 49ers can move the ball well when Garoppolo completes high-percentage throws. Getting into a rhythm early allows Shanahan to call a very balanced game with a mixture of passes and runs. Start the game in rhythm and finish the game in rhythm.
CAPITALIZE on Opportunities
In this young season, we've seen the offense and the defense leave opportunities on the fields. Whether it's a misread or an overthrow to a wide-open pass catcher, a dropped interception, or a fumble recovery, the 49ers must take advantage of their opportunities. Being on the road and winning on the road won't be easy. If the 49er's offense can finish drives with touchdowns and the defense can force takeaways, the team could easily slide into Atlanta at 3-2.
LIMIT the Big Plays
The Panther's offense is loaded with talent, mainly at the wide receiver position. Though Baker Mayfield has struggled, he still likes to get the ball to one of his playmakers. Keep an eye on running back Christian McCaffrey out of the backfield. He could be a massive threat in the passing game, and he usually does his thing against the 49ers. The number two defense in the league should have no problems containing Mayfield and limiting CMC. If they do this, the 49ers could be sitting at 3-2.
Stay AGGRESSIVE
The 49ers must stay aggressive on both sides of the football. Last week against the Rams, the defense was aggressive for 60 minutes of football, not only getting a pick-six by safety Talanoa Hufanga, but defensive end Samson Ebukam capped off his best performance with a sack at the end of the game. The offensive tends to show signs of aggression, but they will need to stay aggressive for 60 minutes. The 49ers should never abandon the run. Running the ball consistently and effectively will dictate how the game flows and allow the 49ers to control the clock. Once the offense is in rhythm, do not take the foot off the gas. STAY Aggressive.
These 5 Keys may sound repetitive, but they remain simple. It's the little things that count. If the 49ers pay close attention to the small details, they will be victorious and record their first road win of the series.
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.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
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.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers vs. Raiders: 3 Keys to Beat Las Vegas in Week 9
The San Francisco 49ers (6-1) return from their bye week, looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season when they host the Las Vegas Raiders at Levi's Stadium on Sunday. San Francisco remains in a strong position in the NFC, but maintaining that advantage starts... -
49ers Notebook: Purdy burns Raiders with his legs; Halton injury hits teammates hard; Do the 49ers have a Super Bowl defense?
The latest version of the 49ers-Raiders rivalry was a memorable one, with a large number of twists, turns and unpredictable moments en route to a 38-17 49ers win at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The teams don't play in the regular season often and didn't meet in the preseason... -
49ers injury updates: Deebo Samuel returns to practice, several others out
The San Francisco 49ers will return to the practice field Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. PT to begin preparing for their Week 10 road matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. Ahead of practice, head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters. He shared that wide receiver Deebo Samuel is... -
49ers' Ground Game Could Be Their Best Defense Against The Cowboys
The San Francisco 49ers could be facing the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday without their two starting cornerbacks, and Kyle Shanahan may have a way to help his defense by controlling what happens on offense. Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green both missed Wednesday's practice after...