49ers vs. Raiders: Complete Week 14 Preview for San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers hope they can calm the storm in Week 14 when the team travels across the bay to take on the Oakland Raiders—a game that starts Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox.
The storm, of course, is the washout that took place following San Francisco's 19-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thanksgiving. Offensive ineptitude, quarterback Colin Kaepernick's development and the future of head coach Jim Harbaugh were just some of the heated topics left in the wake of the painful defeat.
At 7-5, the 49ers still have a realistic chance to make the postseason. But the margin for error is slim. Fortunately, the 1-11 Raiders present a likable opportunity to make a step toward securing a playoff berth.
Oakland is coming off a 52-0 drubbing at the hands of the St. Louis Rams a week ago. Its offense ranks toward the bottom in nearly every category. A defense that has been on the field far too long is also susceptible—perhaps providing San Francisco an opportunity to establish an offensive rhythm, which has been lacking for some time.
While the hapless Raiders are looking for little more than a first overall draft pick in 2015, one cannot overlook that this is still a rivalry between two geographic teams.
"Raiders vs. 49ers Rivalry in PHOTOS: http://t.co/T9FleLNhpF pic.twitter.com/3NLF3mp7PJ
— OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) December 4, 2014"
The 49ers are clear favorites—9.5-point favorites, according to Odds Shark. But San Francisco has also had a worrisome trend of playing down to the level of competition, at least offensively. Take performances against the New York Giants and Washington Redskins as perfect examples.
Harbaugh and Co. hope this will not be the case. San Francisco's dwindling playoff hopes go through Oakland, and a victory in Week 14 is the next goal en route to that desire.
49ers' Week 13 Recap
1 of 5Quarterback Colin Kaepernick versus cornerback Richard Sherman.
Based on recent history, one should be able to tell you who won the most recent bout between these two competitors and their respective teams.
Sherman picked off Kaepernick twice during the contest, which led to an embarrassing 121-yard passing performance from the 49ers' signal-caller. Kaepernick finished the game with a lowly 36.7 quarterback rating.
"When Kaepernick said he'd throw at Sherman, I didn't think he meant it literally.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) November 28, 2014"
Kaepernick struggled with his accuracy throughout the contest. But the offensive woes did not entirely fall upon his shoulders. In total, the 49ers mustered just 164 all-purpose yards and a mere three points.
Much of the blame fell upon offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who must have heard the chorus of boos emanating from Levi's Stadium as the lackluster offensive showing continued. General manager Trent Baalke's daughter, Cassie, took her frustrations out via Twitter (h/t Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk), stating, "The 49ers don't want you no more."
Even CEO Jed York offered his apology through the same medium.
"Thank you #49ersfaithful for coming out strong tonight. This performance wasn't acceptable. I apologize for that
— Jed York (@JedYork) November 28, 2014"
The whirlwind of frustrations has fueled ongoing rumors about Jim Harbaugh's future after this season. It's also led to concerns over Kaepernick's development—questions of which are discussed in the above video.
Yet one thing is clear: The 49ers offense is not performing up to par. A 19-3 defeat at the hands of a hated rival reinforced this statement.
News and Notes
2 of 5Thursday's loss created far more buzz about the long-term future of the franchise than it did about the 49ers' chances to make it into the postseason.
In reality, the Week 13 defeat felt more like an elimination game rather than just a tough loss to a division rival. But this contest did not remove San Francisco from the playoff picture, nor did it seal the fate for its coaching staff in 2014.
Harbaugh's Future
Speculation surrounding Jim Harbaugh's future with the 49ers received plenty of ammunition following Week 13. With one year left on his contract, thoughts are that San Francisco may try trading the head coach in exchange for draft picks. But Harbaugh would have to approve the deal.
Or the 49ers could take the easier route and simply fire him. But that creates problems as well. It's a tough challenge to terminate a coach who has taken the franchise to three consecutive NFC Championship Games and boasts one of the best winning percentages in NFL history.
But Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area breaks down the likelihood of Harbaugh coaching the 49ers in 2015:
"In speaking with numerous people close to both sides, the overwhelming sentiment is that Harbaugh will not be back with the 49ers next season. In some cases, perception becomes reality, and the endless stream of national reports of dysfunction in the locker room only builds the case for a parting of ways.
"
Harbaugh's landing spot next season has been tied to a number of teams, one of which is the 49ers' Week 14 opponent, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.
Kaepernick Regressing?
Colin Kaepernick's performance in Week 13 was one of the worst efforts in the fourth-year pro's career. The hope had been that San Francisco's franchise quarterback would develop into a much more effective passer under center instead of being a one-read guy who could use his speed to thwart defenses.
Yet Kaepernick has yet to turn into this type of player. His reads and progressions are still not a strong point, which has led to concerns regarding his overall development.
"Kaepernick has not progressed at all as a passer
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) November 28, 2014"
Some, like CBS Sports' John Breech, have even suggested that Kaepernick is getting worse.
When the 49ers inked Kaepernick to a $126 million extension during the offseason, they made it clear that they wanted him to be their franchise quarterback. But the contract also left plenty of outs, suggesting that the front office doesn't have 100 percent confidence in his development.
Offensive Woes
All of the blame for San Francisco's offensive ineptitude cannot fall entirely on Kaepernick.
Much of the concern has surrounded Greg Roman's play-calling. Is he handling this offense the correct way, and has the offensive coordinator put his players in the best position to succeed? The results would suggest otherwise.
But there are problems elsewhere. San Francisco's offensive line has lacked the continuity and effectiveness it has enjoyed in recent seasons. Dropped passes and the underwhelming seasons put forth by wide receiver Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis have been hindrances.
Lastly, the running game—long a 49ers strength—has not generated the same sort of success as in years prior.
The overall lack of identity and execution has been a season-long problem, which has led to San Francisco being ranked No. 25 in points scored (231).
Chris Borland Continues to Shine
Linebacker Patrick Willis' absence from the lineup has been remarkably filled by rookie standout Chris Borland.
Borland leads the 49ers with 69 tackles despite not being in a regular role until Willis' Week 6 season-ending injury.
Since that point, Borland has amassed quite the collection of accolades. He has been named NFL's Rookie of the Week twice, NFC Defensive Player of the Week once and has now added an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month award to his name, per Taylor Price of 49ers.com.
"Add NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month (November) to #49ers LB Chris Borland's trophy case. http://t.co/kpPlQ3Hd3B pic.twitter.com/gyZePIDYf0
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 4, 2014"
Defensive players like Borland have been the reason why the 49ers have remained in the playoff hunt. The offense, so stagnant, has been a liability. Borland and the defense are the polar opposite.
Road to the Playoffs
A 7-5 record leaves the 49ers within one game of a playoff seed. Of course, teams like the Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys stand in the way according to the latest playoff standings.
With four games remaining, San Francisco's best chances stand with a 4-0 finish—difficult considering the 49ers travel to Seattle in Week 15. But even a loss here wouldn't spell the end for San Francisco's postseason prospects.
Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com broke down the avenues of approach in which the 49ers could play in January.
With the division-leading Arizona Cardinals riding a two-game skid, the NFC crown isn't out of the picture. Neither is a wild-card berth.
The 49ers would love to have some of their tough losses back, obviously. But their current record still puts them into a prime position to make a late-season push.
Injury Report
3 of 5
- Ray McDonald, DE: Questionable (finger)
- Chris Culliver, CB: Questionable (shoulder)
- Raymond Ventrone, S: Questionable (groin)
- Anthony Davis, OT: Questionable (concussion)
- Justin Smith, DE: Questionable (back)
- Glenn Dorsey, DT: Questionable (forearm)
- Tramaine Brock, CB: Questionable (hamstring)
- Vance McDonald, TE: Questionable (back)
- Carlos Hyde, RB: Questionable (shoulder)
- Michael Crabtree, WR: Questionable (knee)
- Joe Staley, OT: Questionable (illness)
- Bruce Ellington, WR: Probable (ankle)
- Brandon Lloyd, WR: Probable (quadricep)
- Stevie Johnson, WR: Probable (knee)
Two notable starters were injured in San Francisco's loss to Seattle a week ago—wide receiver Michael Crabtree and defensive end Ray McDonald. Yet both were able to return, which leads to speculation that both players should participate on Sunday.
Right tackle Anthony Davis' situation is less clear. Davis is dealing with concussion symptoms suffered in Week 11 versus the New York Giants.
“You look out and it’s a white fog,” Davis said, via Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area. “Or just having simple conversation, you feel slowed down. It’s scary, but that’s only the first three, four days, you feel the intensity of it. Each day it gets better."
"49ers RT Anthony Davis said he is not symptom-free after sustaining concussion vs. NY Giants.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) December 4, 2014"
Davis has been spelled by backup tackle Jonathan Martin, who is an obvious downgrade.
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio also relayed, via David Fucillo of Niners Nation, that defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey and cornerback Tramaine Brock will likely be out of the lineup on Sunday.
Fangio also stated that injured linebacker NaVorro Bowman hasn't started practicing yet and will not play this weekend, and he is even doubtful for a Week 14 return. Bowman's season is certainly in doubt.
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X-Factors and Matchups to Watch
4 of 5The Raiders could be a soft landing spot for the 49ers in the wake of their disastrous prime-time loss to the Seahawks a week ago.
Oakland's offense ranks last in the league in total points scored (176), and their defense has given up the second-most points in comparison (337).
If San Francisco wants to get back on track en route to the postseason, an opponent like the Raiders would fit the bill nicely.
Joe Staley vs. Justin Tuck
Left tackle Joe Staley may be out of the lineup on Sunday due to an illness. But if he is able to go, he'll frequently line up against defensive end Justin Tuck.
The Raiders pass rush has been abysmal all season. Tuck has three of Oakland's 13 sacks on the year, but he'll look to improve these numbers against a 49ers team that has given up 38 through Week 13.
Linebacker Sio Moore is tied with Tuck for the team lead in sacks, so it will be interesting to watch him try to get involved with pressuring Colin Kaepernick.
Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin vs. Tarell Brown and D.J. Hayden
Oakland's secondary is banged up entering this contest. Former 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown was limited in practice due to a foot injury and is questionable for Sunday's contest. Fellow corner D.J. Hayden has had an up-and-down season.
These two will face off against the combination of wideouts Michael Crabtree and Anquan Boldin, who are certainly looking to put the passing woes of last week behind them.
The Raiders have forced five interceptions on the year, and Hayden has one of them.
"If DJ Hayden can stay healthy and continue to improve, he's going to be very good. He's quick as it gets and shows improvement by the snap.
— Alen Dumonjić (@Dumonjic_Alen) November 21, 2014"
Brown and Hayden are part of a secondary that has allowed the ninth-fewest passing yards in the league (2,747). But those numbers are skewed because Oakland can't stop the run, and all too frequently it finds itself trailing early and being subject to the ground game.
Chris Borland vs. Darren McFadden and Latavius Murray
Borland has emerged as a tackling machine. Tackling Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch proved to be his biggest challenge in the rookie's first season. Backs like Darren McFadden do not present as much of an issue.
McFadden is averaging a lowly 3.3 yards per carry, which is presumably a reason why his No. 1 role is in doubt.
According to Raiders head coach Tony Sparano (h/t Marty Gitlin of CBSSports.com), second-year pro Latavius Murray has impressed enough to warrant consideration of the starting job. But Sparano has stated he wants to see a bigger sample size.
Yet Borland will not care who is running the ball. He'll add to his lofty tackling totals against Oakland.
"#Raiders coach Sparano on 49ers rookie LB Chris Borland: "That guy jumps off the film when you turn it on. ... He's all ovder the field."
— Steve Corkran (@CorkOnTheNFL) December 4, 2014"
Aldon Smith vs. Donald Penn
Linebacker Aldon Smith's Week 11 reinstatement has made the difference for San Francisco's pass rush. He'll line up opposite left tackle Donald Penn in Sunday's contest.
Penn is also putting together a solid season for the Raiders' O-line. Penn ranks No. 9 in Pro Football Focus' rankings (h/t Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle), so this matchup should be rather enticing.
But Smith isn't the only part of the 49ers pass rush. Penn may receive assistance from left guard Gabe Jackson, which could open up lanes for other San Francisco defenders to put pressure on quarterback Derek Carr.
With Smith drawing multiple blockers, it's possible that the 49ers are able to benefit from pressure with guys up front like Justin Smith and Aaron Lynch.
Chris Culliver vs. James Jones
With Tramaine Brock unlikely to play on Sunday, the No. 1 cornerback duties will again fall upon Chris Culliver. Wideout James Jones, who has emerged as Carr's favorite target in 2014, will draw most of Culliver's coverage.
Jones is averaging 9.6 yards per catch—certainly not the most explosive wide receiver but one of the Raiders' more reliable targets.
Culliver ranks No. 2 on the team with nine passes defended. Oakland's passing offense ranks No. 27 in the league with 2,489 yards through the air. It's not a significant threat, but it's one that Culliver and the 49ers secondary will have to take into consideration.
49ers' X-Factors of the Week: Colin Kaepernick and Frank Gore
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Frank Gore were held in check by the Seahawks in Week 13. They both will have a chance to redeem themselves against the Raiders.
Kaepernick has shown the ability to bounce back after tough, ugly performances. Oakland provides an opportunity to do this.
"Justin Tuck on Colin Kaepernick: "When they need a win he comes alive" #Raiders #49ers
— 95.7 The GAME (@957thegame) December 4, 2014"
A banged-up Raiders secondary, combined with their general lack of pressure, will hopefully give Kaepernick the means to execute at a level he was unable to achieve against a top-tier Seahawks defense.
But the core of the 49ers offensive attack may come on the ground.
Oakland has given up the sixth-most rushing yards in the NFL (1,566), and it is tied for second in most rushing touchdowns allowed (13).
This could mean that Gore and Carlos Hyde play a significant role in dominating the offensive approach. In turn, the vulnerable Raiders defense would be exposed to elongated drives in which it cannot get off the field.
The run-first approach plays into what the 49ers need to do on offense—stick to their strengths and maintain a balanced, physical game plan.
Prediction
5 of 5
All the odds are stacked in the 49ers' favor heading into Week 14.
But the Raiders will use this game as a potential scenario to upset their cross-bay rivals' postseason hopes. One doesn't need to look far back to recall Oakland's surprising victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12 to suggest that the Raiders have this potential.
The Raiders' 52-0 loss to the Rams means little at this point. Their season is already pointing toward what will happen next year. But the 49ers do have to take this game seriously. Many of the players, including defensive end Justin Smith, have stated so.
"#49ers DT Justin Smith on #SFvsOAK: "We're expecting a good matchup." http://t.co/2yFhtFYFz0 pic.twitter.com/OHrh7cW0jN
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 4, 2014"
San Francisco will ultimately benefit from its stalwart defense—a unit that has largely carried the team while its offense has been struggling. Oakland has relatively few offensive weapons with which to work, thus reinforcing the thought that the Raiders could be held to less than 10 points once again.
Yet the 49ers offense will continue to be the question mark. Matching up against the top-ranked Seahawks was a challenge that proved too difficult. But the Raiders do not have the personnel or the ability to generate the same sort of results.
So it will fall upon Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, Anquan Boldin and the rest of the offensive cast to make plays and avoid making the mistakes that cost them so dearly a week ago. Mistakes may be the only thing Oakland can hope for from a defensive vantage point.
Still, it is hard to fathom another Oakland upset like the one it staged against Kansas City.
San Francisco will get back on its feet in Week 14. The offense may not produce the type of numbers one might expect against another lowly opponent. Recent trends have suggested plenty of 49ers ineptitude in this regard.
But the 49ers should be able to squeeze out enough offense to come away with a victory, while the defense continues to do its admirable job.
With the win and hopefully some help from around the league, San Francisco's playoff chances grow a little brighter after Sunday.
Prediction: 49ers 20, Raiders 9
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Injury information courtesy of 49ers.com injury report.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers' news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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