The big storyline in Santa Clara heading into the upcoming portion of the offseason is quarterback Trey Lance and how quickly the rookie quarterback might get up to speed. For now, the San Francisco 49ers offense is Jimmy Garoppolo's, and he leads a talent-rich roster that is built to win now.
"But the other part of it is guys like (Nick) Bosa that are going to be coming back (from injuries)," Peter Schrager said Wednesday on Good Morning Football. "Guys like Jason Verrett, who's going to be healthy, 100 percent. Then you still have Fred Warner and the rest of the guys.
"Two years ago, they were in the Super Bowl. They lost everyone to injury (last season), and they spent the entire month of December living in [hotel rooms] in Arizona, away from their families. And they still finished the season pretty well, and pretty strong, and beat the Cardinals in a big game."
Injuries indeed played a big part in the 49ers finishing 6-10 last season, and most expect the team to rebound, assuming everyone can stay relatively healthy.
"I think they're going to be a contender for the Super Bowl," Schrager added. "I think they're going to be NFC contenders. I really do. I think the NFC is wide open, and I think this team is really good. And you've got a guy like Fred Warner in the middle and a guy like George Kittle at tight end. There's not going to be many games you're going to be blown out in. I like the Niners this year, and I like them a lot."
What jumps out to James Palmer is the 49ers' schedule. Because they finished in last place within the NFC West, their strength of schedule is tied with the New York Jets and New England Patriots for 19th in the league.
Notes Kay Adams: "We know it's going to be a super-close division race. It pretty much always is. It's a gauntlet. Those couple of (easier) games could make a huge difference."
Shaun O'Hara believes one underrated offseason addition might be the signing of veteran center Alex Mack.
"Weston Richburg has been banged up and just couldn't stay on the field, so [the Alex Mack signing] is going to pay dividends for that entire offense, whether it's Jimmy G or it's Trey Lance playing quarterback," O'Hara said.
Added Palmer: "And then the turnover differential," Palmer added. "Only the Broncos had a worse turnover differential this past season. They had, I believe, 14 fumbles. I just don't see the ball bouncing wrong for them as badly as it did this past year. Sometimes those things even themselves out. With an easier schedule, I think it does put them back in contention, Shaun."
