SPORTS
49ers Players Bounce Back Strong in Week 7
San Francisco, USAWed Oct 22 2025
The San Francisco 49ers showcased a powerful performance in Week 7, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in a game that reminded fans of their dominant past. The team's running game finally found its rhythm, and the defense put up a strong fight against the Falcons' high-scoring offense.
Standout Performances
Dominick Puni's Bounce-Back on Offense
- Improved Pass Protection: Allowed only one pressure against the Falcons, a significant improvement from the previous week's six pressures and six hurries.
- Run Blocking: Showed signs of returning to his early 2023 form, despite not being as strong as last week.
- Injury Concerns: His knee injury has been a concern, but this performance suggests he might be on the mend, which is good news heading into a tough matchup against the Houston Texans.
Sam Okuayinonu's Defensive Standout Game
- Pressure and Hurries: Registered five pressures, four hurries, three defensive stops, and a sack against the Falcons.
- Win Rate: His 26.3% win rate was the highest among pass rushers with over ten pass rushes that night.
- Importance: With Bryce Huff sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Okuayinonu's continued development is crucial for the 49ers. The upcoming game against the Houston Texans, who have struggled with their offensive line all season, could be another opportunity for Okuayinonu to shine.
Key Factors in the Victory
- Offensive Strategy: The 49ers' offense, led by Kyle Shanahan, used more gap-scheme runs instead of their usual outside zone plays, which helped them dominate the Falcons' defensive line.
- Defensive Effort: The defense delivered their best pass-rushing performance in a while, contributing significantly to the victory.
Looking Ahead
As the 49ers prepare for their next game, the focus will be on maintaining this momentum. The offense needs to keep the running game strong, and the defense must continue to pressure the quarterback effectively. With key players like Puni and Okuayinonu stepping up, the team looks poised for more success.
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questions
Is Dominick Puni's improved performance a sign he's feeling better, or just that the Falcons' defensive line is feeling worse?
Did Sam Okuayinonu's sack against the Falcons count as a 'defensive stop' or just a really good lunch break for Mac Jones?
How does the shift to gap-scheme runs contribute to the 49ers' offensive success compared to their previous outside zone strategy?
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