September 19, 2024

The 49ers Still Struggle Defending Mobile Quarterbacks

Aggressive quarterbacks who move well have a much better chance to beat the 49ers than conservative quarterbacks who stand in one spot.

Carson Wentz isn’t a good quarterback, but something about him gives the 49ers fits, because he’s 4-0 against them in his career, including a 21-20 win on Sunday.

Why does Wentz have success against the 49ers?

Because he’s aggressive and willing to run. And aggressive quarterbacks who move well have a much better chance to beat the 49ers than conservative quarterbacks who stand in one spot. Just ask Russell Wilson, who’s 18-4 against the 49ers in his career.

On Sunday, Wentz played the first half from the pocket and did not play well. At halftime, he had just 3 carries for 9 yards and his quarterback rating was a grotesque 68.4. He was playing his way out of the league.

Then the Rams made a crucial halftime adjustment, and on their first play of the second half, Wentz ran the ball. In total, he ran the ball 14 times for 47 yards and 1 touchdown in the second half, and his rushing completely broke down the 49ers defense, considering it allowed Wentz to post a passer rating of 138.2 after halftime.

It’s fascinating that the Rams made such a drastic adjustment in halftime of a game that didn’t matter. Clearly, the word is out around the league that the 49ers struggle containing mobile quarterbacks — just watch their loss to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Christmas. The Rams just reminded everyone.

Plus they showed the 49ers how to use a mobile backup quarterback. Remember, the Niners had Trey Lance, who went to North Dakota State, just like Wentz, but the 49ers couldn’t build an offensive package that accentuated Lance’s strengths like the Rams did with Wentz.

What an interesting game that meant absolutely nothing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *