With 49ers Explosive Offense, Lions Still Focusing on Stopping Run
The Detroit Lions are keenly aware of the challenges the San Francisco 49ers will present their defense.
Kyle Shanahan is widely regarded as one of the top offensive minds in the NFL and this season the offense has been finding their way into the end zone with high regularity when entering the red zone.
The 49ers ranked third in the NFL in rushing offense during the regular season. Utilizing a variety of outside zone concepts and featuring a physical offensive line, Christian McCaffrey totaled 1,459 yards on the ground.
Against Green Bay last week, the veteran had two scores. One was an exciting 39-yard dash in the third quarter and the other was the game-winner.
With explosive playmakers on the outside and weapons that can rack up plenty of yards after the catch, many would assume Detroit is focused on the 49ers explosive threat.
When asked, Dan Campbell brought the focus back to the importance of stopping the run. McCaffrey, if not kept in check, can easily take over a football game.
"Stop the run. Still the run," Campbell expressed. "You got to stop the run, because if you don't, they'll rush for 250 on you and then they won't even worry about passing.
"Everything has to start there. And yes, that's what Shanahan does an unbelievable job of -- he's going to work one side and make you overreact. And then he counters off of it and then play passes off of it and it works the middle of the field," Campbell continued. "So, you got your hands full in both regards, you know?"
Defending the 49ers will take a balance of pass rush and coverage, as the two defensive aspects must work in sync. As they prepare to neutralize a plethora of playmakers, Detroit knows it must have its best on display defensively.
Campbell's group has been up and down defensively throughout the year, but their identity has revolved around not breaking regardless of how much they bend. Additionally, the unit is at its best when it generates takeaways as it did Sunday.
"We're disruptive. We're disruptive, we're aggressive and we hit," Campbell said. "That, to me, has got to be what we're about. Those are the principles. Look, we might get hit on a couple things, and I know for me, I'm willing to give up something to get something. And sometimes things may happen, but that's okay because it'll pay dividends by the time you hit the fourth quarter and I think that's what we're doing. It's a salty group, they play hard, they're pretty sound and we're competitive."
Even though 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy does not have as much experience as veteran signal-caller Jared Goff, Detroit's third-year head coach highlighted what the young quarterback has excelled at this season.
"Purdy does a hell of a job. They throw a lot of daggers in the middle of the field, and he does a hell of a job with touch, timing, rhythm," said Campbell. "But, we have to stop this run game. It just has to start there. As much as you can, you have to try to make this team one dimensional, and that's not easy to do."
