{"id":55810,"date":"2024-09-26T08:35:38","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T12:35:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?p=55810"},"modified":"2024-09-26T08:35:38","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T12:35:38","slug":"patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots – 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Patriots travel to San Francisco this week to take on the 49ers. This is the second in back-to-back road games for the team.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a big game for both teams as they each enter at 1-2 and want to even their record at .500. It is surprising to see a very good Niners team enter at 1-2 as they are one of the favorites to once again represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Niners will be looking for a \u201cget-right\u201d game after blowing a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter against the Rams. They\u2019ve been hit hard by injuries on offense and defense. Injuries also beset the Patriots. But the good news is possibly around the corner. Kendrick Bourne, Sionne Takitaki, Sidy Sow, and Marte Mapu could be back next week.<\/span><\/p>\n

FOX will broadcast this week’s game, which can be seen locally in Boston on WFXT-TV Channel 25. Joe Davis will handle play-by-play duties, with Greg Olsen as the color analyst. Pam Oliver will work from the sidelines. The game will also be aired on the Patriots flagship radio station, 98.5 The Sports Hub, with Bob Socci and Scott Zolak on the call, produced by Marc Capello.<\/span><\/p>\n

We at <\/span>PatsFans.com<\/span><\/a> are continuing our \u201cRazor\u2019s Edge\u201d column in 2024 to analyze some of the game’s key matchups and what to expect in the game’s outcome.<\/span><\/p>\n

So now we can look at some key matchups and who holds the Razor\u2019s Edge. First up is the Patriots offense:<\/span><\/p>\n

Patriots RBs vs. 49ers Front Seven <\/b>\u2014<\/b> Edge New England<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

The Patriots’ running game was put on a back burner last week as they tried to open up the passing game. Seven of the first nine plays were passes. This played right into the Jets defense\u2019s strength. This week they need to get back to their own strength and run the football and try to control the tempo and the clock. Thus keeping SF\u2019s potent offense on the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson have been an excellent 1-2 punch on the ground. The Patriots are averaging 144.3 yards per game on the ground good for eighth in the league.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

San Francisco lost Jason Hargrave for the season, which is a big blow to their defense, but Fred Warner, one of the best linebackers in the league, mans the middle. Look for the Niners to stack the box and daring the Patriots to throw. If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly. They\u2019ll have to be much better than a week ago.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Patriots WRs vs. 49ers Secondary <\/b>\u2014<\/b> Edge San Francisco<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

The Patriots’ passing game is locked into last place in the passing game averaging only 102 yards per game, or a good first quarter for Brock Purdy. And while Jacoby Brissett and the receivers aren\u2019t blameless, most of this falls on the poor play of the offensive line. Brissett was under pressure in less than two seconds several times last week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He needs more time to go through his progressions. The Jets sacked Patriots QBs seven times and had 15 quarterback hits in the loss last week. That cannot continue. With so many new players playing together for the first few games, the communication between the linemen hasn\u2019t been good enough, and free rushers have been too prevalent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Niners pass rush hasn\u2019t been up to their usual par yet, but Warner, Nick Bosa, and company may be looking at the game this week as a way to get back on track. Until the OL of the Patriots solidifies at least a bit, they won\u2019t have the advantage against anyone, let alone this SF unit. One notable factor was that they got Demario Douglas more involved last week.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next up, the 49ers offense<\/span>:<\/b><\/p>\n

49ers RBs vs. NE Front Seven <\/b>\u2014<\/b> Edge San Francisco<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

The Niners’ running game opens up everything in their offense. It is so versatile and schemed that it opens up the passing game through RPOs and misdirection. Even without Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel, they\u2019ve plugged in Jordan Mason, another diamond in the rough found by the scouts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mason has rushed for 324 yards in three games and has been terrific, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. The Niners have an outstanding offensive line, which opens up big plays in the passing game, which is what the Patriots are aiming to do themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n

Davon Godchaux has been very good for the Patriots, but they miss Christian Barmore and Ja\u2019Whaun Bentley in the middle of the defense. Raekwon McMillan, who replaced Bentley, and Jahlani Tavai will be counted on to stem the tide on the inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots\u2019 run defense is currently fifth in yards per game (83) and yards per rush (3.7), but this will be their toughest test of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

49ers WRs vs. NE Secondary <\/b>\u2014<\/b> Edge San Francisco<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

The Niners\u2019 passing game was without Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle last week, but they still scored 24 points against the Rams, although they lost in overtime. It is unknown if Kittle will be back this week, But they still have Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, who had 175 yards receiving last week. If Kittle returns, he\u2019ll be a tough matchup for the Patriots secondary. Brock Purdy has been excellent again this season, but the Niners\u2019 offensive line has had some protection issues of their own.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other than Keion White, the Patriots pass rush hasn\u2019t been effective enough thus far this year. Last week they failed to keep Aaron Rodgers in the pocket by not setting the edge properly and maintaining rush lane integrity. When Rodgers broke containment he was 5-5 for 62 yards and a touchdown. He also scrambled for 18 yards.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Patriots’ secondary hasn\u2019t lived up to expectations in the past two games. They\u2019ve allowed over 600 yards against Seattle and the Jets, which puts them in 28th place in the league, allowing 244.3 yards per game. And going against a San Francisco unit that is #2 in passing in the NFL is not a good matchup to face on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I would expect Christian Gonzalez to matchup up with Aiyuk this week, but if Kittle plays, they’ll have to plan on doubling him. Which leaves Jennings and a tough matchup for Jonathan Jones, just from a height advantage.<\/p>\n

Special Teams <\/b>\u2014<\/b>\u00a0 <\/b>Edge New England<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n

The Patriots\u2019 special teams have improved a lot in 2024. Bryce Barringer could be an All-Pro, averaging 52.3 yards per punt with nine punts inside the 20 and one touchback in 16 punts. Joey Slye has been much steadier than a year ago in the kicking department. His only miss was a blocked kick due to a mistake in the blocking scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n

Marcus Jones is back and seems close to breaking a punt return. The coverage units led by Brandon Schooler have been good.<\/span><\/p>\n

San Francisco has kicker Jake Moody, whose only miss was a big one, a 55-yarder against the Rams that could have won the game. Mitch Wisnowsky has been terrific, with a 49.4-yard average on his punts. Their return game hasn\u2019t done much yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next up, who wins and why\u2026<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Patriots face a tough matchup this week against a 1-2 team far better than their record indicates. However, San Francisco is 1-2 because the games are played on the field, not on paper.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That said, New England will have to play flawless football for 60 minutes and hope for a key turnover or two if it wants to pull off a huge upset.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keys to the Game from a Patriots Perspective:<\/b><\/h3>\n

Get Back To The Running Game And Set the Tempo <\/b>\u2014 <\/b>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Look for the Patriots to use six offensive linemen and pound the ball up the middle. Smash mouth is their only chance at controlling the clock tempo and opening up play-action. Brissett can\u2019t miss any opportunities he may have at getting some chunk plays to Douglas and tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper.<\/span><\/p>\n

Slow Down the 49ers Running Game \u2014\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

SF’s potent offense stems from the Niners’ running game. Everything they do and do well is a product of a very versatile running game. Kyle Shanahan calls a fantastic game, and the defense will have to set the edge, take away the chunk running plays, and keep Purdy in the pocket. Otherwise, it will be a long afternoon.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Win Third Down \u2014\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Last week, the Patriots offense was just 2-11 on third down. That isn\u2019t going to win many football games. They must convert these and keep drives going while keeping Purdy and the Niners’ offense on the bench.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defensively, they have to keep Purdy in the pocket and stop Shanahan\u2019s offense from converting third downs, especially those huge plays they\u2019re known for.<\/span><\/p>\n

___________<\/span><\/p>\n

Prediction:\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

The Patriots face a bad matchup this week against a team I had hoped would be 3-0 this week and perhaps be caught looking past them. But the 49ers are not looking past the Patriots when they\u2019re 1-2.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I think the defense \u201cshould\u201d have a better week, looking more energized than the defense that looked flat and lethargic last week. Will it be enough? Jerod Mayo will be under the microscope this week. Can he reinvigorate his team after a disastrous performance in New Jersey?<\/span><\/p>\n

San Francisco is the better team and should win this game, but how the Patriots play will speak to their current state. They\u2019ll hang tough, but they don\u2019t have the offensive firepower they\u2019ll need to win this one on the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

San Francisco 27-13<\/b><\/p>\n

Follow me on Twitter <\/span><\/i>@SteveB7SFG<\/span><\/i><\/a> or email me at <\/span><\/i>stevebpatsfans@gmail.com<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Listen to our <\/span><\/i>Patriots 4<\/span><\/i>th<\/span><\/i> and 2<\/span><\/i><\/a> podcasts on Streamyard as Russ Goldman, Derek Havens, and I from <\/span><\/i>PatsFans.com<\/span><\/i><\/a> discuss the latest Patriots news and breakdown game analysis.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":32867,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23494,23606,11,274,552,23321],"tags":[23492,22227,23615,23269,1947,23280,1442,1026,23616,23271,44,47,23204,22588,468],"class_list":["post-55810","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-england-patriots","category-patriots-2024-regular-season","category-patriots-commentary","category-patriots-film-room","category-patriots-injuries","category-san-francisco-49ers","tag-antonio-gibson","tag-brandon-aiyuk","tag-brock-purdy","tag-christian-gonzalez","tag-deebo-samuel","tag-demario-douglas","tag-george-kittle","tag-jacoby-brissett","tag-jordan-mason","tag-keion-white","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-new-york-jets","tag-nick-bosa","tag-rhamondre-stevenson","tag-san-francisco-49ers"],"yoast_head":"\nPatriots - 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Patriots - 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup | PatsFans.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PatsFans.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pfans\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/steve.balestrieri\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-26T12:35:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Steve Balestrieri\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SteveB7SFG\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@patsfans\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Steve Balestrieri\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/71433b60b6fa7632bd955481ae49f3da\"},\"headline\":\"Patriots – 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-26T12:35:38+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1649,\"commentCount\":2,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/10\\\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Antonio Gibson\",\"Brandon Aiyuk\",\"Brock Purdy\",\"Christian Gonzalez\",\"Deebo Samuel\",\"Demario Douglas\",\"George Kittle\",\"Jacoby Brissett\",\"Jordan Mason\",\"Keion White\",\"New England Patriots\",\"New York Jets\",\"Nick Bosa\",\"Rhamondre Stevenson\",\"San Francisco 49ers\"],\"articleSection\":[\"New England Patriots\",\"Patriots 2024 regular season\",\"Patriots Commentary\",\"Patriots Film Room\",\"Patriots Injuries\",\"San Francisco 49ers\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/\",\"name\":\"Patriots - 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/10\\\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-26T12:35:38+00:00\",\"description\":\"If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/10\\\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/10\\\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg\",\"width\":1500,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/2024\\\/09\\\/26\\\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Patriots Commentary\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/patriots-commentary\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Patriots – 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"PatsFans.com\",\"description\":\"Patriots Blog with News and Analysis\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"PatsFans.com\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/PF_Social_Logo.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/01\\\/PF_Social_Logo.webp\",\"width\":300,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"PatsFans.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/pfans\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/patsfans\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/patsfans\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.com\\\/patsfans\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/patsfans\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.tiktok.com\\\/@patsfans.official\"],\"foundingDate\":\"2000-06-17\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/71433b60b6fa7632bd955481ae49f3da\",\"name\":\"Steve Balestrieri\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/dfc4c29c648a043b9caafa2dddd23d6eff929a8dee4095b872f8bdd1a072f2cd?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/dfc4c29c648a043b9caafa2dddd23d6eff929a8dee4095b872f8bdd1a072f2cd?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/dfc4c29c648a043b9caafa2dddd23d6eff929a8dee4095b872f8bdd1a072f2cd?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Steve Balestrieri\"},\"description\":\"A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)\",\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/steve.balestrieri\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/SteveB7SFG\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.patsfans.com\\\/patriots\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/sbalestrieri\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Patriots - 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup","description":"If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Patriots - 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup | PatsFans.com","og_description":"If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0","og_url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/","og_site_name":"PatsFans.com","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pfans","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/steve.balestrieri","article_published_time":"2024-09-26T12:35:38+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1500,"height":1000,"url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg?fit=1500%2C1000&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Steve Balestrieri","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SteveB7SFG","twitter_site":"@patsfans","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/"},"author":{"name":"Steve Balestrieri","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/71433b60b6fa7632bd955481ae49f3da"},"headline":"Patriots – 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup","datePublished":"2024-09-26T12:35:38+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/"},"wordCount":1649,"commentCount":2,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg","keywords":["Antonio Gibson","Brandon Aiyuk","Brock Purdy","Christian Gonzalez","Deebo Samuel","Demario Douglas","George Kittle","Jacoby Brissett","Jordan Mason","Keion White","New England Patriots","New York Jets","Nick Bosa","Rhamondre Stevenson","San Francisco 49ers"],"articleSection":["New England Patriots","Patriots 2024 regular season","Patriots Commentary","Patriots Film Room","Patriots Injuries","San Francisco 49ers"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/","url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/","name":"Patriots - 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg","datePublished":"2024-09-26T12:35:38+00:00","description":"If you\u2019re looking for a silver lining, the Niners allow 4.5 yards per rush. The Patriots get a slight advantage here, but only slightly\u00a0","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg","width":1500,"height":1000,"caption":"David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2024\/09\/26\/patriots-49ers-key-matchups-week-4-2024-tough-matchup\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Patriots Commentary","item":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/category\/patriots-commentary\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Patriots – 49ers Key Matchups Week 4, 2024:\u00a0Tough Matchup"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/","name":"PatsFans.com","description":"Patriots Blog with News and Analysis","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#organization","name":"PatsFans.com","url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PF_Social_Logo.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/PF_Social_Logo.webp","width":300,"height":300,"caption":"PatsFans.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pfans","https:\/\/x.com\/patsfans","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/patsfans","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/patsfans\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/patsfans","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@patsfans.official"],"foundingDate":"2000-06-17"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/71433b60b6fa7632bd955481ae49f3da","name":"Steve Balestrieri","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/dfc4c29c648a043b9caafa2dddd23d6eff929a8dee4095b872f8bdd1a072f2cd?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/dfc4c29c648a043b9caafa2dddd23d6eff929a8dee4095b872f8bdd1a072f2cd?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/dfc4c29c648a043b9caafa2dddd23d6eff929a8dee4095b872f8bdd1a072f2cd?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Steve Balestrieri"},"description":"A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/steve.balestrieri","https:\/\/x.com\/SteveB7SFG"],"url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/author\/sbalestrieri\/"}]}},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/USATSI_15114681_168390408_lowres.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55810","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55810"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55810\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55811,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55810\/revisions\/55811"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32867"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55810"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55810"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55810"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}