Running and a strong defense are key for success for the 49ers.
Though their record is 2-2, the 49ers have everything it takes to return to the Super Bowl. The team needs to run the ball and the defense needs to reclaim last year’s prowess if the 49ers expect to repeat last year’s success.
The 49ers have one of the best offenses in the NFL. They have talent and a great quarterback. The guys who are really important are running backs Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. Their running is crucial to getting the play action going.
Gore keeps getting better with his total running yards increasing every year, except for 2010 when he suffered an injury that ended his season early. He improved from 1,120 yards in 2009 to 1,211 yards in 2011 and to 1,214 yards rushing last year.
Hunter helps take the burden off Gore while the 49ers stick to the running game. This past game against the St. Louis Rams, Gore ran for 153 yards, his best game of the season. Gore is a beast, and with Hunter beside him, they are a dual threat to defenses. Not to mention Colin Kaepernick’s scrambling ability. The 49ers were fourth in rushing last year with an average of 155 yards per game. As of week four of 2013 the 49ers are eighth in offense with 131 total yards allowed.
The 49ers’ defense is one of the toughest and talented in the NFL, reminiscent of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense during their Super Bowl year, or the Baltimore Ravens’ defense over the past five years.
The 49ers defense is lead by Patrick Willis. Third in total defense last year, which includes rushing and passing yards allowed combined, the 49ers allowed an average of 294 yards per game. They were fourth in defense passing yards, with an average of 200 yards per game. After four weeks this season the defense is ranked fourth with 299 yards allowed so far. Navarro Bowman had two sacks against the Rams as did Ndamukong Suh.
The 49ers are capable of being the Super Bowl team from last year. They showed it against the Rams and Packers. The defense will be better once Willis and Aldon Smith return. They are good at penetrating through the offensive line and putting pressure on the quarterback. The offense is potent and can strike at any time whether it’s Kapernick’s arm or Gore’s explosive running ability.
The 49ers can go back to the Super Bowl, but players must stay healthy and do their jobs on the field. The 49ers need a strong running game and a stingy defense to repeat or top last year’s success.
