49ers vs. Jaguars: 4 reasons Niners should be concerned in Week 11
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers have to travel to the East Coast on a short week
The NFL schedule makers did the 49ers no favors by asking them to take to the road and travel across the country for an early morning PT kickoff on a short week after playing Monday night, previously.
Taking to the road on short weeks is a disadvantage for any team in the league, but it’s particularly challenging for West Coast squads. If anything, even more than having to worry about the time-zone adjustments, it’ll be about the lessened time for rest and preparation.
Linebacker Fred Warner detailed the concern and what has to be done ahead of Week 11:
"Our full focus is on [the Jaguars]. It’s also on, like I talked about, on a short week. Getting our bodies back right. I think [head coach Kyle Shanahan] is going to do a great job of arranging practice so that we’re getting our bodies right so that we’re flying around on Sunday. But it’s up to us to really get our bodies right and make sure that we’re good to go."
Absolutely. But it’s also easier said than done.
Game-planning, rest and preparation always take a hit on a short week. Factor in the coast-to-coast travel and an early kickoff, and that’ll make things even more challenging for the Niners.