Why Gennaro picked the 49ers: Because I no longer fear Mike McDaniel conducting a laser light show. What happened to the explosive element of this offense? Running back De’Von Achane averaged a whopping 7.8 yards per carry in 11 games as a rookie. Through 14 games in Year 2, that figure has been slashed in half to 3.9 ypc. Now, we all know the offense came to a grinding halt during the four games Tua Tagovailoa missed with a concussion, but let’s look at the quarterback himself. Air yards per attempt is a straightforward measurement by Next Gen Stats that tells you which passers are pushing the ball downfield most often. In 2022, McDaniel’s first year in Miami, Tua averaged a robust 9.6 AY/A, ranking second in the NFL. Last season, that number dipped to 7.8, ranking 15th. But this year, Tagovailoa’s average has plummeted to 5.5, ranking dead last among all qualified quarterbacks. Unsurprisingly, Tyreek Hill/Jaylen Waddle dynamism has been in much shorter supply in 2024. Simply put, McDaniel’s Fins just don’t drop bombs like they used to.

Now, San Francisco’s defense has been disappointing for much of the season, but the group has played better as it’s gotten healthier over the last few weeks. And the Nick Bosa-led front should have its way with Miami’s offensive line — the injured, ineffectual unit that could be the true root of all the problems detailed above.