The 49ers enter their first NFC West matchup in a difficult spot offensively. They’ve ridden their rushing attack to a 4-0 record, and lead the league at 200 yards per game. Injuries to tackles Mike McGlinchey and Joe Staley, along with fullback Kyle Juszczyk could throw a huge wrench into the offensive game plan that’s worked so well for San Francisco this season.
Their game against the Rams could come with a significant change in their offensive identity as they weather the injury storm. Here are three keys to keeping the offense on track in LA:
1. Franchise QB things
It’s hard to envision a 49ers win on Sunday that doesn’t heavily involve quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Garoppolo hasn’t had to go win a game with his arm yet this year, although he did throw a game-winning touchdown pass against the Steelers. The fact remains that Garoppolo’s season high in attempts is 32, and he hasn’t been asked to stand in and be the focal point of the offense for San Francisco. He has to be that at least in spurts Sunday with the Juszczyk injury altering the running game. Garoppolo is making franchise quarterback money, and he has to be a franchise QB against the Rams.
2. Where are the WRs
The 49ers’ receiver problem from 2018 has only gotten marginally better. Their top five receivers have a combined 55 targets, 46 catches, 481 yards and four touchdowns. There are five receivers with more yards than the 49ers’ entire receiving corps. They’ll need that group to step up and get open with injuries at the two tackle spots and at fullback. The 49ers’ run game will be impacted, which means they’ll need to lean more on their passing attack. Garoppolo isn’t liable to have a ton of time, so the quicker and more often his receivers get open, the more likely the offense is to have success. Any of the WRs stepping up will be crucial.
3. Don’t stop the run
While all the injuries point to the 49ers offense struggling some to run the ball, they can’t get away from their offensive identity. While the game flow may dictate the need for more pass attempts, San Francisco has to continue leaning on Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert at least early on to try and set up better looks off play action. Ignoring the run game that’s averaged 200 yards per game would mean disaster for the 49ers.
