SF 49ers vs. Patriots: 5 matchups that will decide Week 7 outcome
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers’ Trent Williams vs. Patriots’ Chase Winovich
Neither the SF 49ers nor Patriots are tearing things up in the pass-rushing department this season. The Niners boast 10 sacks through six weeks, while the Pats enter their fifth game of the season with eight.
New England’s pass-rushing leader so far is EDGE Chase Winovich, who boasts a team-high 2.5 sacks on the season and will primarily line up on the weak side of the defensive formation.
This puts him in prime position to attack San Francisco’s left tackle, Trent Williams, in his attempts to get to Jimmy Garoppolo.
Williams and the Niners offensive line was excellent protecting Jimmy G against defensive tackle Aaron Donald and a prolific Los Angeles Rams defensive front last week. The end result, ushered by zero sacks allowed, was Garoppolo tossing for 268 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 124.3 passer rating.
The week before against the Dolphins, Garoppolo was sacked three times and went 7-of-17 with two picks before being yanked at halftime.
Williams has had some lapses in pass protection this season, yet it remains his forte. Winovich might not be the most prolific pass-rusher in the league at this point, yet Williams’ ability to keep him in check will go a long way in determining Garoppolo’s effectiveness.