49ers News: On to the Rams

Barrows 49ers mailbag: Jacob Cowing to the rescue? Envisioning a trade with the Dolphins (paywall)

“He’s on schedule. He and Warner like to throw passes to each other during the special teams portion of practice. (Greenlaw is a lefty and has a bit of a sidearm motion.) I wish I had recorded this because a video would have gone viral, but earlier this month, Warner sent his linebacker mate a pass along the sideline that was well out of reach. No matter. Greenlaw leaped for the ball and then, Lynn Swann-like, tapped both feet inbounds. It was a move that suggests his Achilles tendon, which ruptured Feb. 11, is strong.

He technically can return to action at home against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 6, though that seems overambitious. Having him back for the Kansas City Chiefs game Oct. 20 would be poetic but also might be a little soon.”

49ers game review: Kyle Shanahan has to change approach to RB corps (paywall)

“He was running left, where tackle Trent Williams was driving defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard to the sideline, tight end George Kittle was sealing off pass rusher Pat Jones and guard Aaron Banks, after shoving Bullard, was at the second level and ready to finish clearing a wide alley by blocking linebacker Blake Cashman.

Instead of staying left and perhaps taking a beat to let the humongous lane open, Guerendo quickly cut back to the middle, where there was a mass of humanity instead of a hole. It was a painful decision: He was driven backward by three defenders for no gain.”

Sherm explains his panic-meter level after 49ers’ loss to Vikings

“It’s still six [out of 10] Mitchell, only because I feel comfortable, they’re going to play a [Los Angeles] Rams team that had a really difficult time with the Arizona Cardinals,” Sherman said. “They’re really banged up on the offensive line I’m hoping that this can get the San Francisco D-line on track.

“Javon Hargrave and those boys to start to get pressure and be able to get home a little bit. Matthew Stafford isn’t moving a lot in that pocket, Cooper Kupp is a little banged up, and their receiving core is banged up. Kyren Williams isn’t having the same start to the season as he had last year. So, there are a number of things working in San Francisco’s favor.”

Thompson: Brock Purdy, they’re saying you aren’t built for this — it’s time to show ’em (paywall)

“When you told Flores his “scheme is crazy” after the game, the Purdy Truthers didn’t see that as a young QB who appreciated being challenged. They didn’t see it as game recognizing game, that it was a sign you’d dive into the film to learn from it. Nah, they saw it as some kind of confession you were overwhelmed.

That’s why you can’t lay an egg these next few weeks. Well, you can. Because Super Bowls aren’t won in September. Sure, it would put the 49ers in a tough spot, maybe even cost you a home game in the NFC Championship, should you make it. But your squad is perfectly capable of rallying late and peaking at the right time.”

49ers overreactions: Offensive, defensive lines to blame for loss?

“Yes, the 49ers need to tighten it up in the passing game. The 49ers failed to make the Vikings pay for their aggressive scheme.

However, you might be surprised to hear that the 49ers’ offensive line was not as bad as the stat sheet indicates.

Six sacks is horrible, but there only were two sacks in which the offensive line was directly to blame.

And both of those plays occurred through the left side of the 49ers’ offensive line.

Vikings defensive end Pat Jones got a good push against left tackle Trent Williams midway through the third quarter and dropped Purdy for a 7-yard loss.

On that same drive, linebacker Blake Cashman found his way between Williams and left guard Aaron Banks for a 6-yard sack.

The Vikings got home at least a couple of times on coverage sacks when Purdy did not get rid of the ball. There was another sack in which Purdy was well-protected. The ball slipped out of his hand for a fumble as he was throwing, and that is considered a sack.

The 49ers’ receivers need to do a better job of getting open quicker. This is an area the organization was hoping to improve with the selection of Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the draft.”