The Sharp Report: The San Francisco 49ers Use A Lot of Two Running Back Sets

As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, one aspect of their game plan has been particularly prominent this season: the use of two running backs sets. This strategy has proven effective for the 49ers, and this column explores how they might utilize it in the Super Bowl, along with the betting implications for this unique approach.

49ers’ Emphasis on Two Running Back Sets: The 49ers have distinguished themselves in the NFL by frequently deploying two running back sets. Whether it’s 21 personnel, 22 personnel, or similar formations, they have consistently relied on the versatility and power of their running backs.

Chiefs’ Experience Against Two Running Back Sets: The Chiefs are no strangers to facing teams that employ two running back sets in their offensive schemes. They have already encountered teams like the Miami Dolphins and the Baltimore Ravens, both of whom utilize this strategy extensively. In fact, the Chiefs have played 13 games against teams using two running backs sets this season, which has given them valuable experience in defending against such formations.

Chiefs’ Defensive Struggles: While experience is valuable, the Chiefs’ performance against these two-running back sets has been far from stellar. Their defensive statistics against such formations are concerning. They rank 23rd in Expected Points Added (EPA) per attempt, 21st in success rate, and 27th in yards per carry against all two-back sets. Notably, when facing 21 personnel runs on early downs—similar to the 49ers’ preferred approach—the Chiefs’ defense ranks a dismal 30th in EPA per attempt, success rate, and yards per carry, allowing a staggering six yards per carry.

The Challenge for Steve Spagnuolo: The responsibility of devising a game plan to counter the 49ers’ two-running back sets falls on the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnolo. It’s no easy task, given the Chiefs’ struggles against this strategy throughout the season. Nonetheless, Spagnuolo’s ability to make adjustments and find solutions will be critical to the Chiefs’ success in the Super Bowl.

Betting Insights: For bettors, this emphasis on two-running back sets by the 49ers presents an intriguing dynamic. The Chiefs’ defensive struggles against such formations could translate into opportunities for the 49ers to control the game’s tempo and exploit their ground game.

Conclusion: The Super Bowl showdown between the 49ers and the Chiefs promises to be an exciting battle of strategies. The 49ers’ reliance on two running back sets has been a cornerstone of their success, while the Chiefs’ struggles in defending against this approach add a layer of uncertainty. As fans and bettors alike await the big game, all eyes will be on Steve Spagnolo and the Chiefs’ defense to see if they can devise a plan to slow down the potent running attack of the 49ers.

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