Three Keys for Success: Pass Rush, Ball Control, Special Teams

Bret Rumbeck
Sep 17, 2017 at 7:28 AM


placeholder image

Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.

The San Francisco 49ers enter Dante's unmentioned level of Hell today. It's a soul-crushing colosseum of dark blue, neon green, and the number '12' flying on flags or sewn on jerseys. Fans entering the arena dress as comic book characters and blow their vocal cords out for no apparent reason.

Welcome, my friends, to Century Link Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks.

For whatever reason, Seattle has had the 49ers' number for the last few years. No matter how immortal the 49ers were feeling, the Seahawks could find the weak point in the 49ers and abuse it. This week, Seattle is coming off a stinging loss to Green Bay and playing its first game of the 2017 season at home.

The 49ers may not win this game, but here are three ways they can hang with Seattle.

Exploit Seattle's Offensive Line

Have you noticed the new buzz about Seattle's 'legendary' defense? Indeed, its defense is what helped bring the city its first Lombardi trophy a few years ago. The Seahawks' public relations team is wagging the defensive dog because the team failed, once again, to invest in quality offensive linemen.

In Week One, Seattle's pass-blocking efficiency was 68.2, ranking them 24th among all offensive lines according to Pro Football Focus.

This year, the 49ers have a raw defensive line, but those men are ready for battle. Despite a rough opening week, I'm convinced the defensive line can anchor the 49ers this season.

Now is the time for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh to unleash the talent and potential of his front four. He must bring constant pressure to Seattle's offense, and keep quarterback Russell Wilson on the move.

Here's a key point: Wilson loves rolling to his right. He's like any right-handed quarterback: it's easier to roll right, reset his feet, and throw on the run. It takes real ability to move left and be successful.

Saleh needs to force Wilson out of the pocket, and send him left where he has trouble throwing across his body and completing passes.

Don't Worry About a Big Offensive Play

Seattle's defense prides itself on shutting down All-Pro receivers and tight ends. Teams often refuse to throw to certain sides of the formation if Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman is there.

But there are flaws in Seattle's defense, and the 49ers can utilize one by throwing short, quick passes to receivers, backs and tight ends. Seattle wants teams to try and throw deep on it for two reasons.

  1. Seattle's defensive backs want to make a play, whether an interception or a big hit.
  2. Its defensive line disrupts the pocket, severely limiting the time a quarterback has to read his deep progressions. It does not allow enough time to make a good read, resulting in an incomplete pass or an interception.

Offensive coordinators get too greedy and want to test Seattle's defense. Don't bother as we all know the outcome.

Today, head coach and offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan needs to employ a passing attack that asks receivers to run shorter routes – think slants, quick outs, or slant-flat combinations.

This game plan is how the Patriots beat Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX. Quarterback Tom Brady threw the ball 50 times, averaging 6.3 yards per pass play. They chewed their way downfield with a short pass attack, especially in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers' offense must sustain long drives and control the ball through the air today.

The short game has another advantage: It bores Seattle's crowd. Its fans feed on the big hits and turnovers. If the 49ers are pushing Seattle's defense back slowly and methodically, the crowd is going to get bored. It'll stop that incessant screaming and decide to get a fresh beer.

Please note the 49ers haven't had much of a problem with the crowd. It's an overblown theory. Sure it's loud, but since 2010, the 49ers have only committed six false start penalties while in the unfriendly confines of Century Link Field.

Get a Special Teams Score

Gentle Reader, I'm going to add special teams performance as a key to winning games for the 2017 49ers.

Today, more than ever, the 49ers need a touchdown from a punt or kick return. They cannot rely on the offense to put up 30 points and have to start improving the return game.

Imagine for a moment the deafening silence from the Seattle crowd if Victor Bolden, Jr. or Trent Taylor can take a kick 90 yards to the opposite end zone. It's an immediate momentum shift and can get the 49ers right back in the game.

I'll be covering today's game for the good people at 49ers Webzone, so be sure to keep Twitter and your Facebook page turned our direction!

  • Bret Rumbeck
  • Written by:
    Bret Rumbeck has been writing about the 49ers since 2017 for 49ers Webzone and 49ers Hub. He is a Turlock, CA native, and has worked for two members of the US House of Representatives and one US Senator. When not breaking down game film, Bret spends his time seeking out various forms of heavy metal. Feel free to follow him or direct inquiries to @brumbeck.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.
Enjoy this article? Follow us to never miss more!

Powered by Follow.it


Comments

More San Francisco 49ers News

placeholder image

How Jauan Jennings turned early disappointment into a 49ers success story

By David Bonilla
Dec 10

Jauan Jennings often reflects on the moment he received a life-changing call from the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, informing him that he would be their seventh-round draft pick. While the wide receiver initially felt disappointed that his name wasn't called earlier, he's...


placeholder image

49ers vs. Bears: 5 Keys to Victory in Week 14

By Wayne P. Brown
Dec 7

If there was ever a must-win scenario for the San Francisco 49ers, this week is it. The team has to get it done against the Bears. The 49ers are currently 5-7, but their playoff hopes are still alive. The Bears are coming into town at 4-8 and looking to snap their losing...


placeholder image

49ers vs. Rams: 5 Keys to Victory in Week 15

By Wayne P. Brown
Dec 12

The San Francisco 49ers' season is on the line, and they face a formidable divisional rival on Thursday Night Football. Sean McVay and the Rams look to sweep the 49ers this season, which hasn't been done since 2018, and remain in the playoff hunt. The 49ers must win if there's...


placeholder image

49ers-Rams: Deebo Samuel takes accountability for crucial dropped pass

By Kirk Larrabee
Dec 12

Just days after making headlines for suggesting a lack of opportunities was at the root of his diminished production this season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was upfront Thursday night about a pivotal dropped pass that potentially took points off the board...


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone