The NFL Network show NFL HQ asked, during a segment called "More or Less," how the 2016 San Francisco 49ers would compare to their 2015 counterparts. In the discussion was Jamie Dukes and David Carr, who were optimistic about the 49ers this season.
2016 Record
Dukes and Carr: More
The 49ers finished the 2015 season with a 5-11 record under then head coach Jim Tomsula. How do Dukes and Carr believe the Chip Kelly led 49ers will do compared to that? Will they have more or less than five victories when all is said and done?
"They're going to have more wins than five because they're going to score some more points," answered Carr. "They've got some new players. NaVorro Bowman is going to tackle enough people to get over five."
Dukes was in full agreement saying, "They're going to right that ship. They're definitely going to have more."
Host Erin Coscarelli went on to remind everyone how tough the 49ers' schedule is in 2016, especially out of the gate.
Scoring in 2016
Dukes and Carr: More
They two were next asked if the 49ers would score more or less points in 2016 than the previous season when they averaged just 14.9 points-per-game, which was last in the league.
"That's why they brought Chip Kelly in," Dukes answered. "And Chip Kelly has two quarterbacks that fit his style of play, as in a spread offense. That's what Chip wants to do. You want somebody who's a spread quarterback to have familiarity with what you do."
Dukes, who has made it clear before that he believes Colin Kaepernick is the team's best option at quarterback, continued, "They've got one [quarterback] that's led their team to three NFC Championships. His name is Colin Kaepernick. The other guy? He was in Jacksonville and you see what's going on in Jacksonville."
NFL HQ on NFL Network
Number of Games for Colin Kaepernick
Dukes and Carr: More
Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert split the 49ers' 2015 season in games played, so the NFL HQ hosts asked if he would play more or less than eight games in 2016.
"I'm going to say more," said Carr. "It's going to take a little time for Colin to get back, but he's going to start more than eight." Dukes agreed.
Sacks by the Defense
Dukes and Carr: More
Both Dukes and Carr started that the 49ers would have more than 28 sacks, their 2015 total, in 2016. Dukes stated that this team is not that bad and that they just have some "tweaking" to do. "They should have new live. They'll be fine," he said.
"They're going to have more opportunities. More snaps on defense," said Carr. "DeForest Buckner hopefully can come in and do something so I think a lot more this year."
Tackles by NaVorro Bowman
Dukes: More
Carr: Less
NaVorro Bowman is the heart of the 49ers defense and led the league in tackles last season with 154. Should fans expect more or less out of Bowman this season? "I'm going to actually go with more again. He's a great player. It's designed for him to hunt and make those tackles. So what they'll do – you know, they drafted the kid this year – they're going to continue to cover him up and let him hunt," said Dukes.
"I think it's going to be less just because of the fact that they're not necessarily going to have to tackle as much," said Carr.
You can watch the entire segment below.
