The NFL Films executive producer and analyst broke down on ESPN's NFL Matchup how head coach Kyle Shanahan uses 21 personnel to attack opposing defenses. The breakdown was shared Friday on Twitter.
The personnel grouping gives offenses the option to use the tight end or a back in the passing game, as Cosell showed in the example with fullback Kyle Juszczyk. It explains why Shanahan is so insistent on having versatile players on his roster. It creates tough decisions for opposing defensive players when they have to worry about both the run and the pass.
Cosell joined KNBR on Friday and shared what he expects to see on Sunday during the matchup between the 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings.
"I would expect the Niners to play a lot out of 21 personnel because that will put (Vikings linebacker) Ben Gedeon on the field," Cosell shared. "He's their third linebacker when they play in their base 4-3. The thing is, last year, he was only on the field for less than 25 percent of their defensive snaps.
"So, now you go with 21 personnel, he's likely to be on the field as their third linebacker. You kind of make Minnesota play a little bit out of their comfort zone where the Niners play in their comfort zone because, in Garoppolo's five starts, they were in 21 personnel with a fullback, Juszczyk, about 45 percent of their snaps."
When the 49ers want to get three receivers on the field against the Vikings, Cosell thinks fans might see a little wrinkle on offense. He wouldn't be surprised to see the 49ers with just Juszczyk in the backfield when the offense goes 11 personnel, which features just one back and one tight end.
"I'm not saying every time they're in 11, no," Cosell explained, "but I think there will be 11 personnel snaps in which Juszczyk is the single back because he's such a good receiver."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Cosell below. If you haven't watched the 21 personnel breakdown video above, be sure to do that as well.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers 2025 offseason program schedule: Key dates and what to expect
The NFL has released the offseason workout dates for all 32 teams, with the San Francisco 49ers set to begin their program on April 22. Their offseason schedule will conclude with a mandatory minicamp in early June. 49ers' 2025 offseason workout schedule: First day: April... -
Insider: NFL might not view 49ers' Brock Purdy as a top-10 QB
The San Francisco 49ers begin their offseason program on April 22, and one storyline to watch is whether quarterback Brock Purdy reports to the team. While all activities remain voluntary until June, Purdy doesn't seem like the type to skip offseason preparation, especially... -
49ers Draft: John and Kyle, Know Thyselves
Pundits across the league have identified the 49ers' needs (look to this excellent article by Kraz Greinetz for a nuanced evaluation), and it is clear there are holes in almost every part of the roster, some gaping, some small. Since this draft is one the powers-that-be must... -
Kyle Shanahan Sees Tight End Luke Farrell As Prime 49ers Roster Asset
There are certainly other higher-profile roster moves taking place in San Francisco these days, but one of the lesser talked about changes may have a bigger impact on the 49ers' offense this year than some might expect. Three weeks ago, the 49ers signed free-agent tight end...