San Francisco 49ers’ Big Problem Exposed Ahead of NFC Championship
McQuade ArnoldBy McQuade ArnoldJanuary 28, 2024No Comments4 Mins Read
San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Levi’s Stadium.
The San Francisco 49ers are heavy favorites to win the NFC Championship against the Detroit Lions. But while they are a well-balanced team with a Top 10 offense and defense, they aren’t without weaknesses.
NFL analyst Greg Cosell highlighted as much while sharing his preview of the showdown during the Ross Tucker Podcast. He noted that third-down defense is a big problem for the Niners, and it could expose them when they play a Lions team that is equally good offensively.
San Francisco 49ers, Brock Purdy
“The Niners are not very good in third down defense. A lot of people might not be aware of that. They’re in the bottom third of the NFL in third down defense. The Packers concerted quite a bit on third down,” Cosell revealed.
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Not only that, but the pass rush is another issue that could be problematic for the 49ers when they play the Lions. They were not able to overwhelm Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love in the divisional round and almost lost, and if they don’t elevate that part of their game, an elite QB like Jared Goff could very well punish them.
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“They did not get a lot of pressure on the quarterback, which has been a little bit of a problem for them given the players they have. Chase Young has not looked particularly good since he’s been a 49er,” Cosell added.
The Niners defense is not what you think it is.
The NFL analyst isn’t wrong with his assessment, with the San Francisco 49ers owning one of the worst third-down defenses in the NFL in 2023. They were ahead of only five teams during the campaign, including the Packers, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals.
Making matters worse for them, the Detroit Lions are in the Top 10 on third down conversion on offense. And if they can’t find a way to slow down Jared Goff, they could very well be doomed.
San Francisco 49ers Favorites Over Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions, Jared Goff, San Francisco 49ers
Lions quarterback Jared Goff looks to pass to wide receiver Jameson Williams during warmups before the NFC divisional playoff game between the Lions and Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan, 21, 2024.
If there is one thing going well for the San Francisco 49ers, it’s the fact that they have a really good offensive team led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey.
With the two leading the way, the Niners offense has been really hard to stop. They are MVP candidates for a reason, and they have proven that they can step up when it matters most.
The 49ers have over 74 percent chance to win the game, thanks in large part to their star-studded roster, a homefield advantage, and the fact that they have been on the said stage multiple times before.
Compared to the Lions that haven’t won a playoff game for 32 years until this postseason, that could make a huge difference.
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It remains to be seen if the Lions can take advantage of the weaknesses that Greg Cosell mentioned, but sure enough, it should be an exciting showdown.
San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey was a big name at the NFL trade deadline last year
Oct 29, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
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Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.gridiron heroics mobile banner gh
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Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud to partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia, including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply.
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McQuade Arnold is a Co-Owner of Wisconsin Sports Heroics (WSH), Gridiron Heroics (GH), and Hardwood Heroics (HWH). He graduated from American Military University with an associate in General Studies and is currently pursuing his Bachelors in Sports Marketing. McQuade has been active duty in the United States Navy for 11 years and is currently stationed in Chicago, IL after spending time in Norfolk, VA and San Diego, CA. He is originally from Superior, WI and is a die hard Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks fan. McQuade’s work for WSH has been featured on YardBarker, Bleacher Report, NewsBreak, and MSN.
