SF returns to prime-time spot
49ers must further frustrate QBWentz to take down Eagles on Sunday night
SANTACLARA » Suddenly, it seems presumptuous to say the 49ers are starting a three-game homestand.
This is a one-game-at-a-time season more than ever.
Coach Kyle Shanahan and everyone in the NFL were reminded of that when the Tennessee Titans, because of a COVID-19 outbreak, had their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers postponed.
“If you let that get out of hand, that would be very tough for our league finishing the season,” Shanahan said.
The 49ers (2-1) cannot look past their Sunday night affair with the Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1). If all goes well on the coronavirus front, then the 49ers can get to their next home date against the Miami Dolphins, followed by a visit from the Los Angeles Rams, and so on and so on, with fingers crossed and hands/masks washed.
Urgency exists to win now, and do so without a crowd watching at Levi’s Stadium, where the 49ers
“If you let that get out of hand, that would be very toughfor our league finishing the season.”
– Kyle Shanahan, 49ers’ head coach, on the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
were upset in their season opener by the Arizona Cardinals. Here are five keys to avenging that defeat as they return home:
SHUT DOWN ERTZ » Carson Wentz’s best bet at emerging from his funk is to aim for the Eagles’ best (only?) target, tight end Zach Ertz, a Monte Vista High (Danville) and Stanford product.
The 49ers likely won’t designate one defender to shadow Ertz. They can deploy any of their rangy linebackers, especially captain FredWarner, whose athleticismand coverage skills are ideal for today’sNFL, as opposed to the hellacious-hitting linebackers ofmore violent times.
Warner’s interception last Sunday while covering Giants tight end Evan Engram reflected his smarts, instincts and athleticism.
That’s not to sayWarner can’t hit. He does. Just ask the New York Jets, who saw Warner blow up a fourthand-1 run two weeks ago. SHOW OFF STARS » Kittle will return to the lineup after injuring his knee two weeks ago, and the 49ers are also expected to unveil wide receiver Deebo Samuel for his season debut.
Yes, the 49ers need those weapons, even after scoring more than 30 points in routs of the New Yorkers.
Kittle provides so much in terms of on-field production, blocking and overall excitement. He’smissed just three games his entire career, including back-to-back games last year because of a Cardinals player’s hit to his left knee, just like three weeks ago.
Tight end Jordan Reed is out up to two months with his own knee injury, so Kittle’s return would be especially
timely.
The 49ers delayed Samuel’s debut by putting himon short-term injured reserve, and his surgically repaired left foot appears to have responded well enough in practice that a strong season awaits after a banner rookie year.
Samuel’s arrival could launch a long-termreceiver tandem with Brandon Aiyuk, a first-round draft pick who had a breakout performance last Sunday. Judging from practice, the 49ers’ receiving corps looks in a much better mood and in better shape, complemented by Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor, Mohamed Sanu and Dante Pettis.
EXTEND WENTZ’S WOES » Wentz is 14-15-1 since his 2017 knee injury, plus last season’s wild- card playoff loss at home to Seattle. He’s had two passes intercepted in each game this season. The Eagles were down to just one receiver on their 53-man roster at Thursday’s practice.
Wentz won’t have it
easy against a 49ers pass rush that is out to prove it can dominate without Nick Bosa and Dee Ford. Ziggy Ansah and Dion Jordan made nice debuts last game, and the 49ers still have solid starters in Arik Armstead, Kerry Hyder, Javon Kinlaw and D. J. Jones.
Safety Jimmie Ward is demanding some credit for the 49ers’ secondary, and that will come if they continue to limit the passing yards (second-best in the league) while cashing in on Wentz’ interception trend. CONTROL AT QUARTERBACK » When Eagles coach Doug Pederson showered Nick Mullens with praise leading up to the game, he finished by saying how Mullens is “letting the offense work for him.”
It’s not a backhanded compliment as much as it is affirmationthat Shanahan is scheming ways to make everyone on offense flourish.
Same goes for running back JerickMcKinnon, who could become the first 49er since Jerry Rice (1991) to
score a touchdown in the first four games of a season.
Mullens’ experience and behind-the- scenes preparation gives Shanahan reason to trust him in place of Garoppolo, for however long is needed.
SPECIAL TEAMS NEWCOMER » The 49ers are on their fifth long snapper in 20 games. That’s because Taybor Pepper is in to replace Kyle Nelson, whose errant snaps Sunday cost him a spot on the roster.
This gameshouldnot come downto a field goal or pointafter kick. Pepper should get a lot of action much earlier the way this offense is moving the chains. Then again, the 49ers were horrific on third down their last home appearance (2-for-11).
A special-teams miscue could be all the Eagles need to find life. So keep an eye on if Dante Pettis or Trent Taylor is their punt returner, or if JaMycal Hasty returns kickoffs. Those return games are more of a mystery than what’s been solid kick coverage by the 49ers.