Niner Noise
FanSided

5 predictions for 49ers vs. Browns on Monday Night Football

By Peter Panacy

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles while under pressure from defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles while under pressure from defensive end Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 13, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Running back Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers has a third quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Running back Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers has a third quarter rushing touchdown against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

No. 4: 49ers Will Gain 150-Plus Yards on the Ground

While the rest of the NFL has focused on boasting a pass-first offense, Kyle Shanahan’s system is still predicated on the run.

To date, the Niners’ 525 total yards on the year averages out to being the second-highest rushing attack in the league to date. And while the 4.6 yards-per-carry average puts San Francisco’s runners in the middle of the pack, there’s little questioning Shanahan’s desire to establish the run early and often.

Luckily, the Browns defense isn’t exactly equipped to handle this to a great extent.

So far, Cleveland is allowing an average of 4.6 rush yards per carry on the season — 21st best in the league.

There are other reasons why San Francisco would be wise to focus on establishing the run early, too. Keeping control of both the ball and clock transitions to the Browns not being able to stay long on offense.

The 49ers enter this contest with a banged-up secondary, which includes second-year cornerback Emmanuel Moseley making his first NFL start. Moseley’s first assignment will be covering Browns standout wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

Limiting this liability will be helped by keeping the Niners run game on point. This unit will churn out a lot of yards on Monday night.