SPY
The 49ers need an eye on Falcons quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Falcons are the third-ranked rushing team in the NFL, with 823 yards. Mariota has contributed 156 yards on the ground, along with two touchdowns. The Falcons aren't afraid to run the ball with Mariota. He has 23 designed runs, 13 scrambled runs, and two touchdowns. A spy on Mariota will eliminate him from being effective using his legs.
PRESSURE
The 49ers generated pressure and produced six sacks against the Carolina Panthers without any sacks contributed by defensive end Nick Bosa. The 49ers don't have to get home on Mariota, but they must pressure the quarterback. Mariota has four interceptions on the season. The pressures will allow the back end to make plays and get the ball back to the offense.
RUN IT
The Falcons are ranked 17th against the run. Though they sit in the middle of the pack, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan wants to develop a good rushing attack against this defense. I expect many inside zone runs from Jeff Wilson Jr. and Ty Davis-Price. Let Tevin Coleman handle the outside area runs against this 3-4 defense. The 49ers are ranked eighth in rushing, averaging 138.8 yards per game. A good rushing attack will open the offense to screens and play-action pass plays down the field.
Find the RHYTHM
The 49ers have been doing a good job getting into a rhythm early. Last game, the team scored a touchdown on a seven-play, 75-yard drive. It seems that the identity of the 49ers is beginning to take shape. It's a balance of runs, quick throws, and a few intermediate throws for a score. If the 49ers stay stride, the team will be almost impossible to defeat. Rhythm leads to long drives, and long drives lead to points.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The 49ers must be sound on special teams. Last week the team was horrendous, giving up two 50-yard returns, one of which injured kicker Robbie Gould. The 49ers need to clean up the blocked field goals because the 49ers need to put up points on the road, point blank, period, no pun intended. The Falcons are good in the return game. They're ranked sixth in kickoff returns and first in punt returns. The 49ers must stay in their lanes, wrap and tackle. Good special teams could aid the 49ers to another victory.
The 49ers face a scrappy team. The Falcons are in almost every game and don't lose by many. If the 49ers stick to these five keys, they will again be victorious.
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 Keys to Victory vs. Dolphins: Path to a 2-0 Start
After making a statement in Australia, the San Francisco 49ers return home 1-0 and look to build on their 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Waiting for them are the Miami Dolphins, who arrive at Levi's Stadium 0-1 after a 27-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Miami showed... -
49ers named trade fit for Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. by ESPN insider
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has reached a tipping point, potentially opening the door for a trade involving the San Francisco 49ers. Fowler believes a Porter trade is realistic, and the cornerback... -
Why Fred Warner is convinced the 49ers run defense will improve
The San Francisco 49ers defense is allowing 4.0 rushing yards per attempt this season, which is tied for 15th in the NFL. That's only slightly better than the 4.3 rushing yards per attempt the defense allowed last season—not the improvement the team hoped for in 2026. San... -
49ers vs. Cardinals in Week 3: How to watch, stream, and listen, plus odds
The San Francisco 49ers take on the Arizona Cardinals for their second of three consecutive home games at Levi's Stadium. This matchup marks the 70th meeting between the two clubs, with San Francisco leading the series 38-31 and looking to improve to 22-15 at home. Previous...