Redskins vs 49ers preview: A look at the 49ers offense.
by UkRedskin on Nov 3, 2011 7:08 PM EDT
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PrintRather than dwell on last week's poor performance, I thought I would look ahead to the 49ers game. Since our offense is likely to struggle, I decided to look at what our defense will be up against. The 49ers are making a name for themselves as a power running team. Coach Jim Harbaugh is very commited to the running game and without a true franchise QB that you can rely on to win you games, he needs to be. I'm not saying Alex Smith isn't having a good season, he is. But he's being put in good situations and a lot of pressure has been taken off his shoulders. I've spent the best part of last night and today watching the 49ers offense over two quite contrasting situations, a 48-3 blow out of the Buccaneers at home, and a hard fought 25-19 win over the (then unbeaten) Lions in Detroit. They stuck to their philosophy throughout, but found different ways to run on two different teams.
Their basic gameplan is obvious. Run heavy, get to 3rd and manageable. Let Smith make quick decisions and get the ball out of his hands quickly. Control the clock and allow their defense to dominate and create turnovers...sounds familiar.
A staple in their offense is slight variations of the following play.
It's a run heavy formation. They have two TE's in on the play, as well as a FB and just the one WR. This example doesn't just apply to this formation however. They run a similar variation of the play in three TE sets, with all three lined up on one side, or two on one side and one split to the other. Any way they do it, the principle of the play is the same.
You'll see the side they are running the ball to all down block on the defensive line.
While the rest of the offensive line are down blocking, the guard on the opposite side of the run (in this case, RG Adam Synder) is going to pull (which is to move out of position, and become a lead blocker for the RB). The FB is going to follow behind the pulling guard, giving Frank Gore effectively two leading blockers.
This is the area where another variation can come in. The pulling Guard can go up the middle onto the LB on some plays, and the FB and Gore will follow right behind. But on this play, the Buccs had been over-committing inside. So the guard seals the edge on the outside, the FB will also carry on outside and get to the second level.
The FB cuts off the pursuing LB, and Gore gets free and rips off a big gain.
Just a side note to show how committed they are to the run. Even the WR (circled in blue) is holding his block downfield. It's a big effort for the whole team to just pound away at a defense.
You'll see variations of this play all day. A lot of the time, they run it to the right guard, pulling Mike Iupati to be the lead blocker. But any variation they run it, the principle is the same. One side of the line down blocks, the pulling guard and the FB punch their blocks outside and create a running lane for Gore. Here's a little whiteboard draw up just to further demonstrate the concept.
The left side of the line in this example down blocks, the TE gets to the second level and the RG pulls to become the lead blocker. The FB follows quickly in behind him, creating a running lane for Gore.
The RG pushes the LB out, the FB will do the same to the on coming LB to allow Gore to cut back inside, or he could cut off the LB and allow Gore to continue outside. The first test for the defense is to stop the run inside. This play works when they are dominating the line of scrimmage, but if the Dline or other defenders (LBs, safeties) are blowing up blocks, they have a way to contain that as well. Check out this run against the Lions. They have a very aggressive Dline (namely Ndamukong Suh) who can destroy a block and get to a runner in the backfield. The 49ers have a counter to this.
There's a lot going on in that picture, let me try to explain. The 49ers recognise that the Lions Dline is very aggressive to try and disrupt the running game. So what they do to combat this, is they do what's called 'trap blocking' This is where the man in front of the defender lets him have a free run into the backfield. The defender penetrates through the line, only to have another blocker impact him from the side and cut him off from the play. the 49ers run 3 trap blocks on this play. the TE/FB motions over and traps Suh, the RG pulls and traps the other DT, while the LG pulls and traps the DE on the far side. Because the Dline is taken care off, the two OTs and the Center are able to run straight to the second level and ingage with LBs early.
As you can see, the OT's and the C are getting to the second level before Gore has even touched the ball. The Dline of the Lions is being pushed past the runner.
Once Gore gets the ball, he has a clear running lane, with practically the whole Lions Dline taken out of the play. Gore gains 40+ yards and the Lions Dline is negated.
Here's the exact same play later on in the game.
Same play, same trap blocks.
The Lions do a better job of taking on the trap blocks.
Gore is slowed to a stop and he has to cut back outside.
Gore gets two blocks ahead of him and a hole to run into.
But then it's all about Frank Gore. He gives the Lions DB, number 23, enough doubt that he could cut back inside to slow him down.
He then turns on the burners and is off to the races, picking up a huge 55 yard gain.
These are just two different run plays that the 49ers have in their playbook. They have similar trap block schemes on RB toss/sweep plays. The key is that they are committed to the run. In this game, they were 10-0 down, and kept running the ball. They have run plays to get the RB running inside or outside depending on how the game is going. They have ways to negate the effectiveness of players that can blow up blocks. Our defense has got to be ready to got to battle all day long.
This commitment to the run takes a lot of pressure off Alex Smith. When he has to throw the ball, the thing I noticed was that they have good route combinations that get DB's caught in traffic and get separation for their receivers, the best example is this slant pattern by Josh Morgan.
Morgan is running the slant, with the slot receiver running an out.
The out route gets the DB covering Morgan caught up in traffic. This helps get Morgan separation from the DB and is an easy wide open throw for Alex Smith.
Morgan pulls in the catch and ends up getting a first down. This is just one example, but Jim Harbaugh's offense is set up brilliantly with route combinations that help get receivers separation.
The last lot of pictures I'll show is something I noticed early in the Buccs game. Not sure if it's just from the Buccs game plan or if it's something they like to do a lot, but Smith was attacking the seams. This can be dangerous for us, who do have a bit of trouble getting beat deep. Here's an example.
Walker is in the slot here, against a zone coverage from the Buccs. He runs a go route right up the seam.
The defender runs back into his zone, and over runs the coverage of Walker. Walker adjusts back inside the defender.
Walker brings in the beautifully placed pass from Smith for an easy TD. This is something we need to be weary of. If they split Vernon Davis out wide, against Orakpo or Kerrigan, they have the potential to beat us deep.
Other things I noted down, but don't need to find pictures for:
- Alex Smith is making good quick reads and getting the ball out of his hands early. He doesn't wait for someone to get open, and is willing to check down quickly to Gore if he has to.
- With the constant 2/3 TE formations, play-action passes are always a possibility.
- Kick coverage will have to be at its best. Ted Ginn Jr. has been very good at getting the 49ers in good field position to start drives.
-Draw plays can be very dangerous with the interior Oline they have.
Apologies that this isn't the best breakdown, but hopefully it's given you a few ideas of what we'll be seeing from the 49ers offense this week.
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No no
This is an excellent breakdown, no apologies needed.
I’ve always loved trap-blocking plays, they can be very effective. Obviously, the Niners do a very good job utilizing them.
Surprised you didn't have a series about the big boy formation
1 TE Gore, Miller (the FB), Soap (the NT), 6 OL and Smith.
Supposedly the Niners have a weak offense. They are only ranked 6th in PPG.
Crabtree runs a 4.52
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
I see a lot of teams do that and it's a gimmick in my eyes
The NTs usually just seem to get in the way rather than open any hole or get any penetration
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Sopoaga (NT) is definitely capable of opening up holes
and he had a nice catch and run for 18 yds last week.
haha saw that, but it just seems 9 times our 10 it just never works.
I’m sure he’s capable of opening up holes but they just seem to get in the way. Dolphins do the same thing with Soliai and just seems gimmicky to me, especially when you have a dude like Frank Gore.
With the being said, it will be fun to see in person
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Putting Soap in helps Gore
While Gore is still playing at an extremely high level, his age is catching up to him. This is evident when he gets out into space and is easily tackled from behind. That was rare before. Gore, in past years, was almost impossible to bring down when he got the second level.
Interesting, good break down brother. Thanks
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
Crazy that we're talking about a healthy 28 year old athlete
like he’s almost 40 years old. Makes you wonder why guys even want to play on offense instead of defense where they can be hitting guys all day.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Nov 3, 2011 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions
RB is the most physically demanding position in my opinion
and highly susceptible to injuries. Gore has pretty much been the offense since ’06 and has considerably more wear and tear than other guys his age.
No doubt,
makes you wonder why guys want to be a moving tackling dummy really.
Running backs – Hit em high, hit em low, gang tackle them, punch your helmet wherever you want on them, it’s all fair.
QBs – Push them down too hard, flag. Touch their helmet, 15k. Touch their knees, 15k.
WRs – As a defender, your job is to not let them get the ball. But if you don’t give them the chance to catch the ball AND defend themselves, fine and penalty.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
by afrikabamboodle on Nov 3, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions
He's capable of doing it but hasn't been the last few weeks.
We need to stop using that formation so much.
Clayton Kershaw, Giant Killer | KeMVP #BEASTMODE
"By now if u don't believe the Niners are for real ur probably not that good at what u do..." - Donte Whitner
We should of tried it with Haynesworth, I'm sur ethat would of been entertaining...
He’d probably just sit indian style
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
That is our 4 min offense
Supposedly the Niners have a weak offense. They are only ranked 6th in PPG.
Crabtree runs a 4.52
Follow @manraj76
When Jim Harbaugh says "more is more" I think he is trying to say Moore is more.
Damn, knew I forgot something.
Oh well, fairly self-explanatory. You pretty much summed it up there.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
Great Breakdown
Maybe it’s just homeristic optimism but I like our chances against S.F. or at least to slow up their offence. I think bringing LL up & the quality of our LBers will help but scoring on them will be aproblem.
Very nice breakdown.
If it makes you feel a little better, Josh Morgan is out for the rest of the season.
And as you noted, play-action has been solid for us. The years prior with Jimmy Raye and Singletary, teams knew exactly when it was coming and never bit on play action. With Harbaugh and Roman, teams are constantly on their heels unable to figure out pass or run. A great example would be the Lions game, where the Suh would quit on plays because he thought it was a run when AleX still had the ball in his hands. I’d say the 49ers were the first team this year to figure out how to stop the the Lions D-Line and other teams are trying to copy. The Wham run is just a thing of beauty.
Affectionately,
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,
NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer
Is Frank Gore healthy? If so this game is over already. In the 3-4 you need some LBs and secondary players to make a tackle. Kerackpo is always in the backfield so they aren’t stopping the RB. We only have one Inside LB and our secondary can’t tackle to save their lives. If i was SF i would just run the ball every play. Hopefully there is a stud inside LB at the #10 pick in this years draft.
Kendall Hunter scares me as a change of pace guy
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
In all fairness.
Rocky McIntosh has been having a pretty damn good year so far along side Fletch.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
Rocky has been hit or miss. He has made a few nice tackles but i’ve also seen him get manhandled and be out of position. Besides that, London isn’t going to be around for more than another year or 2 at his level.
by Jeff Bernard on Nov 3, 2011 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Great breakdown as always UK
We all know the Niners can run, but they have an extremely interesting set of WRs, especially with the addition of Braylon Edwards. Throw in VD, uggggghhh…. I’m going to have to drink heavily at the tailgate
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
I'm expecting at the beginning of the game
a note saying “viewer discretion is advised. This could get ugly and R (is it R rated in the states?) rated”.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
how do you watch the games?
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
NFL gamepass online
is how I watch the games.
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
reply fail...
Follow me on Twitter: @UkRedskin1 feel free to give suggestions on what you'd like to see broken down each week.
gotcha
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
redskins put a offer in for Brian roboskie
Wonder which wr we would of cut? Or would we go with 9 lol
Counting cards isn't illegal. It's frowned upon, like masturbating on an airplane.
by jbh1190 on Nov 3, 2011 9:37 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
I wonder if he would even sign with us
His father didn’t exactly leave Washington with the greatest of graces.
by The Agent C 83 on Nov 3, 2011 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Just one... UK.... the rest of us are just blind squirrels. I have you read that Kevin guys stuff...
Editor at Hogs Haven - Redskins Blog
Twitter: @RVAparks Check it out for the latest Redskins news and opinions
SECONDED
I’m truly impressed by your play break downs and overall scouting. My hats off to you HogsHaven
Who's got it better than us?! NOBODY!!!
Food for thought
Just to give the Defensive Coordinator even more of a headache, the Niners have begun to throw Tackle eligible passes. Last week our LT Joe Staley chip blocked a guy, rolled to his left and caught a 17 yard pass.
To add to that, our NT Isaac Sopoaga has been used in those jumbo formations mentioned above, as a lead FB. His lead blocking has been superb but last week they had him catch a pass in the flat which he took 18 yards.
The game scheming and play calling has been remarkable this year. Good luck Hogs
Who's got it better than us?! NOBODY!!!
Jumbo offense - The Ravens used an OL with additional tackles a few years back. There is not much
reason that other teams could not run the same kind of offense on the 49ers. V. Davis was considered one of the better blocking TEs by the 49ers 2010 coach. Anthony Davis and Adam Snyder were not the best pass blocking OL in 2010.
There is more than one reason that SF has used this approach, since Alex Smith also needed some help, yet his passing is contributing over half of the teams offense.
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