49ers vs. Lions: 5 X-factors that must go San Francisco’s way in Week 1
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers must win in the red zone vs. Lions
Kyle Shanahan has historically had trouble in red-zone situations with most of his teams, but last year’s Niners offense actually performed well here despite all the injuries.
Perhaps a bucking of the trend?
San Francisco’s 67.3 touchdown percentage within the 20-yard line ranked seventh best within the league, although one could fairly make the argument last year’s offense simply didn’t have enough chances to capitalize.
At least when it did, the offense took advantage.
Fully restocked and healthy, Shanahan will need to ensure the 49ers aren’t settling for field goals on the road, especially against a Lions defense that isn’t expected to be potent or prone to taking the ball away.
From a defensive standpoint, perhaps the only legitimate weapons Detroit will have for its own offensive red-zone situations are tight end T.J. Hockenson and running back D’Andre Swift, both of whom could serve as go-to targets in this area for quarterback Jared Goff.
For what it’s worth, Goff owns a 102.6 passer rating in red-zone situations.