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Redskins vs. 49ers: Week 7 Q&A with Niner Noise

By Ian Cummings

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideliine in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideliine in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideliine in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 13: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers on the sideliine in the first half against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Questions 1 and 2

Question 1

Ian Cummings: Some people pegged the 49ers as playoff sleepers this season, but I don’t think anyone expected them to be alone with the Patriots in the undefeated club by Week 7. What’s been the key component in San Francisco’s breakout, or has it been a culmination of things?

Peter Panacy: It’s a culmination of things, namely the defensive line and the running game. While fans are rightfully touting a reinforced defensive line, armed with five former first-round NFL Draft picks, the Niners are also averaging 179.8 rush yards per game. That’s insane. This is allowing San Francisco’s No. 2 ranked defense to stay fresh, while maintaining control of the ball by a wide margin.

Question 2

Ian Cummings: Kyle Shanahan was once the Redskins offensive coordinator, and now, he’s the head coach of a 5-0 San Francisco squad. But this is his third year in San Francisco. In his first two seasons, he didn’t see this kind of success. What changed this year for Shanahan, and were there ever any doubts that he would come into his own as a head coach?

Peter Panacy: Shanahan was dealing with a less-than-stellar roster in 2017, and injuries thwarted the team’s efforts in 2018. Injuries have been a factor this season, true, including missing fullback Kyle Juszczyk (knee) and the two starting tackles, Joe Staley (leg) and Mike McGlinchey (knee). But the depth is better this season, and it’s showing. Plus, the majority of offensive players have had time to fully immerse themselves in Shanahan’s complex offense.

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