San Francisco 49ers: Three X-Factors in week 5 vs. Browns

Three days and counting until the San Francisco 49ers collide with the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football. It should be a great matchup seeing two teams who were expected to take major strides this season.

Both have a great opportunity in front of the entire nation to make a statement that they are the reap deal. For the 49ers, they are going to need some strong performances from their key players if they want to win this game. However, in every game there is always an X-Factor that is needed to give that extra edge for a win.

With that said, here are the three X-Factors for the San Francisco 49ers in week five versus the Cleveland Browns.

Emmanuel Moseley

The latest injury report for the Cleveland Browns showed that Jarvis Landry is out of the concussion protocol. Since the game is only three days away, there is a very good chance that he will play on Monday night. Landry's return just makes Emmanuel Moseley's performance key in this game. The Browns know that Moseley is the not regular starter with Ahkello Witherspoon, so they will make it a point to attack him when they can.

Moseley will have to be able to hold his own because the 49ers are not going to do anything special scheme wise to give him help. At least that is what Kyle Shanahan said when asked if they will use any specialty coverage to help ease the pressure. "Yeah we trust him a lot. I’m excited to see E-Man play. He’s done a good job every time he’s got in there."

It is going to be a pressure filled night for Moseley who will see snaps against both Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. Since the 49ers' defense doesn't have their cornerbacks follow receivers wherever their go, the Browns can dictate the matchups. That is why Moseley is an X-factor because if he performs sufficiently well, then it make life much easier on the defense.

George Kittle

It's hard to imagine in most games that George Kittle could be an X-Factor since we know what he brings to the table every week. However, as long Justin Skule is the starting left tackle, Kittle will play a much larger role in the offense. On top of his receiving duties, Kittle will play a heavier role blocking in both run and pass. To leave Skule on an island against Olivier Vernon and especially Myles Garrett would be suicide.

The performance of Kittle is crucial in this matchup, which I have the utmost trust that he will get it done. He is arguably the best blocking tight end in the league, which just makes his value skyrocket. As great as he is, he might have some fits with Garrett since he is like an incoming train. Utilizing a healthy dose of double teams against Garrett and Vernon will be a staple for Monday night.

Just look at how they execute their blocks and utilize counter schemes to get the defense in an awkward position. Sound execution of these blocks will allow for Kittle to get open on play-action or even if his initial job is just to chip the defensive end. I would even expect at some point for Kyle Shanahan to dial up a middle-screen for Kittle if the edge rushers are flying up-field. George Kittle really does it all for this offense and he will need to carry the heavy load once again on Monday night.

.@gregcosell’s keys to the @49ers success on the ground? Motion counter schemes and some big blocks from @gkittle46 and @JuiceCheck44 💪@NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/z3DXfSDanh
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 4, 2019

Kyle Juszczyk

The video above that Greg Cosell of NFL Matchup beautifully breaks down also highlights how elite fullback Kyle Juszczyk is. Week three against the Pittsburgh Steelers he contributed in every facet of the offense. He made big plays in the pass game with a vicious stiff arm on Minkah Fitzpatrcik that went viral, along with a swan diving catch. Not to mention his critical blocking in both the run and pass to assist Justin Skule.

Juszczyk being an X-Factor for this game is the exact same reason that George Kittle is one. To give aid to Justin Skule and other critical blocking plays. He could even be a big contributor in the pass game as well. You never know with Kyle Shanahan's utilization of Kyle Juszczyk since he is such an elite dynamic player.

He's just another reason why the 49ers' have one of the best running back groups in the league. Juszczyk is such a beast of a blocker that he can even knock a defensive lineman back. Just imagine when he gets to the second level. The Browns don't have any linebackers that excel at getting off blocks, so the 49ers' blocking crew could have it's way with the Browns' defense.

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