Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 NFL offenses heading into the 2020 season.
"Several factors were considered, such as quarterback situation," wrote Treash. "PFF play-by-play grading, PFF WAR added and lost, the unit's playcaller and per-play efficiency in 2019."
Kyle Shanahan's offense in San Francisco came in at No. 8, with five NFC squads ranked above his. That includes the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, who came in two spots above the 49ers at No. 6.
"Kyle Shanahan has transformed this offense into a superpower," wrote Treash. "A season ago, the 49ers produced the seventh-most-efficient offense in terms of EPA per play and caused headaches for the opposition through heavy motion and play-action usage."
While the leader of that offense, Jimmy Garoppolo, had the seventh-lowest rate of uncatchable throws last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and produced the 13th-best passing grade in regular-season play, he was not without his flaws. That was evident by his 13 interceptions in 2019.
"He still struggles to see linebackers and makes too many bad decisions over the middle of the field, but make no mistake, San Francisco can win with Garoppolo at the helm," notes Treash.
Shanahan and Garoppolo also have the NFL's best tight end, George Kittle, at their disposal. But the 49ers receivers have been plagued by injuries this offseason.
"Firstly, Deebo Samuel's status for Week 1 is currently up in the air as he nurses a broken foot, though he isn't expected to miss a significant amount of time," wrote Treash. "The second-year receiver ranked second in yards after the catch per reception (8.5) and tied for first in broken tackles (18) last year, so the team will be hoping that he can return to the starting lineup sooner rather than later."
Rookie Brandon Aiyuk, who looks to replace Emmanuel Sanders' production from last season, has also missed some time due to a hamstring injury. Shanahan, however, seems optimistic that Aiyuk will be available for September 13's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.
"Aiyuk averaged 10.9 yards after the catch per reception in 2019," added Treash, "so he should be an explosive weapon for this passing attack once he gets on the field."
Then you have the No. 2 rushing attack from 2019, led by breakout star Raheem Mostert and complemented by Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon. Treash isn't too concerned with who is carrying the football out of the backfield, though, as Shanahan's genius tends to find a way to create production with the run game.
