Niner Noise
FanSided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in action against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo hasn’t exactly looked like his other-wordly self the 49ers’ first two games of 2018. In Week 1, Garoppolo was, perhaps, a bit too aggressive — attempting passes into overly tight windows amid a lockdown Vikings defense. Then in Week 2, Garoppolo was too conservative and not taking the same chances seen the previous week.

And that led to a good chunk of the six sacks he took versus Detroit.

More from Niner Noise

What’s needed is the quarterback in the middle. Garoppolo should feel comfortable taking some risks against a Chiefs defense that’s averaging a whopping 7.6 yards per pass attempt — fourth worst in the NFL through two weeks.

Revisiting the idea of a short-gain, ball-controlling offense, there are few reasons to believe Garoppolo can’t thrive in this situation. During the offseason, Pro Football Focus broke down how Jimmy G thrived in short- to intermediate-area passing last year

First, the Chiefs’ lackluster defense provides the opportunity. Additionally, the Niners’ game plan should call for slow, methodical drives.

This isn’t to say Garoppolo and Kyle Shanahan will hesitate to take shots down the field. But as with all things Shanahan offense, those attempts will have to be game planned appropriately. More importantly, they’ll need to be executed properly too.

And that weight is on Garoppolo in what could turn out to be a mighty fine quarterbacking duel this Sunday.

The 49ers and Chiefs kick off on Sunday, Sept. 23 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Next. 49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 key matchups for San Francisco. dark

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe

to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.