San Francisco 49ers

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 86 OFFense: 91 Defense: 85 Offensive Scheme: Power Run Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4 Strengths: QB, LT, WR, TE, MLB Weaknesses: LG, DT, CB 2014 Team Rankings 3rd NFC West (8-8-0) Passing Offense: 30th Rushing Offense: 4th Passing Defense: 5th Rushing Defense: 7th 2014 team leaders Passing: Colin Kaepernick: 3,369 Rushing: Frank Gore: 1,106 Receiving: Anquan Boldin: 1,062 Tackles: Chris Borland: 107 Sacks: Aaron Lynch: 6 Ints: Perrish Cox: 5 Key Additions HB Reggie Bush WR Torrey Smith DT Darnell Dockett Key Rookies DL Arik Armstead S Jaquiski Tartt OLB Eli Harold Owner: Jed York Legacy Score: 750 Coach: Jim Tomsula Level: 1 Legacy Score: 0 Offensive Scheme: Power Run Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB is still a position of strength with Colin Kaepernick in charge. This is his season to take over the lead in the huddle now that veteran HB Frank Gore is no longer in the mix. This playbook is built to maximize his talent, which includes speed and throw power.
• The 49ers got much younger with HB Carlos Hyde taking over snaps in the backfield. Work on his agility to see if he can become an every-down back for your team. Until then, utilize Reggie Bush as your 3rd-down back and find creative ways to get him involved in the passing game.
• The 49ers picked up a missing element in their passing game by adding speedy WR Torrey Smith. Use Boldin over the middle for his catch in traffic skills, but don’t expect the veteran to run past anyone downfield.

Defensive Scouting Report

• The biggest question on the defensive line: Can veteran RE Darnell Dockett step in and be the anchor that last season was Justin Smith? Thanks to his blend of strength, power, and block shedding, the smart bet is yes.
• While the 49ers may have lost talent at LB during the off-season, they still have two elite players with some young depth to build around. It’s time for the young talent to step in and deliver.
• CB Tramaine Brock is solid in man coverage, while CB Chris Cook has the size to match up with WRs, so use any extra XP to build him into a lockdown man defender. The Cover 2 Sink will be an excellent way to take advantage of your lineup!

Schedule

Key Players

• Staley is extremely athletic for his size. If he gets out in front of the ball carrier, defenders stand no chance.
• Staley has five years left on his contract. That will allow him to be a cornerstone who builds confidence for QB Colin Kaepernick.

• With the retirement of MLB Patrick Willis, Bowman will have plenty of chances to prove that he is once again healthy.
• Bowman’s Block Shed rating (92) makes him a star in the run game.

• Armstead has a blend of acceleration and block shedding that will lead to many tackles for losses.
• Try matching him up against slower interior linemen to get a mismatch on passing downs.

• While his speed is similar to that of Vernon Davis, Carrier’s route running is what you must improve to make him a starter. Use vertical routes without cuts to maximize his effectiveness until you stack XP.
• Know your scheme, and use Vance McDonald over Carrier if you plan on a power rushing attack.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: Gun DBLS Wing Offset Wk—Niners Read Opt

Setup:

• Look to the play PA Niner Bubble to burn aggressive defenses.
• Follow your blockers inside, and aim for consistent gains instead of home runs.

Advanced Setup:

• Motion the TE behind the offensive line.

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Trio Offset WK— Middle Slant

Setup/Reads:

• Against zone coverage, wait for the curl to settle and throw a low pass.
• Against man-to-man, either slant route should get separation on the cut.
• Against the blitz target the quick drag over the middle.

Advanced Setup:

• Motion the HB to the right.

Passing Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 3-4 bear—Pinch Dog 3

Setup:

• Containing before the snap will help protect the edges.
• MLB Navorro Bowman comes in for the tackle, but the more defenders the better against a power back.

Player to Control:

• Right-of-screen MLB (hook zone)

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Nickel 2-4-5 Prowl— Overload 3 Seam

Setup:

• Bring the blitzing CB out wide and up to the line of scrimmage before the snap.
• If you are losing a one-on-one matchup on the outside, hot route the blitzing CB to man coverage to help out.
• Try the man version of this play to really ramp up the heat on your opponent—high risk but high reward.

Player to Control:

• Blitzing CB on the left of the screen

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ