Shanahan is my main cause of concern. He has structured an offense that is so easy to execute the backup QB was frighteningly efficient. Couple that with simplifying the playbook and SF is capable of putting many points on the board. Jones was not intercepted last week and likely will be sound this week, especially if not harassed. They throw numerous short passes, which for them is good because the deeper the throw, the more Jones’ accuracy declines. Baker and Thompson have to play well against deep passes. I know they’re threatening Purdy can play, but aggravating that injury is risky. I’m guessing they wait and are saying this to confuse the Cards’ preparation.
The Cards will need to work hard to get their young CBs to limit the cushion they afford receivers. Figure Shanahan will have SF throw a ton of short passes and focus on YAC. Juszczyk has burned the Cards before on short passes both as the receiver and as a blocker. The Cards may not face him as he’s in concussion protocol; but it’s dangerous to count him out. The Niners threw 9 passes, mostly short, to TEs and I have real concerns about the Cards’ LBs in coverage. If the Cards play zone, like New Orleans did, Jones will likely pick them apart. They may be tempted to do so because of the CB shortage. Jones was 7 of 12 on 3rd down including 3 TDs.
One major thing in the Cards’ favor is Jones is not mobile. He hangs in the pocket, though he can shift some. Nonetheless he’s a good target for an aggressive pass rush, as he tends to hold the ball too long. It would really help if the Cards could collapse the pocket, giving the outside rushers improved access to the QB. The Niners have spent the week auditioning Olinemen as injuries have decimated that group. They just put starting G Bartch on IR. We can only hope the Cards were holding back and let the dogs out Sunday. They must take pressure off the CBs.
The Cards need discipline. They are averaging 10.5 penalties per game. The Niners had 5 penalties for 40 yards last week. The Cards have already destroyed numerous key plays. Reckless behavior concerns extend to Murray whose high school like interception last week triggered Carolina’s comeback.
Finally I’ve not convinced anyone of this in 2 years, but I’m willing to try again. I fully believe if a team controls McCaffrey, they beat the Niners. I think the way to do this is to put a spy on him. That is assign a defensive player specifically to him like a team does for a running QB. With Williams out they’d move up DTD to that slot and he goes where McCaffrey goes. It’s unheard of but plausible. Feel free to fire away at me.
If the Cards play like they did in the first 2 weeks; they lose. They don’t have to look better, just play better. Winning ugly is okay. That’s what SF & the Cards did last week. One team will likely do that Sunday.
The Cards will need to work hard to get their young CBs to limit the cushion they afford receivers. Figure Shanahan will have SF throw a ton of short passes and focus on YAC. Juszczyk has burned the Cards before on short passes both as the receiver and as a blocker. The Cards may not face him as he’s in concussion protocol; but it’s dangerous to count him out. The Niners threw 9 passes, mostly short, to TEs and I have real concerns about the Cards’ LBs in coverage. If the Cards play zone, like New Orleans did, Jones will likely pick them apart. They may be tempted to do so because of the CB shortage. Jones was 7 of 12 on 3rd down including 3 TDs.
One major thing in the Cards’ favor is Jones is not mobile. He hangs in the pocket, though he can shift some. Nonetheless he’s a good target for an aggressive pass rush, as he tends to hold the ball too long. It would really help if the Cards could collapse the pocket, giving the outside rushers improved access to the QB. The Niners have spent the week auditioning Olinemen as injuries have decimated that group. They just put starting G Bartch on IR. We can only hope the Cards were holding back and let the dogs out Sunday. They must take pressure off the CBs.
The Cards need discipline. They are averaging 10.5 penalties per game. The Niners had 5 penalties for 40 yards last week. The Cards have already destroyed numerous key plays. Reckless behavior concerns extend to Murray whose high school like interception last week triggered Carolina’s comeback.
Finally I’ve not convinced anyone of this in 2 years, but I’m willing to try again. I fully believe if a team controls McCaffrey, they beat the Niners. I think the way to do this is to put a spy on him. That is assign a defensive player specifically to him like a team does for a running QB. With Williams out they’d move up DTD to that slot and he goes where McCaffrey goes. It’s unheard of but plausible. Feel free to fire away at me.
If the Cards play like they did in the first 2 weeks; they lose. They don’t have to look better, just play better. Winning ugly is okay. That’s what SF & the Cards did last week. One team will likely do that Sunday.
