The Patriots visit the 49ers on Sunday at Candlestick Park (4:15 p.m. EDT) and here are some aspects that stand out about San Francisco:
1) Mike Martz offense means shifting, motion and tempo. The 49ers hired Mike Martz as their offensive coordinator this year in hopes of reviving a passing attack that had dropped to the bottom of the NFL in 2007. Martz’s offenses traditionally put a lot of pressure on the opposition with shifts, motions, and a faster tempo, and he likes to attack the deep parts of the field, as reflected by QB J.T. O’Sullivan’s 8.67 yard average per pass attempt.
2) 19 sacks allowed is a league high. Partly because their offense features more deep pass patterns, and partly because of some breakdowns in protection, the 49ers have surrendered a league-high 19 sacks. As one might expect with that high total, the club ranks 32nd out of 32 teams in sacks allowed per pass play. Starting right tackle Jonas Jennings (shoulder) will be out for the third straight week, with 10-year veteran Barry Sims stepping in.
3) RB Frank Gore a top weapon on offense. The 2005 third-round draft choice is a three-down back, meaning he is effective with his legs (76 carries, 369 yards, 4.9 avg.) and hands (15 catches, 156 yards). If the Patriots were to make a list of the top players to stop in order to win, Gore would be at the top of it.
4) LB Patrick Willis at heart of a Baltimore-style defense. Not surprisingly, the 49ers defense has some Ravens-like characteristics to it, which makes sense because head coach Mike Nolan and assistant head coach/defense Mike Singletary previously worked in Baltimore. Just as linebacker Ray Lewis is a top player in Baltimore, linebacker Patrick Willis leads the way in San Francisco. When a three-down linebacker is one of the fastest players on the team, it indicates that he has special qualities.
5) Don’t forget the punter. Punter Andy Lee, a Pro Bowl selection in 2007, can shift field position. Of his 13 attempts this season, five have been inside-the-20 efforts. Prior to the 2007 season, when he was a restricted free agent, Lee had been signed to an offer sheet by the Steelers. The 49ers matched to retain him. That Lee was signed to an offer sheet is reflective of his standing as a top talent, because punters usually aren’t sought after in restricted free agency.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Depending on which day you catch them, the 49ers can look like one of the best teams in the league, or one of the lower-tier teams. So the question is which team the Patriots will get. New England is coming off a bye, which should be advantageous. In terms of it being just Week 5 of the season, this is a crucial game for both teams because of the clubs awaiting them the following weeks: The Patriots visit the Chargers and host the Broncos, while the 49ers host the Eagles and visit the Giants. Those are four of the top teams in the NFL. Prediction: Patriots 30, 49ers 24.
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The pats can score 30 points?? I have not watched the 49ers this year, but do they really have that bad of D? Did Tom Brady come back? ;)
I would bet the house the Pats don't score 30. IF they win it will be 13-10.
Alex, you are correct sir. This team is on pace to score 333 less points this year compared to last year. haha. Think about that for one second. But Matt is doing a great job and we have to get behind him or at least one poster told me that.
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
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