Patriots offense vs. 49ers defense preview: The Immovable force versus the moveable object

In recent memory, there aren’t many examples of the San Francisco 49ers playing with a losing record under Kyle Shanahan. The good news is that the Niners have won — and covered the spread — their last five games when playing with a losing record.

Let’s understand why that number will turn six this Sunday, starting with when the New England Patriots have the ball.

Ground and pound...kinda

Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen was asked what stands out about the Patriots offense. The first words to come out of his mouth were, “Well, they can really run the ball.”

The Patriots' offensive identity is running the ball again and again. New England runs the ball because they have to, but they’re not…