Niner Noise
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49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 most important players for San Francisco in Week 3

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Defensive back Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Defensive back Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball in the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Running Back Matt Breida

Also noted in Niner Noise’s Week 3 breakdown is how the 49ers offense should focus on a run-first, ball-control approach. It’s perhaps the only way the Niners can keep Patrick Mahomes and Co. off the field for as long as possible.

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This, of course, means stressing the run game.

A week after his breakout 138-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 2, which earned him FedEx Air and Ground Player of the Week accolades, second-year running back Matt Breida should be a major focal point of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive approach.

The Chiefs have only given up 156 rushing yards on the season, which ranks sixth least so far. But that stat is skewed quite a bit by how Kansas City’s offense has gotten off to such a hot start early in both its games this season, forcing opponents to play catch-up and rely more on the passing game.

Instead, consider this — K.C. is allowing an average of 4.5 yards per carry, which ranks 23rd best among all defenses.

Yeah, there’s an opportunity there for Breida to take command of the game on the ground.