“W” in Pittsburgh

Purdy is back. Aiyuk and McCaffrey are beasts. Bosa is signed. The defense is lit. The offense has such a packed arsenal. San Francisco dominated Pittsburgh, 30-7. Man it is great to be a Niner fan this week! After such a devastating end to last season, and all the moves going on during offseason or preseason, as a 49er Faithful, this was a much needed win.

Men of Steel

Now, let me say I always respect the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. They are always a tough team. Their fans are just as die-hard and San Francisco fans. Anytime I see them on the Niner schedule, I know it’s going to be a battle. 

This year’s squad is young, healthy and they are formidable. They have TJ Watt, who was able to put a lot of pressure on the strong side making it difficult for Brock Purdy to roll to his right. They have an All-star receiver in George Pickens. And they still have veteran defensive threats with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Peterson… although Peterson didn’t get his “pick 6” as he claimed he would going into the weekend. 

Kenny Pickett sparked a revival for the Steelers last year when he took over for their starting QB after they benched Mitch Trubisky. He was 7-5 and granted even though it was by point systems they didn’t end up in the playoffs, they would have been a team to watch going into the postseason. 

In the past years, the Niners have struggled against Pittsburgh, whether they play in Levi Stadium or Acrisure Stadium. And historically, San Francisco has always started off slow with a loss on a season opener. So it was understandable that many analysts chose the Steelers to come away with the win. 

Thank goodness they were proved wrong!

The Offensive Arsenal

My goodness the Niner offense is loaded with arsenal. I know a lot of bandwagon fans are going to say that Kittle underproduced. Or Deebo was too quiet. I guess in terms of fantasy football standards, yes, they “flopped”. And don’t get me wrong, I have Kittle, and I would always love more points. But again, football is a team sport.

When it comes to the barrage of weapons on the 49ers offense it makes it infinitely easier to distribute the attacks. I will say over and over, “you can’t teach experience”. As comfortable as Purdy is, he still is learning how different the NFL is different from college. By having multiple teammates to rely on, Purdy just has to stay calm and composed and distribute the ball to the playmakers of the day.

Smoke and Mirrors in the Passing Game

San Francisco has the ultimate challenge for any defensive secondary. They have Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk as the main passing targets. But they also have a consistent and veteran supporting cast of Ross Dwelley, Kyle Juszczyk (the Swiss Army Knife), Jauan Jennings. And to top it off, they drafted Ronnie Bell from Michigan who put on a show during preseason.

*Deep breath* Did I miss anyone?

This makes it difficult for defenses because even if they are talented and do tremendous film study. By having so many receivers to focus on to guard, you essentially put the defense in a 1 on 1 situation.

As a team sport, players rely on each other to help out on the big targets or threats of the opposite team. But as it was clearly seen in the 49ers first drive, Deebo being a high value target drew the defense to him. This left Brandon Aiyuk completely wide open and untouched for a touchdown.

And not to mention, this receiving core BLOCKS…DOWNFIELD…so not only is it a battle when guarding them as a potential target. It is a battle against them as the body guards for the running game.

Good luck to the defenses facing the Niner offense this year!

Run It Down Their Throats

As I preached about the Lions vs Chiefs game. A good running game opens up the passing game.

Kyle Shanahan’s scheme is to run the ball down the defense’s throat so hard, that the corners and the safety’s start to close in and forget the edges of the field. Once that happens, the passing game opens with motions and play actions.

For the run game to be successful, blocking is essential. The key that makes San Francisco’s run game so unique is that their offensive coordinators and the veteran players have sold the concept of blocking down field when you are not the ball carrier. I mentioned the receivers blocking down field being dangerous. But review film of a high statistics rushing game from San Francisco, and the offensive line is seen being so mobile down the field. No line backer wants to get ran over by someone who is Trent Williams’ size.

Again, Steelers are a formidable team. Their front four and linebackers are quick and physical. So for Christian McCaffrey to put up 152 rushing yards, even as good as he is, is impressive. There was only a few direct run handoff’s in which CMC was able to gain 6+ yards. Yes, one of those runs was for a touchdown, but again that was due to blocking. Overall, the Steelers are a solid defense against a traditional run in a pistol or under center formation.

Because they are so fast and physical, to slow them down as a defense and where it worked best in this game is a lot of motions in the back field, quick release passes to the flats, or screen passes.

Defense Wins Games

Many analysts and commentators have said it. The statistics have spoken.

The San Francisco 49ers have the best, most physical, fastest, and most complete defense in the NFL.

Nick Bosa is back and thank goodness. What an impact he made, despite not being able to pick up a couple sacks for his stat sheet during the game against the Steelers.

Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw are the best tandem linebacker duo in the league.

And shoutout to my fellow Polynesian, Talanoa Hufanga. What a baller move with that attempted pitch on a interception.

The Speed of the Front Four

Just having Nick Bosa back makes such an impact on when he is on the field. Yes, he did not have a sack. But Pittsburgh’s offensive line had to pay so much attention to him because of how fast and physical he is, that they could not help each other against, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson and Javon Hargrave.

Kenny Pickett struggled to have enough time in the pocket to set his feet and throw more than 10+ yards downfield. Like Purdy dealt with TJ Watt, Pickett did have a few good drives by using quick passes to the flats or under routes. But overall, that front four kept him on his toes.

Heat Seeking Missiles

Fred Warner had himself a day. The only take back I think he would want is the almost pick at the beginning of the second quarter. While everyone fears #54, he is humble and talks about his confidence is always boosted by his tandem partner, Dre Greenlaw.

Both players during this game are constantly cleaning up and traveling the field side to side. Their ability to read and anticipate made it challenging even for the few completed underneath route passes Pickett was able to get out to his receivers or backs.

Greenlaw does tend to battle injuries throughout the season, so crossing fingers both of these linebackers stay healthy this year.

Nothing Behind

This year, finally, the safeties are not rookies and creates a solidified coverage for teams that have elite receivers. Hufanga did an interview with Richard Sherman last year, talking about how he trained with Troy Polumalu in between his rookie and 2nd year on the Niners. And boy did it show in this game.

He was just as all over the field as Warner and Greenlaw. He had such a heads up to not only pick the Warner tip, but he attempted to pitch, like a flag football play! Personally that made me and my sister proud. Unfortunately, he forgot that you have to pitch with your left hand so the ball truly ends up lateral or behind him, but hey, still impressive.

TKO

So the talk all over the league, and even what was said by head coach Mike Tomlin, “we got kicked in the teeth.” Again, everyone was expecting a game. Both have hot shot QB’s. Both have offensive weapons both on the ground and in the air. Both have beastly front four defensive lines. But dang, did the Niners throw a heavy punch.

There is not much I would say the Niners need to improve after this game. However, I will say they need to sure up in the secondary on the corners. Don’t get stupid penalties that give great offenses like Pittsburgh a chance to score.

As for the Steelers, I know there were a lot of crazy shenanigans going on around the league in everyone’s game 1; on side kicks for the start of a game, going for it on 4th down on your side of the field, and double reverse plays. But I think Pittsburgh would have put more pressure on the offense of San Francisco if they would have kicked a couple field goals to close the gap in the score. No one should question the validity of skill and talent the Steelers have. This game one should not define their season. They are still a solid team.

In fact, many expected Steelers to win. They are statistically great at home, especially with their loyal fan base. But I always have faith in my guys. Hence I am Faithful.