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The Speed Option: San Francisco 49ers

The Bills head out west to play the Niners...in Arizona?

San Francisco 49ers v Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills hosted a California team last week and this week they’ll hit the road to face another team from California, except they won’t be playing them in The Golden State. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the San Francisco 49ers will be hosting the Bills at State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals.

2020 Summary

The defending NFC Champions have had a rough go of it this season. They’re currently 5-6 and in fourth place in the NFC West. A lot of their struggles can be attributed to the extensive injuries they have dealt with all season long.

Head Coach

Wunderkind Kyle Shanahan runs the show for the Niners. He is in his fourth season as an NFL head coach. Shanahan has a career regular-season record of 28-31 (0.475) and a postseason record of 23-14 (0.667). He was hired by the ‘Niners after nine seasons as an offensive coordinator with the Houston Texans, Washington Football Team, Cleveland Browns, and Atlanta Falcons.

Offensive Coordinator

Like some of the other offensive genius head coaches the Bills have faced this season, Kyle Shanahan does not have an offensive coordinator and handles the play calling himself. His top listed offensive assistants are Mike LaFleur (passing game coordinator) and Mike McDaniel (run game coordinator). The 49ers’ offense currently ranks 14th in yards per game and 20th in points per game.

Defensive Coordinator

Kyle Shanahan has entrusted the defensive side of the ball to Robert Salah, who joined the 49ers when Shanahan took over. Previously he was the linebackers coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. His defense currently ranks sixth in yards per game and 11th in points per game.

Offensive Starters

  • QB: Nick Mullens
  • RB: Raheem Mostert
  • FB: Kyle Juszczyk
  • WR: Deebo Samuel
  • WR: Richie James
  • TE: Ross Dwelley
  • LT: Trent Williams ^
  • LG: Laken Tomlinson
  • C: Daniel Brunskill
  • RG: Colton McKivitz *
  • RT: Mike McGlinchey

^ = free agent / trade addition
* = rookie

Defensive Starters

  • LDE: Kerry Hyder Jr. ^
  • LDT: Javon Kinlaw *
  • RDT: Kevin Givens
  • RDE: Arik Armstead
  • WILL: Azeez Al-Shaair
  • MIKE: Fred Warner
  • SAM: Dre Greenlaw
  • LCB: Jason Verrett
  • RCB: Richard Sherman
  • FS: Jimmie Ward
  • SS: Tarvarius Moore

^ = free agent / trade addition
* = rookie