I expected the o line to struggle at times this year. I did not expect the defensive line to be average at best. 160 yards rushing against a team with a practice squad QB playing back up RBs is not good. The Niners have not pressured the QB without the aid of blitzes. Getting the d line to the level one expects when three of its starters are Armstead, Hargraave and Bosa is job 1.
Job 2 is McCaffreys usage. He’s averaging 22.3 touches a game with just under 4 catches. Last year 19.4 with 5 catches. That a difference of about 4 carries a game. I also think he’s running inside more.
Niners most indispensable offensive player, imo, is Williams. Fortunately he avoided a major injury. McCaffrey is second. They need him as healthy as a RB can be come playoff time. Monitoring his use is key. I’d like to see Mason/ Mitchell get a few more of those inside runs. CMac can be utilized a little more in passing game. More touches in space. A few less inside pounding touches.
Different challenge this week. Minn can’t run. They do throw it well. Niners should win this one.
Job 2 is McCaffreys usage. He’s averaging 22.3 touches a game with just under 4 catches. Last year 19.4 with 5 catches. That a difference of about 4 carries a game. I also think he’s running inside more.
Niners most indispensable offensive player, imo, is Williams. Fortunately he avoided a major injury. McCaffrey is second. They need him as healthy as a RB can be come playoff time. Monitoring his use is key. I’d like to see Mason/ Mitchell get a few more of those inside runs. CMac can be utilized a little more in passing game. More touches in space. A few less inside pounding touches.
Different challenge this week. Minn can’t run. They do throw it well. Niners should win this one.