New England Patriots Enemy Profile: San Fransico 49ers

For the first time since 2002, the Patriots have a below .500 record in October. These are uncharted waters for the Patriots organization and its fans. After last Sunday’s loss to Denver, sports journalists all over New England have plenty to write about.  Cam Newton struggled throughout the game stepping up in the pocket and delivering throws downfield. The offensive line for the Patriots has hit the injury bug as David Andrews has been out for quite some time. During the game, Jermaine Eluemunor also got hurt. This has of course changed the way other teams are defending them. With everything that has happened the past couple of weeks with positive COVID-19 results and players not being able to play, this team has remained competitive in all their games.

Know Your Enemy

Let’s get to know the San Francisco 49ers and what to expect come Sunday afternoon:

The 49ers stumbled out the gates to start their 2020 campaign. However, they have quickly turned it around and are back at 3-3. Former Patriot, Jimmy Garoppolo, has been bothered by a high ankle sprain but appeared in last week’s win against the Rams and he looked fine. One of Jimmy’s main targets is tight end, George Kittle. Besides Travis Kelce, Kittle is arguably the best tight end in football. New England’s defense will have to pay attention to him the whole game and force Jimmy to make tough throws to him. Deebo Samuel is the 49ers best receiver and has breakaway speed on deep passes.

San Francisco’s’ defense coming into the year was one of the best in the NFL. Coming off a Superbowl appearance in 2019, it was expected that the 49ers were going to have an elite defense again. Well, losing Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas already has changed the dynamic of this defense. The backend of the 49ers defense has struggled with the absence of a pass rush. Safeties Jimmy Ward and Tarvarius Moore are not only good at covering receivers, but they are also good at stopping the run. Kwon Alexander is expected back soon and that will alleviate the pressure off the defense.

–Robert Marcello is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @RobertMarcello5