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49ers vs. Seahawks: Breaking down San Francisco’s game plan

By Chris Wilson

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles wide receiver Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 25, 2016 in Seattle,Washington. The Seahawks won the game 37-18. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 25: Inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman #53 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles wide receiver Doug Baldwin #89 of the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 25, 2016 in Seattle,Washington. The Seahawks won the game 37-18. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers sits on the ground after a play during their loss against the Carolina Panthers at Levis Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Offensive Game Plan

The 49ers’ offensive game plan for Sunday will first be keeping quarterback Brian Hoyer upright.

Since the Niners were unable to do that during Week 1, personnel changes to the interior line are a strong possibility in Week 2.

With Hoyer at quarterback, and the offseason additions the 49ers made to their receiving group, the Niners have too much talent to be held out of the end zone for an entire game — but the 49ers’ offensive line needs to give Hoyer the time to throw.

The Seahawks have one of the most talented defensive lines in the league — and the team’s pass-rushing acumen was on display against the Packers last Sunday.

The 49ers’ line will have their hands full keeping Hoyer’s pocket clean, as the Packers’ line — generally considered an average-to-above-average offensive line — was mostly unsuccessful in protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

In addition to giving Hoyer the time to throw, the offensive line will need to help establish the team’s running game, which the 49ers were forced to abandon during the second half of last week’s game.

The 49ers’ 51 rushing yards were the fifth lowest total in the NFL last week, and their 15 rushing attempts were the second lowest in the league. The team’s outside-zone running game was mostly ineffective, but running back Carlos Hyde was able to gain positive yardage on inside-zone runs and runs up the middle: