The (1-2) New England Patriots will head west this weekend to face the (1-2) San Francisco 49ers. Going into Week 4, most would say that this should be an easy game for the 49ers. However, there is a chance the Patriots can leave out of Levi stadium (2-2).
Although the 49ers are a powerhouse team, they will be without a few key players. Superstar running back Christian McCaffrey has missed the first three games of the season dealing with an Achilles tendonitis injury, and will continue to be sidelined come Week 4. Another key player the 49ers will be without is standout defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Hargrave season came to a likely end on Sunday in which he partially tore his right triceps.
The Patriots might dodge a few more bullets this Sunday, too. Players such as wide receiver Deebo Samuel, tackle Trent Williams and safety Talanoa Hufanga are all listed as questionable for this Week 4 matchup. The 49ers will have tight end George Kittle and quarterback Brock Purdy on the field this Sunday after both having some injury concerns.
Key Matchups for the New England Patriots
Sunday will be another big day for defensive back Christian Gonzalez as he will likely be covering 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk hasn’t had the best start to the season but has shown in the past that he could have a big game any given week.
For the Patriots, Gonzalez has had a really amazing start to the season. In the Patriots loss to the New York Jets on Thursday night, Gonzalez covered star wideout Garrett Wilson. He only allowed only four catches for 25 yards. However, Gonzalez did give up his first touchdown of his career.
Another key matchup will be Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones versus 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Jennings stepped up in a big way against the Los Angeles Rams with the absence of Deebo Samuel last week. He secured 11 catches for 175 yards and catching all three of Brock Purdy’s touchdown passes.
Maye Watch
The Patriots gave third overall pick Drake Maye a few reps late in the fourth quarter against the Jets last week. And, it will be interesting to see if he will get more playing time this week if the Patriots’ offense struggles again. Maye has received praise from multiple different coaches this week of practice. That includes offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who said Maye looked great in practice this week.
Patriots Keys to Victory
Although the Patriots didn’t show many bright spots in their Thursday night matchup against the Jets, there are areas they may be able to capitalize on.
New England has struggled to establish any type of true passing game. Yet, one thing they have done really well is run the ball. New England will need to continue their dominant run game and take advantage of the 49ers being without staring defensive tackle Javon Hargrave.
On the defensive side, the Patriots can’t allow third-year running back Jordan Mason to have a good night. Mason has been a surprising bright spot for the 49ers this season in the absence of Christian McCaffrey.
Another key element to stopping the 49ers is containing quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy showed against the Rams that even with key role players out he could still be productive. Last week, he completed 22 of 30 throws for 292 yards and three touchdowns. The 49ers passing game was successful even without Samuel and George Kittle being inactive due to injury.
If the Patriots pass rush can disrupt Purdy and force turnovers, it will give New England the added drives they will need to keep up with the 49ers scoring.
