49ers vs. Bears: Full Week 13 preview for San Francisco

Offensive & Defensive X-Factors for San Francisco

Keep it simple for Garoppolo

It is well known that the intricacies and depth of Shanahan’s offense are difficult to grasp. Shanahan himself listed it as one of the reasons why the team was holding back starting Garoppolo, to give him more time to learn the playbook.

Nearly a month has passed since San Francisco acquired Garoppolo, but the learning process still has a ways to go. We saw, albeit in an extremely limited sample size, that Garoppolo has the ability to make some dynamic plays with legs and arm.

That situation was a very simple one, with only little more than a minute remaining and the ball already approaching the red zone. And if there is to be harmony at the quarterback position for Garoppolo in his first start, things have to be simple.

It appears the team is already planning to do that, as Shanahan has mentioned that the playbook is being reduced to essentially only whatever Garoppolo is comfortable with. Any added confusion will already heighten the challenge at-hand.

Focus in on running back Jordan Howard

One thing is undeniably true about the Bears offense — their best playmaking is in the backfield. Jordan Howard represents a threat, and the 49ers defense does struggle to contain explosive backs.

So far with 11 games played, Howard is the NFL’s No. 4 rusher with 847 yards on 199 carries. If there is to be any success from Chicago, the probability of it funneling through Howard is very likely.

Factor in San Francisco’s No. 30 rush defense, and it could be a field day for Howard. The second-year running back can easily pop off for a 160-yard performance. Limit him, and the 49ers have a solid shot at winning this game.