Taylor Price has been covering the San Francisco 49ers since 2008 as 49ers.com's lead staff writer.What are the 49ers defenders saying about the Lions offense?
"To steal a phrase from starting cornerback Tarell Brown, the 49ers are 'geeked' for the challenge of facing
"'All the superlatives that have been associated with Calvin Johnson as a football player are accurate,' the 49ers coach added. 'He’s a proven football player and we’re going to have to do a great job defending him.'
"Just like any week, San Francisco’s prime objective is to take away the opponent’s running options and force them into a one-dimensional attack. That remains the goal this week against a Lions offense that can move the ball through the air quickly."
How do you see the matchup going between Calvin Johnson and the 49ers secondary?
"There’s also no secret that Johnson is the preferred target of Stafford. Knowing that, the 49ers will mix up defensive coverages throughout the game with the intent of disrupting Johnson’s rhythm with Stafford.
"San Francisco’s defensive backs know that even with the tightest of coverage Johnson’s 6-foot-5, 236-pound body is still able to shield away defenders to make downfield catches. That being said, the goal for the 49ers is to keep everything in front of them much like they did last week against Green Bay’s arsenal of perimeter weapons."
The Lions shut down Steven Jackson last week, Gore went off against the Packers, who has the edge?
"If history repeats itself, I’d say the 49ers. Not because I’m a team employee, but because the proof is in the pudding. The 49ers have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 20 consecutive games at Candlestick Park. Conversely, Frank Gore has averaged 125.3 yards per game in four career contests against Detroit.
"When you consider depth, the 49ers have a solid second option in second-year runner Kendall Hunter. Gore remains the 'bell-cow' because of his 16-carry, 112-yard performance against Green Bay, but the 49ers do find ways to incorporate his understudies in other personnel groupings."
How much play has the handshake been getting in the Bay?
"Really none whatsoever. Members of the media brought it up early in the week, but Harbaugh clearly wanted the focus of Sunday night’s primetime opener to be on the players on both teams. Frankly, that’s where it should be. With so many up-and-coming players on both sides of the ball, the attention should be on them and not on things that don’t affect the final score.
"'Our approach with mini-controversies are really to give them the attention that they deserve, which isn’t much,' Harbaugh said. That pretty much trickled down through the locker room this week. The focus has solely been on preparing for the Lions."
How did Randy Moss look last week and what are the expectations for him this week?
"Randy Moss looked quick off the line and sure-handed as well. On his 14-yard touchdown catch, Moss was seemingly already in the end zone waiting for the ball before a Green Bay defender noticed him running free from the left slot. The Lions will certainly be more aware of the wide receiver with 70 career red zone touchdowns to his name.
"Moss wasn’t involved in every offensive play for the 49ers, nor did he start, but the future Hall of Famer was an active participant throughout the game. Moss was commended for his blocking by Harbaugh and finished the game with four catches for 47 yards. Considering all the talent the 49ers acquired this offseason on the perimeter, combined with Michael Crabtree’s continued development, the 49ers don’t necessarily need Moss to be on the field every play to be a major factor.
"Much like the 49ers utilize extra linemen in various power-running packages, offensive coordinator Greg Roman finds the right ways to use all his personnel, not just his starting 11."
