The 49ers trounced the Dolphins today. There is no overseas hangover for the 49ers. Though the game started slow, the Niners ended it with a series of explosive plays effectively shutting down the Miami efforts. The slow start was in large part due to the offensive play-calling of the Dolphins. Their time in possession in the first half was a hair over 19 minutes as they leaned heavily into their run game. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy executed two efficient drives spanning ten minutes and netting fourteen points in the first half.
Strategic Substitutions
The 49er’s coaching staff has continued their strategic substitution scheme as they work to ensure their star players last the season. On defense, Nick Bosa made his presence known almost capturing Malik Willis in his arms on several occasions. Yet, Coach Raheem Morris is careful in his usage of his star defensive end. Nick moves around the edge…but also is subbed out to ensure he stays fresh.
Christian McCaffrey’s touches continue to be strategic. Coach Kyle Shanahan is trying to not overuse him. Fourteen touches is all McCaffrey had. Ten of those were rushing attempts. Though Dolphins were very effective in stopping the traditional run game, McCaffrey scored two rushing touchdowns. He also scored his 99th and 100th career touchdowns today.
George Kittle saw more snaps this week. He was also the team leader in reception yards, collecting four receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. Yet, in many of the rushing downs, Luke Farrell and Kyle Juszczyk were on the field while Kittle rested.
Finally, the interior defensive line is populated by youth. Two rookies and a second year C.J. West headlined by Osa Odighizuwa comprise the 49ers defensive tackle complement. Gracen Halton was one of this year’s fourth round picks and he has been outstanding. He consistently pushes into the backfield disrupting pass and run plays alike. He is a great complement to Osa and in some cases he has been subbed in for Osa.
Thankfully the 49ers have several defensive ends who also can kick inside as a five technique to rush the passer. Against the Rams and the Dolphins, Keon White has been the primary end kicked inside as a pass rushing defensive tackle. White is also very effective as a base down end as he can set the edge and press the pocket.
The 49ers have developed their very own NASCAR pass rush package. Lined up left to right, Nick Bosa, Keon White, Osa Odighizuwa and Romello Height was today’s version of their pass rush package. Every time these four players were on the field, Miami quarterback Malik Willis was running for his life. Willis was sacked four times, with White, Height and Bosa combining for three of those sacks. Fred Warner and Marques Sigle also snagged the quarterback in combination with three of the 49er NASCAR’s.
Additional Observations.
Brock Purdy has started the season playing with elite confidence. Going into your fifth season with the same offensive system will do that. He is playing with elite veteran players. He has an elite coaching staff. Today I noticed him talking with Coach Raheem Morris on the sideline. Coach Morris has a wealth of knowledge to share. He has an outstanding coaching resume including two head coaching stints and a defensive coordinator stint that netted him a Super Bowl ring. Purdy is maximizing all the assets around him to be the best in can be for his team.
Mike Evans is the quiet professional. We don’t hear a lot out of him. Yet when he is targeted, he makes the catch and makes a play. He converted three third downs with all three of his catches today. He is another player the coaching staff is strategically employing.
Deebo continues to be the do it all player. Today he returned kicks, ran routes, rushed the ball and even lined up as a fullback a couple of times. Deebo is turning into the Niners next Swiss army knife. He reminds me of Delanie Walker. Though I suspect many 49ers fans consider Juice our current Swiss Army knife. Regardless, its is nice to have two versatile veteran players who can run routes, block and rush the football.
Upton Stout is turning into one of my favorite new 49ers. The second year nickel-back is an energizer bunny who jumps off the screen consistently. He is scrappy in coverage and sneaky on the blitz and he never backs down.
The 49ers did what was expected of them today. They won convincingly. Next week they play a scrappy Cardinals team who were embarrassed by Seattle today.
