49ers Must Dominate the Ground Game Against Giants’ Troubled Defense
The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in a crucial position as they prepare to face the New York Giants, a team that has struggled defensively, particularly against the run. With the 49ers’ rushing offense underperforming this season, there are no valid excuses left if they fail to find success on the ground in this matchup.
Assessing the 49ers’ Rushing Struggles
This season, the 49ers’ rushing attack has not lived up to expectations. Factors contributing to this decline include the offensive line’s performance, the health and impact of key player Christian McCaffrey, and the quality of the defenses they have faced. Thus far, San Francisco has encountered formidable opponents, including some of the league’s top run defenses.
To put this into perspective, when analyzing expected points added per rush, the 49ers have only faced one defense ranked below average. They saw the Seattle Seahawks at the top, followed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Arizona Cardinals—all in the top ten for run defense. The only exception has been the Atlanta Falcons, who ranked 24th, coincidentally the only game where the 49ers’ rushing attack performed adequately.
The Giants’ Vulnerability
As the 49ers gear up for their meeting with the Giants, there is a silver lining: New York boasts the worst run defense in the NFL. Their EPA (Expected Points Added) allowed stands at a staggering 0.143, significantly higher than the Cincinnati Bengals, who sit at 31st with 0.082. The Giants have allowed the most rushes of ten yards or more, highlighting their struggles to contain opposing ground games.
While the Giants have standout players like Dexter Lawrence, the rest of their edge rushers excel more at pressuring the quarterback than defending against the run. Furthermore, their linebackers and safeties have been consistently outmatched, leading to substantial gains by opposing runners. This is a scenario that should heavily favor the 49ers, who possess the talent to exploit these weaknesses.
Kyle Shanahan’s Tactical Approach
Although the 49ers have struggled to establish a consistent run game this year, they are guided by one of the best run playcallers in the game, Kyle Shanahan. His recent decision to adapt the running scheme against Atlanta, favoring power runs over traditional zone concepts, showed his ability to think strategically. With the Giants presenting an inviting target, Shanahan must lean into this mismatch and emphasize a strong running game.
If the 49ers fail to capitalize on this opportunity, they could face significant challenges going forward. The potential embarrassment of struggling against the league’s worst run defense would raise serious concerns about their ability to navigate tougher opponents later in the season.
In summary, the upcoming clash with the Giants is more than just another game for the 49ers; it is a pivotal moment to reclaim their rushing identity and set the tone for the remainder of the season. The pressure is on to perform, and the stakes have never been higher.
