Expect the 49ers to have a need for speed in 2014 NFL Draft
After creating seven game plans against the Seahawks since 2011, 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman is confident he knows the two keys to toppling their talented defense. Roman stated in an interview with 97.3 ESPN in Atlantic City the formula to beat them is speed:
“Here’s the formula for beating them: You can’t turn the ball over and you’ve got to create some big plays in the run or pass game.”
In their three meetings against Seattle this past season, the Niners committed nine turnovers (3.0 a game) and had eight plays of 20-plus yards (2.7 a game). For perspective, the totals in their other 16 games (including playoffs): 13 turnovers (.81) and 72 plays of 20-plus yards (4.5).
The Seahawks’ top-ranked defense, which became the first since the 1985 Bears to lead the NFL in points allowed, yards allowed and takeaways, doesn’t figure to change much next season: Ten of their 11 starters in the NFC Championship Game are under contract for 2014.
They will definitely be the team to beat next year and with the talk of Roman I would expect the Niners to be looking for speed on the offensive side of the ball. One guy that comes to mind is Brandin Cooks from Oregon State, that has Olympic speed. It could be a match made in heaven, because he could be used like Percy Harvin.
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