The 49ers offense is predicated on running the ball. They use it to gain yardage, run the clock, and set up play action that allows quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to thrive. The rushing attack wasn’t there against the Los Angeles Rams last week. While both 49ers touchdowns came on the ground, they averaged their fewest yards per carry for the season and failed to crack 100 rushing yards for the first time since Week 1.
The run game, and the offense as a whole, will look to get back on track Sunday as they travel east to take on Washington. Here are the six players to watch on offense:
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo has been up and down this season, alternating sub-85 and above-100 passer rating games. He only has one game where he hasn’t committed a turnover. His best game of the season stats-wise was Week 2 against the Bengals when he threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns. Washington’s defense has allowed 27.8 points per game, the fifth most in the league, and 251 passing yards per game, 13th-most in the league. This feels like a game that Garoppolo needs to dominate and be a standout of the offense.
TE George Kittle
Kittle had his first 100-yard game last week against the Rams when he had 103 on eight catches. It seems that Kittle has been getting stronger as the year goes on, increasing his season-high in yards in every game this season. He’s also been Garoppolo’s favorite target, leading the 49ers with 37 targets. Look for Kittle to improve on last week’s performance and add a touchdown this week.
RT Daniel Brunskill
Brunskill impressed in his first career start against Los Angeles last week. The rookie tackle allowed just one pressure on 39 pass plays in the 49ers’ 20-7 win according to Pro Football Focus.
Washington’s pass rush is just as productive as the Rams’ with 14 sacks. While 5.5 have come from the inside, Washington has Ryan Kerrigan and rookie edge rusher Montez Sweat on the outside who can both create pressure.
WR Dante Pettis
It’s been a rough season for Pettis, who has only nine receptions on 15 targets for 83 yards and a touchdown. The bright side for Pettis is that he saw a season-high six targets and posted a season-high 45 yards against the Rams. He’s slowly being used more frequently in the offense. With Deebo Samuel out Sunday, Pettis should have more chances to see the ball.
RB Tevin Coleman
Coleman couldn’t get much going against the Rams. He netted 45 yards on 18 carries, and his longest run was just nine yards. The 49ers offense has relied heavily on the run, not just to move the ball, but to also shorten the game for the defense. The offense will need more production from Coleman, especially against a Washington defense that’s allowed the fifth-most rushing yards this season.
RB Matt Breida
Just like Coleman, Breida struggled against the Rams with 13 carries for 36 yards. Their combined 81 yards were the fewest by the 49ers’ top two backs in a game since Week 1 when Breida and Raheem Mostert combined for 77 yards. While this could have been a product of a stout Rams defensive line, it may have also stemmed from the 49ers missing Staley, McGlinchey, and Juszczyk. Sunday will provide clarity on that with Coleman and Breida facing a poor run defense.
