The 49ers offense had a much-needed bye week after their five turnover game against Pittsburgh in Week 3. The break gave an extra week for the offense to fine tune some of their glaring flaws from the first three games.
Here are the six players to watch for on offense as the 49ers take on the Browns:
LT Justin Skule
Skule had a decent first three quarters against the Steelers in his NFL starting debut, but committed three penalties in the fourth quarter. While he didn’t allow a sack, Skule allowed a quarterback hit and two pressures. The rookie will have his hands full with Myles Garrett, who already has 6.0 sacks and eight quarterback hits this season.
RT Mike McGlinchey
McGlinchey won’t have an easier task on the right side of the line dealing with Olivier Vernon. The second-year tackle has held his ground this season, ranked at the top of ESPN’s pass block win rate for tackles. That stat records the rate a blocker holds a block for 2.5 seconds or longer. McGlinchey does so 98 percenet of the time. He needs to continue that dominance in the passing game Monday.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo will need to play as well as he did against Pittsburgh if the offensive line struggles against the Cleveland pass rush. His Week 3 performance was arguably his best with the 49ers despite his two interceptions. He faced a lot of pressure against the Steelers, getting hit eight times after being hit just three times the first two weeks combined. Garoppolo will need to continue throwing strikes with pressure in his face if the 49ers are going to move the football efficiently.
WR Dante Pettis
Pettis appears to be a regular in the offense again after a strange first couple weeks where he earned only one target in two games. Pettis had five targets for four receptions in Week 3, including the game-winning touchdown catch just two plays after dropping a would-be touchdown. For Garoppolo to have the confidence to call Pettis’ number in a clutch situation like he did against Pittsburgh could be a sign that the receiver will see more opportunities.
RB Tevin Coleman
The 49ers have the No. 2 rushing offense in the league, averaging 175 yards per game without Coleman in a little less than three full games. Coleman got the start Week 1 and carried the ball six times for 23 yards before an ankle injury ended his game. With the success the offense has had running the ball with Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, and Jeff Wilson, the amount of usage for Coleman coming back from injury will be something to watch.
RB Matt Breida
How will the returning Coleman impact Breida? Breida didn’t see a carry until the second quarter with Coleman in front of him against Tampa Bay. But since Week 1, Breida has averaged 7.27 yards per carry on 26 attempts, including his 121 yard outburst against Cincinnati. Breida has been the 49ers’ best running back this season, so he shouldn’t see fewer carries with Coleman likely back on Monday night.
