SANTA CLARA (AP) — Jim Harbaugh has made a coaching career out of bucking convention.While the rest of football seems to be moving to more wide-open offense and spread formations, Harbaugh’s success at both Stanford and with the San Francisco 49ers has been built on power.Instead of using as many little receivers as he can, Harbaugh has preferred to use formations with seven offensive linemen or three tight ends.Whether it’s because of injuries or new personnel, that philosophy is showing signs of changing in Harbaugh’s fourth season as 49ers coach.“I wouldn’t categorize it,” Harbaugh said of the offense. “In terms of identity, we want to be about moving the football, picking up first downs, scoring points, scoring touchdowns.”There’s been more passing so far this season.The 49ers (1-2) used three or more receivers on nearly three-quarters of their plays in last week’s 23-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals after using those formations fewer than any other team a year ago.The spread attack helped quarterback Colin Kaepernick lead two long touchdown drives to open the game but San Francisco failed to score after that and lost for the second straight week.“There was some real positives there,” Harbaugh said. “I thought the receivers played extremely good.
49ers spreading out offensive attack