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49ers vs. Redskins: Breaking down San Francisco’s offensive game plan

By Josh Altorfer

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: George Kittle #85 and Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Kittle caught a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 31-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: George Kittle #85 and Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after Kittle caught a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 31-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 13: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Get the ball into George Kittle’s hands

Getting the ball into tight end George Kittle‘s hands is a no-brainer recipe for success for the 49ers on offense. He has been quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s favorite target this season with 31 receptions for 338 yards.

Kittle also has the fourth-most yards after catch from the tight end position with 185. He would probably rank higher on the list if it weren’t for the early season bye week. He is extremely dangerous with the ball in his possession, though.

Just take a look at how many Rams defenders it took to take down the electric tight end:

The problem is every team in the league knows Kittle is the focal point in the Niners passing game, which means they spend all week preparing to stop him.

The good news is few teams have the talent to execute that ambitious goal.

PFF gives both of Washington’s linebackers a rating of 60 overall. Their strong safety, Landon Collins, is the only defensive back who will cover Kittle in the game with a rating of over 70.

Next. 3 49ers players who must improve in Week 7 vs. Redskins. dark

Expect Garoppolo to target Kittle often throughout the game. Kyle Shanahan will certainly have scripted plays to feature his top pass catcher against Washington.

The 49ers and Redskins kick off on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. ET from FedEx Field.