How the 49ers’ Defense can Easily Shutdown the Colts

What the 49ers need to do is simple: stack the box, sell out for the run, and force Rivers to beat them. Game plans aren’t always as cut and dry, but this is one of those rare occasions where it is.

Jonathan Taylor is easily the biggest threat to worry about. The 49ers have to limit the damage he can do, especially after how leaky their run defense has been recently.

They need to force Rivers to throw and expose himself. Now, he had a pretty solid performance in his return last week versus the Seattle Seahawks. 

Rivers completed 18 of his 26 attempts for 120 yards and a TD. That’s impressive for a guy who is playing in his first game since the 2020 season. 

However, he has a glaring weakness. It’s with his arm. It’s made of noodles. Rivers completed just 2 of his 8 attempts over 10 air yards for 33 yards and an interception.

18 of his throws were underneath, where he completed 16 of them for 87 yards and a touchdown. This is where the 49ers can shut down the Colts’ offense.

By loading the box and rallying for everything underneath, it will make it extremely difficult for the Colts to score, let alone move the chains. And if Rivers wants to take a shot deep, let him.

He’s a washed quarterback with no arm. As brilliant as his mind is, his body can only keep up to a certain degree. The 49ers shouldn’t have much of an issue defending Rivers.

If they do, they will be a laughingstock that shouldn’t be taken seriously in the playoffs.

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