Garoppolo sharpens focus for Niners’ biggest test yet
Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t aware that blackouts were hitting Northern California’s power grid last week or even why precautionary measures are needed for fire season.
He’d been so embedded in the 49ers season, so focused on maintaining their undefeated record come today’s ultimate test against the host Los Angeles Rams.
Two years ago, in Garoppolo’s last appearance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, he capped a 5-0 December debut as the 49ers starting quarterback. That was part of the groundwork for this transformation of the 49ers into a playoff contender.
“It’s good to remember where you came from, I guess,” Garoppolo said. “You know, it’s one of those things you don’t want to get too far ahead of yourselves.
“We have only won four games and, like I said, it’s not going to get you anything in this league. So, it’s good to remember those times, but like I said we are a new team now and we’ve got a good mindset in there.”
Garoppolo’s mind is not on his surgically repaired left knee (“It’s felt great this whole season”) nor on how others perceive his slight stats (230 passing yards per game, well behind Patrick Mahomes’ Nfl-leading average of 366 yards).
The physically minded 49ers
(4-0) have relied on the NFL’S best rushing attack (200 yards per game) and its most improved defense. Things might have to change, offensively. Injuries will keep out fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee) and offensive tackles Joe Staley (fibula) and Mike Mcglinchey (knee) at least a few games.
The 49ers won’t have to face Rams running back Todd Gurley, who bruised his left thigh in last week’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was ruled out on Saturday. Gurley did not practice this week and had been listed as doubtful.
“This will be a fun one,” tight end George Kittle said. “We might not be full go because we’re missing our tackles and our fullback, but we’re ready for this more mentally than we have been in the past.”
Here are ways the undefeated underdogs can topple the reigning NFC champions, who’ve lost their last two for a 3-2 record: STABILIZE MAKESHIFT BLOCKING >> The 49ers will have to tinker their offensive scheme to account for Juszczyk’s absence — he’s arguably been their MVP — and the fact they’re resorting to their fourth- and fifth-string offensive tackles, Justin Skule (third start) and Daniel Brunskill (starting debut).
“If there’s anybody that can do a great job of figuring out a way to continuing to utilize guys in a manner that gives defenses problems, it’s Kyle and his group,” said Rams coach Sean Mcvay, who worked under Shanahan at Washington from 2010-13.
Not even Staley’s exit to a Week 3 leg fracture could derail Shanahan’s red-hot scheme. So perhaps shifting
backup tight end Ross Dwelley to fullback, along with a few other twists, the 49ers can keep their offense on track.
“We’re a hell of an offensive line, we’re a hell of a running back system,” Staley said. “… This system, it’s not just about the five guys up front. The receivers are blocking their butts off. Fullbacks and running backs understand exactly where to go. Jimmy understanding how important a keeper fake is to everything.”
BLOCKING AARON DONALD >> Can you envision Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald feasting on Brunskill, a San Diego State walk-on as a tight end who earlier this year was in the Alliance of American Football?
Donald, the league’s most feared defensive tackle, will bounce around the line to cause havoc. Ejected in a 2016 season-opening fit at Levi’s Stadium, Donald dominated last meeting, sacking Nick Mullens four times in the 2018 regularseason finale in L.A. (4832 Rams). Garoppolo must recognize Donald’s whereabouts.
“He is unbelievable. Give him all the credit in the world,” said Garoppolo, who didn’t have to face Donald as the Rams rested stars in their 2017 matchup. “The guy, he does just about everything inside, power move, speed move, whatever it is he just always seems to be around the ball.”
Donald has commanded double-team blocks, so his stats are down (one sack, four quarterback hits, five tackles for loss), but that has freed up rush lanes for others. One benefactor was Clay Matthews, who broke his jaw last game and is out a month.
GET AFTER GOFF >> Baker Mayfield was the latest to learn how miserable the
49ers pass rush can make a quarterback’s life. Monday night’s 31-3 rout of the Browns showcased a dominant defensive front led by rookie Nick Bosa, fellow edge rusher Dee Ford and blossoming stars Deforest Buckner and Arik Armstead.
The Rams’ rebuilt offensive line has been among the league’s worst. Bosa isn’t taking lightly a matchup with veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth. “He’s a savvy vet,” Bosa said. “Some of the nuances he uses with his hands is similar to Joe (Staley), but Joe doesn’t want to hear that. He’s just smart. He knows how to hold you up for that little extra second when the quarterback needs it.”
Give Goff extra time and it’s why he’s still completing 63 percent of his passes for 330 yards per game. The 49ers’ newfound pass rush should still get to him, and Bosa did not use all his moves in Monday’s masterpiece against Mayfield. “I have more,” Bosa said.
Goff has been sacked eight times, intercepted seven times and lost three fumbles.
RALLY UP THE RECEIVERS >> If the 49ers’ run game gets stuffed and if a shootout ensues, Garoppolo will need to air it out, and he has no completions longer than 39 yards this year.
He hasn’t been deadly accurate but ranks ninth (69-percent completion rate), and, with only four sacks, he’s getting the ball out fast. He’s taking 2.45 seconds to throw, secondfastest in the league behind the injured Cam Newton (2.37 seconds).
The 49ers need receivers to stop dropping passes and be reliable like Kittle. He capped his recordsetting season last year in L.A. (1,377 yards), and he’s on pace for 920 yards this year.