Titans vs. 49ers: Full Week 15 preview for San Francisco

5 of 6

CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 03: Daniel Brown #85 of the Chicago Bears carries the football against Reuben Foster #56 of the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Offensive & Defensive X-Factors for San Francisco

Pass, pass and pass

In both games that Garoppolo has started, it was clear that his play was the catalyst for the 49ers. The team only went as far as Garoppolo went, meaning their chances of winning depended on him passing the ball, and both times it resulted in victories.

That needs to continue this week.

Here are just a few of the plays Garoppolo made against the Houston Texans last week, who was a large reason why the 49ers won the game (video via our own Rich Madrid).

JG uses his eyes to move the defense, comes back to Goodwin on the levels concept over the middle. #49wz pic.twitter.com/ELnaNVGyrW
— Rich (@richjmadrid) December 15, 2017

First great throw by JG this game, He was shaky early on, settled down halfway through the 2nd. #49wz pic.twitter.com/8nEuo0hZT8
— Rich (@richjmadrid) December 15, 2017

Juice, however, will be back next season. Great toss and a great catch over two defenders. No where else to put this. #49wz pic.twitter.com/ME9cYO8tdD
— Rich (@richjmadrid) December 15, 2017

This offense runs through Garoppolo now, and his success dictates San Francisco’s chances of winning or losing.

Containing runnings back DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry

Last week, the 49ers did an excellent job of shutting down Houston’s rushing attack. Running back LaMar Miller had little room all day, finishing with a mere 53 yards on 17 carries. That ability to stop the run factored into the victory.

Two key players who helped plug up the Texans were defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and linebacker Reuben Foster. Come this Sunday, those individuals will be paramount again to the defensive effort.

Foster and Buckner are going to be tough outs in the next several years. Can't leave them unblocked. #49wz pic.twitter.com/yJaZewdZcY
— Rich (@richjmadrid) December 15, 2017

If San Francisco can repeat that trend, it will bode well for them. Murray and Henry are some of the best players on offense the Titans have, so limiting the pair will force Tennessee into a dimensional offense.