Being outcoached
McVay has had a rough season. That’s not to say he’s a bad coach, of course, but some of his decisions and play calling have been called into question. The same goes for Wade Phillips, whose defense is littered with talented players but can’t play at a high level consistently each week.
Kyle Shanahan is an offensive mastermind who knows how to expose defenses’ weaknesses. He’s going to find ways to get George Kittle open against man coverage, just as he did in Week 6 by lining him up as a fullback and splitting him out wide.
McVay and Phillips have to come up with a game plan that counters the 49ers. Far too often, McVay comes out with a good script to open a game but then the offense struggles after defenses adjust. That can’t happen tonight because when the 49ers get a lead, their rushing attack closes out games.