49ers Keys to Victory vs. Patriots in Week 4

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are back at their fortress, Levi’s Stadium, to take on the New England Patriots. This return home is hugely important as the 49ers are determined to end a two-game losing streak and regain their winning form. Will the 49ers retain the key to victory in Week 4 and make their homecoming a triumphant experience?

Attack the center of the field

The Patriots rank 27th in passing yards per game, allowing offenses to throw for 244.3 yards per game. The 49ers’ passing offense ranks second in the NFL, averaging 267.7 yards per game. The weakness of the Patriots defense is the coverage provided by their linebackers. Raekwon McMillan has Pro Football Focus’ highest coverage grade at 67.9. He has allowed five balls for 54 yards on targeted attacks.

Given this defensive vulnerability, the running backs and tight ends are poised to have an outstanding day in the middle of the field. Jauan Jennings, with his potential to explode on the field, could be the game-changer. If the Patriots’ linebackers play out of position like the Rams did, Jennings could be on track for a breakout game.

Become one-dimensional

Expect the Patriots defense to set up the box with 6-8 players and force Brock Purdy to throw. The 49ers don’t want to be one-dimensional in this game and prioritize the Patriots’ pass defense. The Patriots’ run defense ranks fifth among NFL defenses against the run, allowing 83 yards per game. In Week 1, the Patriots held the Bengals to 70 yards rushing on 16 attempts and one touchdown. In Week 2, they held the Seahawks to 46 yards on 19 attempts and one touchdown. In Week 3, the Patriots’ defense allowed the Jets 133 yards on 33 attempts and one touchdown.

The 49ers can even run the ball against stacked boxes. They must continue to find ways to gain positive yards on the ground to set up the play-action pass. The magic number of 30 attempts should allow the 49ers to successfully compete against the Patriots’ run defense.

Chip Keion White

The 49ers should have one goal on defense: Don’t leave Patriots defensive end Keion White alone. White has 12 pressures, four sacks, three hits and five hurries this season. Although he is dealing with an injury, he is not on the Patriots’ injury report. Expect White to come out and terrorize the 49ers offensive line. If he goes up against Colton McKivitz, expect the 49ers to add a tight end to take him to the top spot.

If tight end George Kittle plays, the 49ers get a nice security blanket on the edge against White. Using 12 personnel could be the way to go in this matchup against the Patriots’ best defender.

Don’t lose Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry leads the Patriots with 17 targets and 12 receptions. It’s fair to say that Jacoby Brissett trusts his tight end with the ball. The 49ers want to compete well against an experienced tight end like Henry. Last week against the Los Angeles Rams, 49ers linebacker De’Vondre Campbell was in man coverage on a tight end and cost the team an explosive play on the field with a big pass interference call.

The Patriots could use 12 personnel (two tight end sets) and force the 49ers to cover with every other linebacker not named Fred Warner. The Patriots like to use Henry in their short passing game (0-9 yards). He caught nine of 10 passes for 91 yards in the middle short area of ​​the field. The 49ers can’t lose Henry in the passing game.

Take the barrel away

Rhamondre Stevenson will look to get back on track against the 49ers’ ninth-ranked run defense. He leads the Patriots’ eight-pronged rushing offense with 224 yards, an average of 4.3 yards per attempt and two touchdowns. The Patriots average 144.3 rushing yards per game.

The 49ers defensive front will look different without Javon Hargrave (partially torn triceps) and newly injured defensive tackle Jordan Elliot (ankle). Whoever the 49ers use upfront will have to prevent the Patriots from running the ball and controlling the clock. The 49ers defense cannot afford to miss out on explosive plays on the ground. Take away the run and the Patriots become one-dimensional and the 49ers’ safeties become free.

---

While this game doesn’t hurt the 49ers’ chances of making the playoffs, it feels like a must-win situation. The team will look to avoid a three-game losing streak by holding on to these keys to victory and securing a much-needed home win against the Patriots.

• Written by:

  Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He made his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called League of the 49ers. He next began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on the YouTube show Nothing But Niners. In 2019, he launched his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting down pen for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. He published his first published article on 49ersCap in January 2022. He currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.

Related news