ESPN

San Francisco at New England
	When: 8:20 PM ET Watch: NBC Preview
Scouts Inc. Position Advantage QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach

After watching film of both teams, Scouts Inc. breaks down key elements of the Week 15 49ers-Patriots matchup.

• Pound the rock: Look for San Francisco to stress its power running game on the road. The 49ers will look to set the physical tone with a running game that is very difficult to prepare for because it uses so many personnel groupings, formations and run calls. The 49ers also probably have the best run-blocking offensive line in football. To be successful running between the tackles, the 49ers will have to move Vince Wilfork, which is easier said than done. Wilfork was dominant Monday night against Houston. The Patriots also feature a heavy group of downhill linebackers who excel at stopping the interior run. But San Francisco will combat that with extra offensive linemen and a wide array of heavy sets. Led by Frank Gore, but also getting LaMichael James involved for the first time this season, the Niners racked up 155 rushing yards against a very good Dolphins run defense in Week 14.

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