San Francisco 49ers: Keys to beating the Chiefs in week three matchup

6 of 6

SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Matt Breida #22 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Control The Clock

The best way to keep pace with this Chiefs offense – and pass them – is to not let them play.

The old saying, of course, is that the best defense is a good offense, and that couldn’t be more apt in this situation. Because the Chiefs can score from anywhere, and strike so quickly, the best way to neutralize them is to keep them on the sidelines.

Last week, the 49ers showed that they have the pieces in place to have a punishing, and highly effective ground game. That little factoid will surely be in the heads of the Chiefs defense, which plays into San Francisco’s hands.

Next. 49ers Matchup With Chiefs Will Start To Define Season. dark

Against the Lions, Matt Breida had himself a day. He rushed 11 times for 138 yards, and a score. That is a better than healthy average of 12.6 yards per carry. Even if you took away his 66-yard touchdown burst, Breida still ran 10 times for 72 yards – an average of 7.2 yards per carry.

So far, Kansas City isn’t giving up much on the ground, giving up just 156 yards in two games. But, given that teams have attempted just 35 rushes against them – lowest in the NFL – that is most likely a by-product of teams having to throw themselves back into the game. After all, Kansas City is allowing a healthy 4.5 yards per carry – twenty-third in the NFL.

San Francisco would be wise to serve up a healthy dose of Breida and Alfred Morris to see if Kansas City’s run defense is nothing more than smoke and mirrors. It should help loosen up the pass defense, as well as take time off the clock, keeping that potent offense on the sideline.