The San Francisco 49ers got back in the win column with a convincing win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, following their win over the Buffalo Bills last Monday night. For the first time in 2025, the 49ers offense resembled the physical team from years past, and the running game got on track. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers offense pushed around the Falcons’ defensive line by shifting to more gap-scheme runs rather than outside zone. The defense responded with its best pass-rushing showing in quite some time and bottled up the high-flying Falcons offense.
Let’s look at two bounce-back candidates from Week 6 to Week 7.
Offense: Dominick Puni
After allowing six pressures and six hurries against Tampa Bay, Puni responded with only one pressure allowed on Sunday night. Now, to be fair, the 49ers dropped back 48 times in Week 6, and couldn’t run the football with any consistency, but Puni was much better in pass protection against a Falcons defensive line known for their pressure rates and blitz scheme. Yes, Mac Jones only dropped back 28 times, but that was a recipe for success, allowing the offense to sustain itself and keep the Falcons’ pass rush from taking over the game.
According to PFF, Puni’s run blocking grade dipped from last week to Sunday night, but he definitely looked closer to the guy from early last year than early this year. Puni’s knee injury has slowed him down, but Sunday’s performance could mean he’s feeling better than ever. It’s a welcome sight, given the matchup with Houston and their great defensive line coming up on Sunday.
Defense: Sam Okuayinonu
Bryce Huff was a force against Atlanta, but Sammy O followed up a zero-pressure effort against Tampa Bay with five pressures, four hurries, three defensive stops, and a sack. On 21 true pass rush snaps, Okuayinonu registered a 26.3% win rate. That is the highest win rate of any pass rusher with over ten pass rushes on Sunday night. The continued development of Okuayinonu will be vital for the 49ers with Huff’s hamstring injury.
The chance to duplicate this performance starts this Sunday against the Houston Texans’ offensive line, which has struggled mightily all season. Robert Saleh did a great job with his defensive fronts and coverage concepts, which will need to continue to offset the loss of Huff, but Sammy O has a chance to reap the benefits again on Sunday.
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