Niner Noise
FanSided

3 lessons 49ers should have learned from Ravens Week 12 win vs. Rams

By Ezechiel Dezine

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles against the defense of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles against the defense of the Los Angeles Rams during the game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
49ers Jimmie Ward Jaquiski Tartt
Strong safety Jaquiski Tartt #29 and free safety Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Lesson No. 1: Defensive Backs must Communicate

The 49ers secondary has been much improved this season, largely in part due to the stability of the free safety position, which a healthy Jimmie Ward has provided.

Just like how now-Ravens safety Earl Thomas served as the field general in that legendary Seahawks “Legion of Boom” defense from earlier in the decade, Ward has been making plays all over the field.

When facing Jackson, however, the entire Niners secondary is going to have to be on the same page.

The Ravens offense is predicated on the play-action/RPO approach, which will freeze the linebackers while receivers and tight ends flood in and out of zones. Communicating switching off receivers and calling out rub/pick plays will be crucial in avoiding getting shredded apart, like the Rams were on the opening-drive touchdown pass where Jackson found Marquise “Hollywood” Brown from 6 yards out:

Baltimore made this play look easy, but there were a lot of combos and intricacies right at the snap, which threw off Los Angeles’ defenders and set up the touchdown.

This is what the Niners must look to avoid.