The San Francisco 49ers are back at Levi’s Stadium for the first time this season, rolling in as a massive 13.5-point favorite to stomp the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. After absolutely thrashing the Los Angeles Rams 27-7 just last week, it feels like they’re practically guaranteed a win against one of the worst teams on paper in the NFL. But let’s be real, this is the NFL, and even the biggest underdogs can pull a shocker. The 49ers gotta take care of business on Sunday.
Malik Willis Is Raw, But His Legs Are Dangerous
Yeah, the 49ers have stumbled a bit against rushing quarterbacks in the past, but the defense really looked like they stepped it up last year. Now, they’re staring down Malik Willis, who is easily one of the most dynamic rushing threats at quarterback when he gets on the field. Willis only got six carries for 39 yards and a touchdown last weekend, but don’t let that fool you, I bet that number jumps big time in Week 2. He’s still super raw throwing the ball, and the Dolphins barely scraped by with under six yards per pass against the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense last week. They couldn’t get the run game going either, with Devon Achane limited to just 36 yards on 11 carries. The game plan for the 49ers is simple: keep doing what they did last week and win on first downs. That’ll force Miami into more passing situations and tough third downs, where they absolutely crumbled last week, converting just two of ten opportunities. This is the perfect chance to dominate time of possession, just like the Raiders did with 34:53 of the ball against the Dolphins. San Francisco has to contain Willis, collapse against the run, and force Miami to throw on later downs, because that’s where the 49ers really have the advantage.
Ground and Pound: The Shanahan Way
Kyle Shanahan’s offense has definitely opened up more to the pass lately with Brock Purdy slingin’ it, but the run game is still the beating heart of that attack. Last week, both Kaelon Black and Christian McCaffrey were straight up electric, combining for 133 yards and averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. I’m telling you, they’re going to get way more than 24 combined carries this game, and Jordan James could even get some serious touches if that number shoots up to around 40. The Raiders ran the ball 34 times last week before those three kneels at the end, with Ashton Jeanty ripping off over 100 yards on 23 carries. The 49ers have a better offensive line, period. They should lean into that physicality, own the line of scrimmage, and win this game on the ground.
This Sunday, the 49ers have a chance to not just win, but to really impose their will and show everyone what they’re made of at Levi’s. You gotta believe they’re looking to dominate that time of possession and prove they’re legit after that big Week 1 win. Don’t miss it.
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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