The San Francisco 49ers are traveling across the country in week six to face the Buffalo Bills. At 1-4, the Niners need to win this game to keep hope alive for the season, and faith alive in the locker room. The Buffalo Bills are heading in the opposite direction. With wins in the past two weeks versus the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams, the Bills are hot. Rex Ryan seems to have the defense finally coming together. The offense has also improved since the firing of offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The 49ers just recently announced Colin Kaepernick as the starter at quarterback. This gives Kaepernick a chance to get back his starting gig, and get back in the spotlight he seems to desire so much.
San Francisco 49ers Week Six Keys to Victory
Hold LeSean McCoy to Under 100 Yards
The first key to victory for the 49ers is to stop the Bills number one offensive weapon: LeSean McCoy. During the Bills three game winning streak, McCoy has rushed for 330 yards. The 49ers need to try and hold McCoy to under 100 yards rushing. This will be a tough task for a 49ers defense whose weakness is stopping the run. The loss of Navorro Bowman to an Achilles injury will only weakens the defense further. Michael Wilhoite has some big shoes to fill now as leader of the defense. Wilhoite will have to key the guards as they will lead him to the ball.
The 49ers defense will have to be disciplined tacklers. Breaking down, wrapping, all the fundamentals must come in to play when tackling McCoy. Getting lost in his feet and movement will only leave a tackler looking foolish. It is also important for the defense to hold position in their assigned gaps, and not to allow themselves to be washed out of the play. Over pursuit will leave the defense vulnerable to against the grain cut backs from McCoy.
Restrict Tyrod Taylor to the Pocket
Tyrod Taylor’s mobility is one of his biggest assets. Containing him to the pocket has proven to be a difficult challenge for teams this season. Taylor already has 168 rushing yards this season, and has made nine first downs scrambling while under duress. Fortunately for the 49ers, most of their defensive line is coming back healthy this week. Reports out of San Francisco are that Deforest Buckner, Glenn Dorsey, and Vance McDonald all practiced today. This means they all should be a go for Sunday.
Outside linebackers Ahmad Brooks and Tank Carradine will be key to keeping Taylor from breaking contain. As with McCoy, Taylor must also be prevented from getting to the edge where his speed is a factor. The 49ers must look to frustrate Taylor and force him to be a pocket quarterback. Intermediate and short passing is not Taylor’s strong suit. Take away the deep ball and force Taylor to be accurate. If the 49ers are successful it will lead to turnovers for San Francisco.
Play to Kaepernick’s Strengths
News broke this week that Blaine Gabbert would be sitting down and Colin Kaepernick would get the start against Buffalo. Kaepernick has been the center of controversy this entire season. Now Kaepernick has a change to showcase his talent instead of his opinions. At the height of Kaepernick’s success he was known much more for his ability to run and scramble than to pass. Chip Kelly should go back to that formula and play to Kaepernick’s strength. Re-instituting the read option offense may bring a spark back to a lack-luster San Francisco offense.
Kelly needs to avoid trying to force Kaepernick to be something he is not; a pocket passer. This tactic may be what lead to the quarterback’s downfall in the first place. Let Kaepernick be himself and let his legs loose. Joshua Garnett will be taking over at right guard according to a report on NinersNation.com. Garnett will have to step up and play well this week in order for the run game to be successful. The combination of bruising runs by Carlos Hyde and Gazelle-like speed for Kaepernick will eventually wear down a tough Buffalo defense. This will open up big play opportunities and San Francisco must be ready to take advantage if they want a chance to win.
