Gameday Preview: Week 3 Lions @ 49ers

Week 3 brings us the battle of Martz’ proteges

It will be another battle of Mike Martz proteges when Jon Kitna brings his Lions to face J.T. O’Sullivan’s 49ers. O’Sullivan threw for 321 yards in Week 2, the first time a 49ers quarterback had more the 300 yards since Tim Rattay did it in 2004. But O’Sullivan shows a Kitna-like propensity for taking sacks. The 49ers allowed 12 in two games, several of them because O’Sullivan held the ball too long. As O’Sullivan’s mastery of the offense grows, the 49ers threaten to become a potent offense.

The 49ers’ downfield passing game ought to open things up for featured back Frank Gore, who has been bottled up in recent seasons. The Seahawks made a concerted effort to stop Gore last week — he had 61 rushing yards on 19 carries — but were burned by O’Sullivan and Isaac Bruce in the passing game. Bruce finished with 153 receiving yards, his highest total since 2004.

So far the 49ers defense has limited big plays, something that the Lions, who are averaging seven yards per play, will test this week. The 49ers allowed a 100-yard rusher in each of their first two games and have not gotten off the field on third downs.

Injuries:
Questionable: Lions – Jordon Dizon LB (Neck), Cory Redding DT (Ankle), Corey Smith DE (Hamstring)
Out: 49ers – Jonas Jennings T (Vagina), Shawntae Spencer DB (Knee)

Key Matchups:
Gore vs Lions defense – The Lions are giving up an average of 220 yards per game. If all goes well Gore should run all over the Lions D.

Prediction:
49ers 38 – Lions 17