The San Francisco 49ers have their sights set on a return to the playoffs, much like what the 2019 version of the team accomplished. Could a return to the Super Bowl be in the forecast? Maybe. But, as was the case two years ago, the road won't be easy.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is one of the many remaining pieces from that 2019 team. He still has his All-Pro tight end, George Kittle. He still has wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who leads the league in receiving this season. The defensive line is healthy and formidable again, with Nick Bosa terrorizing opposing quarterbacks.
How does the 49ers quarterback compare this year's team to the squad from two years ago?
"I think the defense is very similar to that Super Bowl run we had," Garoppolo said Tuesday on The Rich Eisen Show. "The defense is very stingy. They showed that last week against Philly. They keep us in every game, good, bad, or indifferent. The complimentary football that we played is very similar to that year."
Of course, there are some new pieces. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been added, and hopefully, we'll see his role grow as the season progresses. Offensive tackle Trent Williams is an addition. He remains one of the best offensive linemen in football. There is a slew of new young running backs eager to prove their worth. They just need to stay healthy.
Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt are still patrolling the defensive backfield. Linebacker Fred Warner is still doing Fred Warner-type things. The cornerbacks have some new faces, and the hope is that they will improve as their experience increases.
The old mixed with the new has Garoppolo believing this 49ers team can be just as special. Could that mean a return to the Super Bowl and, this time, potentially winning the big game?
"And I think just the leaders in this locker room, there's a lot of new faces, but the core of us is still the same from that Super Bowl year, just about," Garoppolo said. "There's a lot of good pieces, a lot of the same coaches, and I think as long as you've got your core players together like that, you've always got a shot."