Jerry Rice is expecting a lot from the San Francisco 49ers in head coach Kyle Shanahan's and general manager John Lynch's third season. He, like many of the players on the roster, believes the team is ready to turn a corner on the path to success.
The 49ers improved their pass rush this offseason, added to their already young group of wide receivers, and bolstered the running back position. Were the offseason moves enough? Are the 49ers ready to become an NFL threat based on their potential?
"I really think so, to be honest with you, Lo," Rice responded on the "Joe, Lo and Dibs" show during an interview on 95.7 The Game. "I think they have all the pieces in place. That defense is ready to go, and you know you win football games with defense. If the offense can generate points, I think everything is going to balance out.
"This is Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch going into the third year. There's a lot of pressure, and I'm sure they really want to go out there and just turn this whole thing around and get back to that Niners standard. I feel like everything is in place, and that defense is ready to go, that offense is ready to go, and the Niners, they're going to be exciting this year."
The 49ers signed kicker Robbie Gould to a multi-year deal on Monday, and Rice is eager to see the team lock up rookies Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel.
The Hall of Fame receiver believes the presence of Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle will open things up for the young group of receivers who are looking to prove themselves.
"We've got the pieces of the puzzle," Rice continued. "I think this is the year for the San Francisco 49ers. If we go 8-and-8, that's a great season, but I'm sure their expectations are higher than that."
One of those essential puzzle pieces is Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers tried to find a way to continue without their starting quarterback last year but stumbled to a disappointing four-win season.
"If he's on the football field, now he can just distribute that ball, and let those guys (like Kittle and the receivers) be the playmakers," Rice added.
Rice also shared his thoughts on the idea of an 18-game NFL season.
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rice below.