5 things 49ers must do to make playoffs this season
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: 49ers must continue dominating time of possession
In a pass-first league, the Niners have bucked the trend by focusing more on their stout rushing attack, which has had the effect of chewing up the clock and keeping opponents’ offenses from taking the field.
Check out San Francisco’s time of possession the last three weeks:
- Week 10 vs. Los Angeles Rams: 39:03
- Week 11 @ Jacksonville Jaguars: 38:22
- Week 12 vs. Minnesota Vikings: 37:07
It’s a trend the 49ers should have no trouble continuing in Week 13 against the Seahawks.
Seahawks average time of possession the last three weeks is just 19:36 and they face the ultimate ball hogs in the #49ers on Sunday.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) November 30, 2021
Seattle hasn’t been great on either offense or defense as of late, yet this same approach could still assist matters a lot in games against a high-flying Bengals offense that ranks sixth in scoring this season and is complemented by a defense allowing only 20.5 points per game, also sixth best.
Same with that Week 18 Rams game, too.
If the Niners’ recently discovered identity is to run the ball frequently, chew up the clock and not let opposing offenses on the field, there’s no reason to change that approach now. It’s working.