49ers Coach Shanahan Warns Against Underestimating Dolphins in Potential Trap Game
Despite being heavy favorites, the San Francisco 49ers are being cautioned to stay focused against a young and inexperienced Miami Dolphins team.
The San Francisco 49ers are set to host the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, with the 49ers entering the game as 13.5-point favorites. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan is emphasizing the importance of avoiding complacency, warning his team that the matchup could be a "trap game." The Dolphins, led by first-year head coach Jeff Hafley, possess the youngest and least experienced roster in the NFL, characteristics that could make them a more dangerous opponent if underestimated.
Hafley, who previously coached under Shanahan in Cleveland and San Francisco, is seeking his first win as a head coach. The Dolphins are coming off a Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders but showed tenacity, according to Shanahan. Despite the talent disparity and the Dolphins' early struggles, San Francisco's coaching staff acknowledges the potential for an upset.
"I think the greatness in our team in general is having a head coach like Kyle Shanahan who paints the picture perfectly for the situation week to week," linebacker Fred Warner said. "He did that exact same thing this week, letting us know the challenges that the Dolphins present and the challenge that we have as a team to really get better coming off the Rams game."
The 49ers are also managing the lingering effects of their Week 1 trip to Australia, which involved a nearly 16-hour flight. While they secured a 27-7 victory against the Rams upon their return, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris noted the need for consistent preparation. "It's the National Football League. You better come ready every single week, or there's a piece of humble pie waiting around the corner for you," Morris stated. "Our head coach preaches that. It's our building. It's the mentality."
A key matchup to watch will be between the Dolphins' explosive running back De'Von Achane and the 49ers' front seven. Achane, who set an NFL record with 5.7 yards per carry last season, presents a significant challenge. "He gets mistaken [for] an outside runner, but he lowers his pads, he runs for the extra yards … then, if you're not careful, he can make a really explosive run or catch," Morris commented.
Despite the potential pitfalls, oddsmakers have continued to favor the 49ers, with the point spread widening. The 49ers' roster, the oldest in the league according to NFL research, contrasts sharply with Miami's youthful squad. This experience gap is seen as a significant advantage for San Francisco, especially in a home opener.
Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak noted the success of the Raiders' rushing attack against the Dolphins in Week 1, but indicated that his focus remains on his team's execution. The 49ers plan to continue emphasizing their run game with Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black.
San Francisco's defense is also looking to improve its pass rush against a Dolphins offensive line that allowed a league-worst five sacks and a 40% pressure rate in Week 1. The 49ers, who struggled with sacks last season, pressured opposing quarterbacks at a 28% rate in their first game, and they see an opportunity to get pressure on Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis.