Niner Noise
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5 questions 49ers must answer for Week 6 vs. Rams

By Peter Panacy

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams chases George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers on a short pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 31: Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams chases George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers on a short pass play during the first half of a game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass against Blake Countess #24 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

No. 4: How to Get the Passing Offense Going?

The 49ers rushing attack has been outstanding this season, and the average of 200 yards per game on the ground ranks No. 1 among all offenses.

But if this facet of Kyle Shanahan’s offense takes a hit with Kyle Juszczyk out for a while, the Niners passing attack will have to pick up the slack against a Rams squad allowing an average of 6.6 yards per pass — 18th best in the league.

To date, San Francisco is averaging 227.2 pass yards per game, which ranks 22nd through five weeks.

That’s not overly good, although the 49ers ground game has alleviated most of the concern.

Still, the Niners’ crop of wide receivers has been less than impressive, statistically. Veteran wide receiver Marquise Goodwin leads this group with 166 yards, while rookie receiver Deebo Samuel has 150.

Second-year wide receiver Dante Pettis has just 38 yards and a touchdown on six catches.

Tight end George Kittle leads all San Francisco pass catchers with 235 receiving yards, and it was good to see him finally hit his stride against the Browns.

That said, Shanahan is going to have to focus on making his receiving threats a bigger part of the game on the road in L.A.

Good thing he’s one of the better offensive play designers in the league.