Niner Noise
FanSided

Rams vs. 49ers: Full Week 3 preview for San Francisco

By Logan Stanley

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 24: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 24, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is taken down by middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks and linebacker Michael Wilhoite #57 during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers is taken down by middle linebacker Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks and linebacker Michael Wilhoite #57 during the third quarter of the game at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Offensive & Defensive X-Factors for San Francisco

A competent passing game

Last week heading into the game against the Seahawks, I discussed the need to get Carlos Hyde going as an important factor for the 49ers. That game showed just exactly why, as Hyde was carrying the entire offense on his back and nearly led the team to victory. With that established, it’s now time for the other part of the offense to open up.

Hoyer needs to turn in a good performance versus Los Angeles. A mere 99 yards of passing offense is not something an NFL team can strive with. And with the running game and defense having showed improved play, it’s time for Hoyer and the wide receiver unit to do so as well. That means Marquise Goodwin has to stop dropping key passes.

If defenses begin to fear what the 49ers could present passing the ball, it would go a long way into opening up this offense and further propel this team to victory. But right now, there is absolutely no fear being struck into the secondaries facing San Francisco. That has to change.

Limiting Todd Gurley

Goff isn’t the only Ram off to a hot start. Third-year running back Todd Gurley is also experiencing a nice beginning to his season after a disappointing sophomore campaign.

Gurley is No. 8 in the NFL for rushing yards with 128 yards and tied for No. 3 in touchdowns with two. But it is the receiving game where Gurley is marking his mark this season. Gurley has eight receptions for 104 yards and one touchdown, with the score coming on this highlight play:

That’s exactly why the 49ers defense needs to zone in on Gurley as the focal point of their game plan.