How well do the 2021 49ers stack up to the 2019 team?
Lately I have listened to some podcasts and read some tweets comparing the current San Francisco 49ers team (2021) to the 2019 team that fell just short of winning the Super Bowl. I find the comparison interesting. And since many people quickly assume the 2021 49ers are not as good as the 2019 team, I wanted to take a look for myself. So as we prepare for the team to report on Tuesday, let's compare the two teams, position by position. For the purpose of this very scientific experiment, we will assume everyone is healthy (even though that never happens). Let's start on offense. The defensive comparison is coming soon.
Offense
Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo will almost certainly begin the season as the starter. And I am on record saying I believe he will stay healthy and have a strong season. Garoppolo finally had a full offseason to prepare. He has had that only once, before the 2018 season. As you may recall, that season only lasted two games for him. Between injuries and a global pandemic, he has had other things to deal with in every other offseason. Garoppolo has also now been in the system another year. Add to that the fact that he now has a talented rookie, Trey Lance, who the front office traded a bundle for, and Garoppolo's level of focus and motivation have no doubt reached all-time highs for him. I believe Garoppolo will be better this year than he has been so far. Advantage: 2021
Running Back: Trey Sermon is an upgrade over Tevin Coleman. A big upgrade. Wayne Gallman very well may be as good as Matt Breida, though not as explosive. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, Jr. are still in San Francisco, and will factor greatly. Though Wilson is injured right now, he will return. I think the running back room is deeper and more talented than it was in 2019. Advantage: 2021
Wide Receiver: In 2019, the 49ers wide receiver group was not good. The team had to make a midseason trade to bring in Emmanuel Sanders, just to give it some leadership at the position. Deebo Samuel was a rookie. Kendrick Bourne was just starting to come into his own. But others, like Dante Pettis, left a lot to be desired. This season, Samuel comes in healthy. The team moved on from Bourne and others, but has last year's rookie, Brandon Aiyuk, healthy and ready to do great things. I think the 2021 wide receivers group will be better than the 2019 group. But because we have no idea what is going to happen with the third receiver, I'm going to stick with 2019. If Jalen Hurd finally steps up, or if Travis Benjamin or Mohammed Sanu makes an impact, I reserve the right to change my vote. But for now, it's 2019. Advantage: 2019
Tight End: In 2019, it was George Kittle and some other guys. In 2021, it is George Kittle and some other guys. Will Kittle be healthy? Will other tight ends step up and give Kittle some relief? Until we see differently, I am calling a draw here. Advantage: Neither
Offensive Line: I realize this may be blasphemy to 49ers fans, but Trent Williams is an upgrade over Joe Staley. Laken Tomlinson, at left guard, is a draw. So is Mike McGlinchey (although the right tackle should be improving). Aaron Banks will be an upgrade at right guard. Center Alex Mack is an upgrade. This one is pretty easy. The 2021 offensive line, at least on paper, should be better than the 2019 offensive line. Advantage: 2021
The 2021 offense compares very well to the 2019 offense. With coach Kyle Shanahan continuing to expand his playbook, and most likely, sprinkling Lance into the offense, I think we will see this team score a lot of points this season.
Stayed tuned for the defensive comparison!