Opponent Profile: 49ers Face Defending AFC Champion Denver Broncos In Daunting Road Test
By Jerrell Richardson
Denver Broncos (4-1)
Head Coach: John Fox
Players to Watch: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Julius Thomas
Before they get to their bye week, the 49ers have to go to Denver and take on the Broncos. Leading Denver is arguably the best quarterback to ever play the position, and an offense that is going to test the San Francisco secondary. Despite the odds being against them, San Francisco has to like their chances of pulling off the upset, in a game that could very well be a Super Bowl preview. The 49ers will need a complete team effort, and a little luck but it’s not out of the question for San Francisco to leave this game with their winning streak intact.
When Denver Has The Ball: Advantage Broncos
While they can be contained, there is not a defense in the NFL that matches up well against the Denver offense. The head of the snake is Peyton Manning, who in his 17th season continues to play at an elite level. He comes into this game tied for 2nd in the NFL with 15 touchdowns and has thrown only 3 interceptions. The Broncos are ranked 4th in the league in passing yards with just a shy under 300 yards per game, and there is no question that Denver is going to pass the ball more times than not.
Manning’s favorite target this season has been Demaryius Thomas, who will see the majority of the throws outside of the red zone. When it’s time to score though, Manning will look to his tight end Julius Thomas who leads the league in touchdown receptions. The 49er secondary has played pretty well in 2014, but will need their best performance to date in they hope to slow down the Broncos passing attack. The good news though is that as good as the Broncos offense is, it’s one dimensional.
It’s not as though Denver can’t run the ball. It’s just that they are so dominant when they throw, that the run is often an afterthought. They come into this game ranked 26th which is a bit misleading, but they are average at best. They have a one two punch in Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman that were both great in college, but haven’t quite figured out the NFL. The 49ers have been tough to run against, and Patrick Willis and crew figure to be able to corral whichever back is handed the ball. This will put all the pressure on Peyton Manning, which is good and bad.
When San Francisco Has the Ball: Advantage 49ers
The 49ers offense will not run up and down the field on this defense. The strength of the Denver defense is their front 7, which means San Francisco will have to throw the ball. For an offense that is ranked towards the bottom of NFL passing the ball this could be a problem. The 49ers are ranked 18th throwing the ball, and have plenty of weapons to exploit the weakness of their opponent. Colin Kaepernick continues to look more and more comfortable with his receiving core, and if given time will be effective when asked to throw. However, in Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware, Denver has two pass rushers that will do their best to ensure Kaepernick is under fire.
Although they may find it tough sledding, the 49ers must still remain balance on offense and run the ball. They are facing a high scoring offense and the run will allow them to keep Manning off the field and points off the board. Due to this alone, the run will be key and something San Francisco can’t ignore, which inexplicably they have often this season. They enter this game ranked 7th in the league rushing the ball, and going against the league’s 4th ranked rush defense, so despite the matchup, the 49ers will need to stick to the run. Carlos Hyde continues to get more and more looks, but the running game is still Frank Gore’s department. After a less than stellar performance on Monday, look for Gore and the running game to get back on track against Denver.
49ers Can Keep Winning
It is going to take a huge effort from the offense and defense to pull off a win this week, but it’s certainly possible. They are going on the road and taking on a team many have as the odds on favorite to make it back to the Super Bowl. Win or lose the 49ers get to see how they stack up against one of the best the AFC has to offer, and possibly get a look at a team they could face later this season with the Lombardi Trophy at stake.
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Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.