The San Francisco 49ers are 6-0, and their undefeated season faces another challenge as they travel to Atlanta for a Week 7 matchup against the Falcons.
Coming off a 23-17 Monday Night Football victory over the Washington Commanders, San Francisco has a short week to prepare for an Atlanta team with enough offensive firepower to make things interesting.
The Falcons enter the matchup at 2-4, but their record doesn't tell the entire story. With Bijan Robinson leading the ground attack, Drake London threatening defenses downfield, and Michael Penix Jr. capable of delivering explosive throws, Atlanta presents challenges on multiple levels.
For the 49ers, the objective is simple: contain Atlanta's biggest offensive weapons while letting Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan exploit favorable matchups.
Here are three keys to helping San Francisco improve to 7-0.
1. Stop Bijan
Everything starts with Bijan Robinson.
Atlanta's dynamic running back has rushed for 641 yards and four touchdowns through six games, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry.
Robinson isn't simply a running back who picks up yards between the tackles. His vision, patience, and ability to change direction make him one of the NFL's most dangerous offensive weapons. The 49ers can't let him dictate the tempo.
San Francisco's defensive front must control the line of scrimmage, maintain gap integrity, and eliminate the cutback lanes that Robinson consistently exploits.
But stopping Bijan requires more than winning up front. The linebackers must recognize their assignments, pursue with discipline, and finish tackles. Robinson can turn a missed tackle into an explosive gain, making gang tackling essential.
The 49ers also need to account for him in the passing game. Whether Atlanta uses screens, checkdowns, or designed routes out of the backfield, Robinson can create problems when defenders give him space.
San Francisco must force Atlanta into predictable passing situations instead of letting Robinson keep the Falcons ahead of the chains. Make Penix carry the offense without relying on his most dangerous weapon.
Don't let Bijan get started. Shut that down.
2. Limit the Explosives
If Robinson is the engine of Atlanta's offense, Drake London is the player who can change a game with one reception.
Through six games, London has recorded 31 catches for 550 yards, averaging 17.7 yards per reception. Those numbers highlight the challenge San Francisco's secondary faces.
London possesses the size, physicality, and ball skills to win contested catches, while his ability to stretch the field makes him a constant threat. The 49ers cannot let Penix repeatedly connect with London on explosive plays. That starts with disrupting timing at the line of scrimmage.
San Francisco's defensive backs must challenge London without surrendering unnecessary penalties, while the safeties need to remain disciplined against deep routes.
The pass rush also plays an important role. Allowing Penix time to stand comfortably in the pocket increases the likelihood of London finding opportunities downfield.
The 49ers need coordinated pressure that forces quicker decisions and prevents longer routes from developing. Most importantly, San Francisco must tackle immediately after the catch.
London may still make plays. The objective isn't necessarily to eliminate him from Atlanta's offense. The goal is to keep those receptions from becoming game-changing gains. Force the Falcons to sustain long drives instead of allowing two or three explosive plays to put points on the scoreboard.
Drake London can catch the football. Just don't let him blow up the game.
3. Attack the Secondary
While Atlanta's offense presents challenges, its pass defense offers San Francisco an opportunity. The Falcons have allowed approximately 252 passing yards per game through six contests, creating a favorable matchup for Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan.
Purdy enters Week 7 with 1,460 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. His efficiency has driven San Francisco's undefeated start. Against Atlanta, that efficiency needs to translate into sustained offensive production.
The Falcons have talent in their secondary, including Jessie Bates III and A.J. Terrell, whose potential return from injury could strengthen the defensive backfield. However, Atlanta has also dealt with injuries and inconsistency in coverage. That's where Shanahan's offensive creativity becomes important.
Pre-snap motion, play-action concepts, and formation adjustments can force Atlanta's defenders to communicate and reveal their coverage responsibilities. George Kittle should be a central part of that approach, particularly when matched against linebackers or safeties.
Christian McCaffrey can also create mismatches as a receiver, forcing Atlanta to account for him beyond the running game.
For Purdy, the objective isn't forcing deep throws. It's identifying favorable matchups, protecting the football, and taking advantage when the Falcons leave opportunities available.
The offensive line must also keep protecting against an Atlanta pass rush capable of generating pressure. If San Francisco keeps Purdy comfortable and forces the Falcons to defend the entire field, the 49ers should have opportunities to move the football consistently.
Don't just find the weakness. Attack it.
The Bottom Line
The Week 7 formula is straightforward. Stop Bijan. Prevent Robinson from controlling the game on the ground or creating explosive plays in space. Limit the explosives.
Keep Drake London from turning individual receptions into momentum-changing gains. Attack the secondary.
Let Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan exploit favorable matchups while maintaining the offensive efficiency that has kept San Francisco undefeated.
The 49ers have already shown they can win close games, overcome adversity, and execute when it matters most. Now they face a talented Atlanta team looking to hand them their first loss.
San Francisco doesn't need to reinvent its approach. It needs to remain disciplined, execute its assignments, and capitalize on the opportunities Atlanta presents.
Six wins down. One more to go for 7-0.
More info on: George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brock Purdy
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