Opponent Profile: Alex Smith Returns To Where It All Started
By Jerrell Richardson
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
Head Coach: Andy Reid
Players to Watch: Alex Smith, Jamal Charles, Eric Berry, Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Dwayne Bowe
As important a win the 49ers earned just last week, it will mean a lot less if they are unable to string together their second straight win this week. Week 5 finds them facing another playoff caliber team that, oh by the way, has a very familiar face under center. The good news for San Francisco is not only are they home, but they will have a slight advantage on both sides of the ball. If they can limit the mistakes that have plagued them all year, the 49ers will pull above the .500 mark for the first time this season. A win will also allow the Kaepernick versus Smith debate to rest. A loss on the other hand will be all bad for San Francisco's playoff push, and allow the misinformed few to continue to wonder if the 49ers made the right decision picking Kaepernick over Smith.
When San Francisco Has the Ball: Advantage 49ers
After struggling in the second half in week 2 and 3, the San Francisco offense finally scored some points this past weekend and appear to have finally re-discovered that they can run the ball. The 49ers are averaging 138.5 yards per game on the ground, and that's after tallying 218 yards this past Sunday. Despite a star studded defense, Kansas City has struggled against the run this season, and if San Francisco sticks to the run as they did last week, they will have success. Frank Gore, Carlos Hyde and Colin Kaepernick should all be able to make a splash in the running game and as a team San Francisco should be able to accumulate at least 150 yards on the ground.
The Chiefs have a talented secondary, but without their strong safety Eric Berry, who has been out the past two weeks with an injury, they are average at best. They have allowed around 250 yards twice in 4 games, so Kaepernick, if given time to throw should be able to help balance out, what should be a run heavy attack this week. San Francisco will hold their breaths and hope that Vernon Davis and Anthony Davis are both able to play. While they should be able to move the ball without either, it will certainly be easier with two of their Pro Bowlers are on the field.
When Kansas City Has the Ball: Advantage 49ers
Jamal Charles is finally healthy and will be the player who the defense has to make a collective effort to stop. The Chiefs offense has other weapons, but if Charles is stopped, the 49er defense will have another successful outing,
San Francisco did an excellent job bottling up LeSean McCoy and Darren Sproles, so there is no question that they have the talent to contain Charles, but doing it is another matter. Charles is a home run threat every time he touches the ball and is a heavy part of his team's offensive plans. Patrick Willis and Michael Wilhoite will again draw the primary duty, but it will take the defensive font clogging the lanes and the secondary coming up in run support to make the running game a nonfactor for the second straight week.
After watching him run the 49er offense for years, the San Francisco defense knows what to expect from Alex Smith and the Chiefs passing game. The problem is that Smith has several weapons that fit perfectly to his skill set and the former 49er is more than capable of having a successful day throwing the ball. He will look for the quick strikes to Bowe, a crossing route with his tight end, or drop if off to Charles. Dwayne Bowe is the type of big body receiver that gave the 49er secondary fits against the Bears, tight end Travis Kelce is just a nightmare to cover, and Charles is not a player you want with his hands on the ball in open space.
The 49ers' secondary has played better than most expected and with the emergence of Perrish Cox, the solid play of veteran Antoine Bethea, and the Pro Bowler Eric Reid they are equipped to deal with whatever the Chiefs throw at them. If the 49ers can generate a pass rush and pressure on Alex Smith it will make the job of the San Francisco secondary that much more manageable.
49ers Keep Rolling
San Francisco will win this game, by how much will depend on them. If they continue to give away points then not only will this game will close throughout but they will be in danger of losing. However, if able to clean up both the penalties and turnovers the 49ers will not only win their second straight home game, but should do so convincingly. Alex Smith will play solid like he always does, but his return home will not be a successful one in terms of getting a win. This game will only solidify that Smith is a game manager and Colin Kaepernick is a game changer.
For more 49ers news and updates, visit 49ers Central.
Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
