Christian McCaffrey is absolutely set to run wild at Levi’s Stadium in Week 4, and the Denver Broncos’ defense looks completely unprepared for it. With both defenses coming off games where they faced over 80 plays each, those tired legs might just carry over, setting the stage for a high-scoring showdown where hot weather usually means more points.
The Broncos Run D Is Straight Up Broken
Seriously, the stats on Denver’s run defense are wild. They’re ranked 32nd in overall rushing efficiency, which is dead last, period. It gets worse: they’re dead last when facing a stacked box, dead last against rushes inside the tackles, and dead last on all designed runs. Shanahan and the 49ers have gotta be lookin’ at that tape like it’s Christmas morning. The plan for Kyle Shanahan is clearly to live in short-down-and-distance, let Purdy lean on that underneath passing game, keep the offense on the field, and absolutely capitalize in the red zone. They’re gonna keep their own D fresh, and give McCaffrey all the chances he needs.
49ers Got A Plan, But Can Denver Surprise?
While the 49ers offense usually just scores for fun, even their fans question them if the punter shows up once a game. Today is basically a McCaffrey showcase waiting to happen. On the other side of the ball, the Broncos have some pieces that *could* push the Niners, especially with Nick Bosa out for San Francisco. Raheem Morris’s bend-but-don’t-break defense has actually been working so far this season. But their big offseason addition, Jaylen Waddle, hasn’t brought the better results Denver was hoping for. The big question mark is Broncos QB Nix scrambling and extending plays with his legs; that’s a mildly concerning area for the 49ers, and they know it. We’ll see if they can contain him.
It’s all eyes on Levi’s Stadium today to see if the Broncos can somehow defy their own dismal rushing defense stats or if the 49ers are really about to run all over them. Get ready for some points.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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