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Lions vs. 49ers: 5 key X-factors for San Francisco in Week 2

By Peter Panacy

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Candlestick Park on September 16, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 16: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Candlestick Park on September 16, 2012 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers dives with the ball as he is tackled by Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers dives with the ball as he is tackled by Harrison Smith #22 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 5: The Red Zone, Red Zone and Red Zone

It was a problem last year for San Francisco, which finished 27th in red-zone touchdown efficiency. And after an offseason where many likely felt the Niners didn’t do enough to address the shortcomings, those red-zone woes look to have carried over into 2018 as well.

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The 49ers were 1-of-4 in red-zone chances in Week 1. Arguably their best chance to improve that mark was on Alfred Morris’ fumble on the Vikings 1-yard line.

But Morris fumbled, Minnesota recovered and that was that.

Red-zone woes plagued San Francisco in the preseason too, although that narrative has to be taken with a grain of salt given the nature of exhibition contests and the lack of game planning.

However, the 49ers’ chances at victory in Week 2 may largely hinge on the ability to ensure end-zone paydirt instead of settling for field goals. Especially if the Lions manage to improve their own offensive attack and take advantage of a banged-up San Francisco secondary.

Like the Niners, the Jets also were 1-of-4 in the red zone last week despite dropping the 48 points. Why? Well, two of their net six touchdowns came off defensive turnovers or on special teams. And New York was able to capitalize on some big plays too, including wide receiver Robby Anderson’s 41-yard score off a pass from Sam Darnold.

Relying on that big-play ability isn’t always a good approach. Sure, they’re great when they happen. But effectively managing red-zone appearances and turning them into touchdowns, not field goals, will be a vital part to Kyle Shanahan’s game plan on Sunday.

Next. 5 takeaways from 49ers' Week 1 loss to Vikings. dark

The 49ers and Lions kick off Sept. 16 at 4:05 p.m. ET from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.