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 "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. Rams: Path to a Week 1 Win in Melbourne
The San Francisco 49ers will begin their 2026 season as far away from Levi's Stadium as possible. San Francisco and the Los Angeles Rams will renew their NFC West rivalry Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia, the first NFL regular-season game ever played on the... -
Kyle Shanahan reveals 49ers' keys to beating Rams, discusses revamped receiving corps
The San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, though the setting will be new for both teams. The NFC West rivals will meet at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia—a matchup that will actually be played Friday morning locally. The... -
49ers' George Kittle shares heartfelt message after returning to Bay Area
The San Francisco 49ers returned to the Bay Area this afternoon after a nearly 14-hour flight from Melbourne, Australia, where they spent the past week preparing for their season opener. The 49ers are likely in good spirits after returning from their international trip with a... -
49ers in Melbourne: Rams' plan to avoid San Francisco fans could backfire
The NFL seemingly took away a significant advantage for the San Francisco 49ers by scheduling head coach Kyle Shanahan's team to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week 1. The 49ers have essentially benefited from two home games each season while playing the...