Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
If the San Francisco 49ers‘ offense continues to not score points, then the defense will have to find some way to score points for the team. They will need to play aggressive but still disciplined against the St. Louis Rams. All-Pro linebacker Aldon Smith is on an indefinite suspension after his most recent DUI arrest and possession of a controlled substance. So now the 49ers’ ability to put pressure on quarterback Sam Bradford has been diminished.
A lot will now fall on linebacker Ahmad Brooks to get to get behind the St. Louis line of scrimmage. Bradford’s offensive line has been doing a standup job protecting him this season. If the line holds up, then the San Francisco defensive backs will have a tough time covering the receivers. The secondary may want to play press man coverage to give a diminished front four time to get back to Bradford.
The Rams do not have the best wide receivers on their roster, but it is hard to cover receivers longer than just a few seconds. Someone will have to cover veteran tight end Jared Cook. Since the All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis will not be playing, safeties Eric Reid and Donte Whitner are the best two options. Given Reid’s athleticism and coverage skills in the open field, Reid should be the one to stick with Cook all game.
If the 49ers offense has another pathetic performance, then the defense needs to find ways to score for the offense or at least give them the short field.
John Ware is a San Francisco 49ers writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @OutermindMedia, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
