San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan - AP Photo/Scott Barbour
The San Francisco 49ers are 6–0, one of the three remaining undefeated teams. The 49ers have one more game before a much-needed bye week in Week 8. There are a couple of keys to victory for San Francisco to stay undefeated.
The 49ers will face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 of the NFL season. The Falcons are 2-4, and the game will be held in Atlanta. Despite the Falcons’ record, the 49ers cannot take this game lightly.
With several injuries to the 49ers’ offense and it being a road game, there are three keys to victory for the 49ers so the team can remain undefeated heading into the bye.
Getting the Run Game Going Early
In San Francisco’s Week 6 game against the Commanders, 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans left the game early. Evans will likely miss some time due to reaggravating his achilles, leaving the 49ers without a key playmaker.
Along with Evans, 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is still expected to be out, and wide receivers DeMarcus Robinson and De’Zhaun Stribling are both on the Injured Reserve. With several receivers out, the 49ers offense will be tested.
With a high quantity of wide receiver injuries, it will be crucial for the 49ers to get the run game going quickly against the Falcons.
San Francisco’s offense has been running the ball well this season, averaging 128.2 yards per game. One of the most significant aspects of the 49ers’ run game this season is how the offense has taken the load off of running back Christian McCaffrey. While he gets the brunt of the snaps, running back Kaelon Black has been playing often.
McCaffrey has had more time to rest in games, boosting the offense’s run game. McCaffrey totals 350 rushing yards and seven touchdowns this season. Black totals 170 rushing yards.
Through six games, Atlanta’s defense has allowed 83.2 rushing yards per game. With Atlanta’s defense stopping the run, and a lack of wide receiver depth, the 49ers offense faces a big test in Week 7.
Avoiding Penalties
The 49ers were up 20-3 at halftime against Washington. Despite a strong start, it came down to the final play for San Francisco to secure the win. A big affect on the game was Evans exiting with an injury, and the 49ers scoring just three points in the second half. Another prominent reason it turned into a close game was the number of penalties.
When the defense has a chance to come off the field, penalties giving the opposing team an automatic first down leads to close games and potential losses. The same goes for the offense, as a good drive can be ruined by penalties pushing them back.
The 49ers finished the game against Washington with 11 penalties for 88 yards. The defensive penalties gave Washington several chances to drive down the field, and kept the defense on the field longer than they had to.
With San Francisco set to be without several plays, the 49ers will have to play a clean game and avoid helping the other team.
Big Matchup for the Defense
While the 49ers offense will still have quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and McCaffrey, the game could come down to how the defense performs.
The defense has made big stands this season, even with star defensive lineman Nick Bosa missing time. Through six games, the defense has already forced 15 sacks, three interceptions, and 11 forced fumbles, recovering four. They will have to continue with that momentum to help the team remain undefeated.
The 49ers are allowing an average of 90.2 rushing yards and 209.8 passing yards per game. The Falcons are currently being led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Through four games, he has passed for 944 yards, six touchdowns, and has thrown just one interception. The 49ers defensive line has done will pressuring the quarterback, and could have Bosa back against the Falcons.
Atlanta is led by running back Bijan Robinson, who has had 111 carries for 641 yards and four touchdowns. Robinson is a talented athlete, and will test the defense. Just as the 49ers offense will have to get their run game going early, the defense will have to avoid letting Atlanta gain steam on the ground.
