5 things 49ers must do to make playoffs this season

DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks against Emmanuel Moseley #41 and Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks against Emmanuel Moseley #41 and Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Garoppolo, Elijah Mitchell, San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) hands the football to running back Eli Mitchell (25) Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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.