6 Burning Questions Facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6

Can San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick build on last week’s performance against the New York Giants?

Last week was his best game of the season. He completed 23 of 35 pass attempts (65.7 percent) for 262 yards (8.6 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns. Those are above-average numbers.

But he was playing a below-average pass defense. The Giants have allowed 1,521 yards through the air—more than any other defense.

The Baltimore Ravens haven’t given up that many passing yards, but they’re allowing an average passer rating of 98 to opposing quarterbacks. Kaepernick has another favorable matchup this weekend. Can he take advantage?

That’s one burning question. Here are five more facing the 49ers in their Week 6 matchup on Sunday.

Can the Defense Pressure QB Joe Flacco?

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Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback who can destroy the 49ers defense if he has time to throw.

Flacco throws with superb anticipation and has one of the strongest arms in the NFL—he can shred any defense if it gives him time. Through five games this season, his passer rating is 97.2 when he faces no pressure, according to Pro Football Focus.

But when he does face pressure, his rating drops all the way to 41.0. He’s a sluggish quarterback who can’t avoid the rush, plus he’s trying to learn a new offense under a new offensive coordinator—Marc Trestman—and doesn’t seem comfortable yet.

Can the 49ers rough up Flacco this Sunday?

Can the Defense Cover RB Justin Forsett in the Passing Game?

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Steve Smith Sr., the Ravens’ top receiver, has a back injury and may or may not play against the Niners. If he does play, he probably won’t be 100 percent healthy.

If he doesn’t play, the Ravens may be able to win without him. Last week, both of the Giants’ starting receivers—Odell Beckham Jr. and Rueben Randle—were injured during their final possession of the game, and New York still drove the field and scored a touchdown easily.

That’s because the Niners’ underneath coverage stunk. Neither NaVorro Bowman, Michael Wilhoite, Jaquiski Tartt nor Keith Reaser could cover former Cal running back Shane Vereen out of the backfield in Week 5.

Ravens running back Justin Forsett (another former Cal Bear) has caught 16 passes this season. Can the Niners cover him?

Can RB Carlos Hyde Play?

Seth Wenig/Associated Press

San Francisco starting running back Carlos Hyde was limping between plays during the second half of Sunday’s game against the Giants. The injury didn’t seem serious—Hyde gained 81 yards on 13 carries in the second half.

But he didn’t practice Wednesday—the injury report said he had a foot injury, per the (Santa Rosa) Press Democrat), and he was merely a limited participant in practice Thursday.

The Niners probably are being cautious with Hyde. A few hours before practice, I saw him walking without a limp in the locker room.

Considering how well he played in the second half Week 5, and how easily he moved around the locker room on Thursday, I expect he will play against the Ravens. But I’m just guessing.

What if Hyde doesn’t play? Could the 49ers offense function without him? Or would it fall apart with Jarryd Hayne at running back?

Can the Offense Get WR Bruce Ellington Involved Consistently?

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It’s hard to fault the 49ers’ offensive game plan in Week 5, because it worked, at least in the second half.

Still, part of the game plan seemed strange. The Niners obviously were trying to get Colin Kaepernick in rhythm with easy throws—that’s why his first two passes were screens to Bruce Ellington.

Those plays worked. Ellington gained 31 yards the first time and nine yards the second time. You’d think the Niners would come back to him later in the game considering how well he played on the first series. But he never got another pass.

Will the Niners use Ellington more in Week 6? They should. He’s one of the most talented players on the team but has only four catches this season.

Can the Offense Get Going Earlier?

Ben Margot/Associated Press

The Niners offense has plenty of things to build on after a stellar second-half performance last week.

The next challenge for San Francisco is to get the offense going earlier. Whatever was working in the second half against the Giants, do that stuff in the first half against the Ravens.

The Niners offense has consistently started slow under new offensive coordinator Geep Chryst. Through five games, San Francisco has scored just 26 points in the first halves of games. That’s an average of 5.2 points. That’s abysmal.

Can the Niners end that trend? If they can, they just might end their four-game losing streak.

All locker-room observations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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