The 49ers offense got everything they wanted against the Browns to the tune of 31 points and 446 total yards. They’re met with their biggest game of the season Sunday when they open their NFC West slate in Los Angeles against the Rams. They’re down three key pieces, including their starting offensive tackles, against a defense that features defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Surviving without them and fullback Kyle Juszczyk presents a unique challenge for the 49ers offense that will likely take on a little different identity Sunday.
Here are six players to watch when the offense is on the field:
OL Daniel Brunskill
With the left side of the line already dealing with an injury to tackle Joe Staley, the right side of the line will now have the same issue. With Mike McGlinchey out four to six weeks, Brunskill will step into the starting role and make his first NFL start Sunday. The offense has done well considering Staley has been out the last two games, but two starters missing from the line will be a very difficult adjustment. Brunskill’s play could decide just how well the 49ers offense clicks.
TE Ross Dwelley
Not only is the line missing two starters, but the backfield is missing maybe its most important piece. With fullback Kyle Juszczyk out with an MCL sprain, Dwelley will likely get additional snaps, including some in the spots the fullback typically lines up. Juszczyk plays such an important role in the offense that it’ll be difficult to make up for his absence with just one player. Dwelley will need to play well if the 49ers turn to him to fill in some of Juszczyk’s snaps.
TE George Kittle
Kittle exploded for 149 yards and a touchdown on nine catches the last time the 49ers played in Los Angeles. He’s been the best pass catcher on the team so far, but his role as a blocker will be just as important on Sunday with the three injuries to key blockers. Kittle has always been good in that area and had a big block against the Browns that opened the lane for Matt Breida’s 83-yard touchdown run. Kittle may also get some of Juszczyk’s role.
C Weston Richburg
Richburg has the toughest assignment on the offense: trying to block Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald might be the best player in the NFL. Richburg hasn’t allowed a sack this season, but will face his toughest test of the year in Donald. Donald hasn’t had his most productive season statistically with just 1.0 sacks after racking up 20.5 last season. However, he’s still a game wrecker with five tackles for loss against regular double teams.
WR Deebo Samuel
Samuel leads 49ers receivers with 17 targets, but he’s seen a decreasing number of them since Week 2. He had just three targets with one reception for three yards against the Browns, and he had a pretty bad drop early in the contest. Samuel has been the de facto No. 1 receiver, and will have to play like one on Sunday with Kittle possibly having a bigger role as a blocker. Expect Samuel to get involved on some sweeps, screens and slants.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo displayed a level of toughness in the Week 3 victory over the Steelers that he may need to tap into again Sunday with both starting tackles out. Garoppolo was hit eight times and sacked three against Pittsburgh, but continued to move comfortably around the pocket, and delivered the game-winning touchdown pass with 1:15 left. Kyle Shanahan has been able to put together good game plans that’ve had Garoppolo just managing the game. Sunday he may need to win it with his arm, and that’ll mean standing in against a potentially heavy pass rush.
