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5 49ers who will have major impact in Week 3 vs. Steelers

By Josh Altorfer

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to put a move on Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steeler at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 20-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DECEMBER 19: Kendall Hunter #32 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to put a move on Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steeler at Candlestick Park on December 19, 2011 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 20-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – SEPTEMBER 15: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

No. 1: RB Matt Breida

Running back Matt Breida shredded the Bengals defense last week. He ran for 121 yards on just 12 attempts. Expect Breida to see more carries in this game, as the Niners will want to take the pressure off of Garoppolo and Skule in the latter’s first start.

Shanahan’s evolved West Coast offense centers around being able to run the ball. Breida has been excellent in this role. With Breida ripping off over 10 yards per carry, the defense is forced to focus on stopping the run. As soon as the defense over-commits to putting defenders in the box, Shanahan calls play-action pass plays with receivers running free deep.

Breida should be able to continue his success against the Steelers. Pittsburgh allowed 122 rushing yards to Seattle’s running backs last week.

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The 49ers proved that their offense is relentless when the running game gets going. If Breida can continue the success he found in Cincinnati, then the Steelers defense could be in for a long day.