Watch CBS News

National Football League

gettyimages-488260020.jpg

Running The Ball Well And A Strong Defense Could Be Hallmarks Of 49ers Season

Coming off a stunning performance in a 20-3 win over the Minnesota Vikings at home in Monday Night Football's doubleheader in Week 1, the San Francisco 49ers seem to have rebuilt themselves a little bit in the transition from Jim Harbaugh to Jim Tomsula. As the team prepares to take the show on the road for Week 2 in Pittsburgh, it's clear that running back Carlos Hyde will be the focus of the offense, and the defense is every bit as feisty as it was during the deep playoff runs of 2011-13.

gettyimages-48764059021.jpg

Steelers Will Prove Tough For 49ers To Beat On The Road In Week 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers aren't the same on defense like they have been for years, but the offense is very dangerous still. Despite a 28-21 loss in Week 1 to the New England Patriots on the road, the Steelers will be a tough opponent for the 49ers in Week 2. First, Pittsburgh has had some extra rest and time to prepare, while San Francisco will be a day short on both. Second, the Steelers have enough weapons on offense to really challenge a depleted 49ers defense. Finally, it's never easy to steal a win in Pittsburgh.

gettyimages-488105154-1.jpg

Raiders Look To Avoid 0-2 Start When Ravens Invade The Black Hole

2015 NFL schedule makers certainly did not do the (0-1) Oakland Raiders any favors when comprising matchups for the first two weeks of the season, as the Silver and Black host the second playoff team (from a year ago) in as many weeks. The O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California, will once again be overfilled with one of the most loyal fanbases in football when the (0-1) Baltimore Ravens look for their first win of the season at the Raiders' expense.

gettyimages-488261322.jpg

Team Grades: 49ers Defense Better Than Anyone Expected In Monday Night Win

For all the changes in personnel and the unfavorable matchups against the Minnesota Vikings, the San Francisco 49ers defense really played like it was 2011 on Monday night in the season-opening game. The passing game still has miles to go, but running back Carlos Hyde demonstrated he's more than capable of replacing Frank Gore in the lineup. Overall, it was a great night for the 49ers as they started the 2015 NFL season with a surprisingly easy victory.

Show More
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue