Stop the Run
The 49ers are tied for third against the run, allowing 65 yards per game. With Saquon Barkley's (ankle injury) officially ruled out, the 49ers must prepare for Matt Breida and quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones has 102 rushing yards and a touchdown on the season. Taking away the Giants' run game will force them to be one-dimensional, and this could be an excellent day for the 49ers' pass rush.
Create Pressure
After two weeks of football, the 49ers have a total of 56 pressures, with six of those as sacks. Daniel Jones has been sacked ten times this season. The 49ers front seven needs to take advantage of the opponent's offensive line and make Jones uncomfortable in the pocket from the start. Jones has two fumbles and interceptions on the season, so expect the 49ers' defensive line to be ferocious up front.
Run, Run, Run, Run
Christian McCaffrey has rushed for over 100 yards (268 total) with three total ouchdowns in both games this season. The 49ers rank third in rushing, averaging 173.5 yards per game. The Giants are 26th in stopping the run, allowing 136.5 yards per game. If the 49ers plan to add other elements to their rush attack, things can get out of hand relatively early in the game. Expect the Giants to stack the box to take away the run.
Attack Deep
If the 49ers successfully run the ball, expect quarterback Brock Purdy to locate man coverage and attempt the deep pass down the field. The Giants are ranked ninth in passing defense, allowing 185.5 yards per game. They're ranked 22nd in giving up an explosive play with a long of 49. Purdy attempted several passes down the field against the Rams and missed three big ones. If the 49ers look to stretch the field in this game and successfully hit on those throws, the team will be walking into three and zero-headed into Week 4.
Win the Turnover Battle
The 49ers rank fifth in turnovers this season with four interceptions. The Giants are in a nine-way tie for third with four turnovers (three interceptions and one fumble). Though this key may be one of the most simple ones, win the turnover battle, win the game.
In Conclusion
If the 49ers stick to these keys, they will remain undefeated and in first place in the NFC West.
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 P. Brown
@TheWayneBreezie
YouTube Channel
Wayne P. 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 P. Brown
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Keys to Victory vs. Colts: How San Francisco Can Win in Week 16
As the San Francisco 49ers head into a critical Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, the margin for error is slim. With playoff positioning on the line, the 49ers must lean into their identity, execute with discipline, and control the game from start to finish. This... -
49ers rookie CJ West reflects on first career sack—against Philip Rivers
San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle CJ West tied teammate Alfred Collins for the top Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of the game, both posting career-high 91.7 marks. Each recorded their first NFL sack in the 49ers' 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts, marking the... -
49ers mailbag: What's up with Jordan Elliott's knee? Can SF stop Jonathan Taylor? What's on the 49ers' list for Santa?
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the final push toward the 2025 postseason. How far they will be able to go will depend on their health and how many young players perform. Especially since some are reserves who are playing for injured players. We opened the 49ers... -
49ers vs. Bears in Week 17: How to watch, stream, and listen, plus odds
The San Francisco 49ers return to Levi's Stadium to take on the Chicago Bears on NBC's Sunday Night Football. The matchup marks the 71st all-time meeting between the two teams, with the 49ers leading the series 36-33-1. San Francisco will look to improve to 24-14 against the...