Key matchups vs. San Francisco

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One of the key matchups in today’s game is Tevin Coleman versus the linebacking corp of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coleman was an Atlanta Falcon before leaving in free agency to San Francisco. This could be a bad matchup for the linebackers of the Buccaneers. Coleman had 800 yards rushing last year on 167th attempts. That’s an average of 4.8 yards per carry. He did not have a lot of touchdowns last year, however he kept the ship going for the Falcons while Devonta Freeman was suffering from an injury.

Now in San Francisco, he is a co-starter with Matt Breida. Although he’s not as fast as Breida, he has better hands. He’s a versatile back that can run and catch out of the backfield. He had 276 yards receiving last year for the Atlanta Falcons and five touchdowns. So combined the five with the four that’s nine touchdowns for a running back that was underutilized with the Falcons. His speed is going to be the key issue against the linebacking corps. With Lavonte David being stuck on George Kittle, and with Carl Nasiib giving a solid pass rush to try to disrupt the offensive game plan of the 49ers,

Tevin Coleman can take advantage of the matchups against him. Rookie linebacker Devin White is going to have his hands full stopping the man from Indiana. Tevin Coleman has 2340 yards rushing and 1010 yards receiving in his four-year career. Not outstanding numbers, but it does show that this gentleman is looking for his opportunity as an every-down back.

 

The last time Dante Pettis played against the Buccaneers he only had seven targets for 4 receptions, 77 yards and a touchdown. He created issues in the defensive game of the Buccaneers although they won the game 27:9. The second go-round, a full arsenal of weapons and a starting quarterback will be present in Tampa on Sunday. It would be foolish to stick a rookie corner on Pettis considering that the man from Washington is Crafty, and is a bit of a speed demon like Marquise Goodwin. Jamel Dean is going to have a long day stopping Goodwin and Pettis. Pettis is the key to making sure Tampa’s defense isn’t on the field all day versus the 49ers.

 

George Kittle is a matchup nightmare. The man from Iowa broke out last year with 1377 yards receiving, but only five touchdowns. Last year against Tampa he had one of his worst games. Granted he didn’t have anywhere near the offensive Firepower that he currently has with this 49ers team. It’s going to be a long day for Lavonte David to try to slow down the freak that is 6ft 5 250 pounds. George Kittle is considered one of the best tight ends in football, and is going to feast on secondary that is under sized, and a linebacker corps that will have difficulty keeping pace with him. If he is not jammed on the line of scrimmage, he can have a very big day on Sunday.

 

Photo credit: MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ/AP

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