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SANTA CLARA – Are the 49ers still a power-running team? Or are they gravitating more toward a spread attack with multiple wide receivers on the field?
Coach Jim Harbaugh said he believes the 49ers’ offense is capable of playing it both ways. Currently, the 49ers are ranked 17th in the NFL in both running and passing.
“I wouldn’t categorize it,” Harbaugh said on Wednesday. “In terms of identity, we want to be about moving the football, picking up first downs, scoring points, scoring touchdowns.”
Overall, the 49ers rank tied for 20th in total offense and tied for 19th in points per game.
Through three games, the offense has fell short of expectations, but quarterback Colin Kaepernick said he believes their lack of reliance on one facet of their game is ultimately the team's strength.
“I think we’re multiple in what we do,” Kaepernick said.
Kaepernick is the 15th-ranked passer in the league with a 92.2 rating. Through three games, he has completed 70.2 percent of his pass attempts, which ranks third in the NFL.
He is also 31st in the NFL with 129 yards rushing – just 10 behind running back Frank Gore.
Kaepernick said he believes the 49ers’ offense can become whatever is needed in any particular game based on “what we feel our best matchups are.”