The 49ers improve to 6 and 3 by defeating the Giants. Last week the Niners suffered thru a tough loss in Houston. This week the 49ers played markedly better. The difference appears to be attributable to upgrades to both lines of scrimmage.
Rookie guard Connor Colby has gamely stepped in for Ben Bartch for most of the season. Meanwhile Bartch’s real back up, Spencer Burford, recovered from an early season injury. Burford is back. His experience was felt. While his pass blocking still suffers, his run blocking is stellar. The Niners ran the ball 39 times against the worst rush defense in the league. While the 49ers game plan was predictable, it is no easy task running against Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Abdul Carter.
The Niners rushing attack has worked in a new wrinkle as well. Kyle Juszczyk’s blocking from motion is a revolution. Usually, an offensive coordinator will put a skill position in motion to aid their release from the line of scrimmage as they run a route. Today, Juszczyk lined up on the line of scrimmage, in the back field, and in the slot. Often, he would go into motion from any of his positions and then lead or seal block the called running play. This is an exciting new wrinkle as the defense must wonder if he is in motion to block or to release on a route.
Yetur Gross-Matos is now on injured reserve after aggravating an old injury in practice this week. John Lynch responded by trading for Keion White and signing Clelin Ferrell. White and Ferrell were immediately thrust into the lineup this week. White played inside and outside, though on pass rushing downs he was usually inside. Though he didn’t record a statistic, Keion White consistently pushed the pocket. Meanwhile, Ferrell pressured from the edge. Late in the first half, he secured a drive killing sack inside the Giants own 5 yard-line.
The offense continues to run through Christian McCaffrey. He leads the team in rushing and receptions. He is the heartbeat of the offense because he is usually available as Mac Jone’s answer when a play breaks down. Brian Robinson played his best game as a Niner today. He has flashed in past games, but today he ran with violence and determination. Robinson helped secure great field position during several kickoff returns. Robinson also scored a touchdown as he ran through a Giants defender on his 18-yard trek to paydirt. He finished the day with 53 yards on 5 carries.
Mac Jones continues to play with his hallmark toughness. He never lets a bad play get him down. He plays through the pain. At one point he was sacked and popped up with a bloody nose. Mac still managed to get the Niners in scoring positions, allowing Eddie Pineiro to squeeze a 54-yard field goal through.
Jones is growing in the offense as well. He connected with eight different eligible receivers including rookie Jordan Watkins. Though he lacks Brock Purdy’s mobility, he has no problem tucking the ball and running for a few yards. As always, McCaffrey is usually available as a security blanket.
For the second week in a row, Tatum Bethune leads the defense in tackles. He has a nose for the football. Bethune is learning how to put the defense in position to make plays. He is still learning. There are still gaps in coverage at times. Yet, Bethune continues to play on and captain the Niners defense.
The 49ers continue to press on despite the laundry list of injuries they have suffered this year. This season may be a blessing in disguise as so many young players have been thrown into starting roles. The offense is full of veterans. They must carry the Niners through the rest of the season while the defense continues to gel with so many young players.
