49ers vs. Lions: Breaking down San Francisco’s defensive game plan
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers must do everything to limit Lions’ T.J. Hockenson
San Francisco doesn’t have to worry about a plethora of Lions offensive playmakers on Sunday, but the one receiving weapon the 49ers should worry about is Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Hockenson, considered by many to be the next installment of the Niners’ own, George Kittle, is likely to be Jared Goff’s favorite target this season and should be considered Detroit’s best offensive playmaker through the air.
Lacking at wide receiver, Goff could easily target Hockenson 10-plus times a game, and it’s likely to be a challenge for San Francisco’s cover linebackers and safeties to stay with the former Iowa standout on every single play.
One-on-one coverage won’t work here. No, the 49ers should plan on assigning two defenders, likely linebacker Dre Greenlaw and strong safety Jaquiski Tartt, on Hockenson with regularity.
In doing so, the Niners will be forcing the Lions’ crop of less-proven wide receivers to make a serious impact in the game.