John Lynch - 49ers GM

This feels damning. I know there were injuries but the lack of sacks and pressure along with the state of the OL is just disgusting. The neglect of the trenches is finally coming to roost. Can't win the NFC West this way.

Originally posted by Gemini10:

The @Seahawks defense had more sacks (9) and takeaways (4) in 2 games at Levi's Stadium this season than the 49ers did in their 8 home games combined (7 sacks, 3 takeaways)

Kenneth Walker III also had more runs of 20+ yards (3) than the whole SF team (2) in that stadium

— Jack Andrade (@RealJackAndrade) February 9, 2026

This feels damning. I know there were injuries but the lack of sacks and pressure along with the state of the OL is just disgusting. The neglect of the trenches is finally coming to roost. Can't win the NFC West this way.

The irony is Seattle doesn't have any DL superstars, either. What they have is depth: multiple guys who can win 1-on-1, play selflessly, and execute the scheme. MacDonald schemes up free rushers, but the players also do the dirty work like filling lanes and freeing up teammates. There are a lot selfless guys on that DL.

The 49ers are the opposite. They have Nick Bosa, and that's basically it. Outside of Bryce Huff--who lost his effectiveness once he had to play base downs--there's no one who can consistently win 1-on-1. When Bosa went down, the pass rush disappeared because everything was built around him.

Seattle didn't have a single double-digit sack guy, but they had five players who could create pressure. That's the takeaway. It's not about finding an "edge #2." It's about having multiple players who can win on their own, so that the whole unit doesn't fall apart when one guy is out for the year.

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by Gemini10:

The @Seahawks defense had more sacks (9) and takeaways (4) in 2 games at Levi's Stadium this season than the 49ers did in their 8 home games combined (7 sacks, 3 takeaways)

Kenneth Walker III also had more runs of 20+ yards (3) than the whole SF team (2) in that stadium

— Jack Andrade (@RealJackAndrade) February 9, 2026

This feels damning. I know there were injuries but the lack of sacks and pressure along with the state of the OL is just disgusting. The neglect of the trenches is finally coming to roost. Can't win the NFC West this way.

The irony is Seattle doesn't have any DL superstars, either. What they have is depth: multiple guys who can win 1-on-1, play selflessly, and execute the scheme. MacDonald schemes up free rushers, but the players also do the dirty work like filling lanes and freeing up teammates. There are a lot selfless guys on that DL.

The 49ers are the opposite. They have Nick Bosa, and that's basically it. Outside of Bryce Huff--who lost his effectiveness once he had to play base downs--there's no one who can consistently win 1-on-1. When Bosa went down, the pass rush disappeared because everything was built around him.

Seattle didn't have a single double-digit sack guy, but they had five players who could create pressure. That's the takeaway. It's not about finding an "edge #2." It's about having multiple players who can win on their own, so that the whole unit doesn't fall apart when one guy is out for the year.

Would love it if the 9ers had a Leonard Williams.

It is "obvious" where the issues are.

Offense
Aging core in CMC, Kittle, Juice, and Trent on O. Plus a not so durable Pearsall and MIA Aiyuk left Purdy with not many weapons. As much as I love the core, it is unlikely they will play through the entire season without injuries. Need to get younger on O. I loved it when we had fast RBs (like Mostert or Brieda) even though they weren't route runners or a pass catchers in CMC's league.
I like Purdy and think he is the future of this franchise. But I also think that he is overpaid and that's going to lead to lack of depth which will require home run drafts to mask. 2019 was the year we had a dominant D, but Jimmy G couldn't deliver when absolutely needed. That's when a dominant QB was able to overcome the "better" team. I think that changed how Shanahan and Lynch approached roster building. Jury's still out whether Purdy can overcome lack of depth around him because of how much he is making.

Defense
We are not going to win a SB if the level of D play centers around one player. Eagles, Rams, and Seahawks have been able to have success with strong rotational players. There is also the philosophy - do you want to invest on great edge rushers complemented by elite LB play? Or do you want to a stout interior with elite DBs? This is a key roster building choice on D.

Special Teams
Make this an afterthought at your own peril. ST is not an issue till it is, on the very biggest stage. Entire seasons come down to field goals, punting to flip field position, punt return TDs (for and against you), and kick-offs.

Coaching
This is not just about play calling. Reacting to getting punched in the face and still competing is a necessity, especially in the big games. Shanahan is a great coach but can't overcome adversity when the opposing team is able to punch back. His teams don't overcome half-time deficits and give up fourth quarter leads. A bit unfair and harsh, yes, but these aren't isolated incidents.
I see that Head coaches who are able to stay calm inspire the team and make them believe that it isn't over win the big games more often than not. How many angry and agitated coaches do you see win the biggest games? Loss of composure and negative body language as a HC not only affects your ability to manage the game, it also impacts everybody on the sideline.

Roster Building
Very few teams in the league have a HC and QB combination that they are happy with. We believe we have that combination. So, why can't our GM build a roster that complements them? Why do we have aging fan favorites that can't stay healthy on the roster? Why don't younger drafted players see the field more? Is the scheme on both sides so dense that it takes years to learn? Why is the HC/GM combination unable to make hard business decisions that make the team stronger? Bill Walsh would have likely traded Kittle by now. I am reminded of Einstein's definition of insanity when I look at our roster - let's just run it one more time with this aging roster and hope for a miracle that everyone will stay healthy (when all evidence points to the contrary).
Seattle winning it all on our home turf is a humbling experience. But there's much to learn from them. Now let's see if our HC/GM learn and improve or continue to stubbornly stick to their methods.

Originally posted by Heroism:
The irony is Seattle doesn't have any DL superstars, either. What they have is depth: multiple guys who can win 1-on-1, play selflessly, and execute the scheme. MacDonald schemes up free rushers, but the players also do the dirty work like filling lanes and freeing up teammates. There are a lot selfless guys on that DL.

The 49ers are the opposite. They have Nick Bosa, and that's basically it. Outside of Bryce Huff--who lost his effectiveness once he had to play base downs--there's no one who can consistently win 1-on-1. When Bosa went down, the pass rush disappeared because everything was built around him.

Seattle didn't have a single double-digit sack guy, but they had five players who could create pressure. That's the takeaway. It's not about finding an "edge #2." It's about having multiple players who can win on their own, so that the whole unit doesn't fall apart when one guy is out for the year.

Fantastic post.

This teams poor drafting has caught up to us.

That goes for our Oline falling apart when Trent Williams is out and our entire offense falling apart when CMC is out or our entire D falling apart when Warner is out or when we can't run the ball when Kittle is out.

That really goes to show how BADLY this team has been built and how much we rely on a few superstars we found (Warner, Bosa, Kittle) and the two superstars we traded for (Williams and CMC)

If one or more of those 5 guys are out this team goes to s**t. We have ZERO quality depth players because of this teams inability to draft. We have blown so many picks in rounds 1-3 and when those guys aren't around to carry the team we don't win games. Plain and simple. We have ZERO impact players under the age of 25.

And the scary thing is those guys are now older and more injury prone than ever. When they are done this team is done.

Originally posted by ninerball:
It is "obvious" where the issues are.

Offense
Aging core in CMC, Kittle, Juice, and Trent on O. Plus a not so durable Pearsall and MIA Aiyuk left Purdy with not many weapons. As much as I love the core, it is unlikely they will play through the entire season without injuries. Need to get younger on O. I loved it when we had fast RBs (like Mostert or Brieda) even though they weren't route runners or a pass catchers in CMC's league.
I like Purdy and think he is the future of this franchise. But I also think that he is overpaid and that's going to lead to lack of depth which will require home run drafts to mask. 2019 was the year we had a dominant D, but Jimmy G couldn't deliver when absolutely needed. That's when a dominant QB was able to overcome the "better" team. I think that changed how Shanahan and Lynch approached roster building. Jury's still out whether Purdy can overcome lack of depth around him because of how much he is making.

Defense
We are not going to win a SB if the level of D play centers around one player. Eagles, Rams, and Seahawks have been able to have success with strong rotational players. There is also the philosophy - do you want to invest on great edge rushers complemented by elite LB play? Or do you want to a stout interior with elite DBs? This is a key roster building choice on D.

Special Teams
Make this an afterthought at your own peril. ST is not an issue till it is, on the very biggest stage. Entire seasons come down to field goals, punting to flip field position, punt return TDs (for and against you), and kick-offs.

Coaching
This is not just about play calling. Reacting to getting punched in the face and still competing is a necessity, especially in the big games. Shanahan is a great coach but can't overcome adversity when the opposing team is able to punch back. His teams don't overcome half-time deficits and give up fourth quarter leads. A bit unfair and harsh, yes, but these aren't isolated incidents.
I see that Head coaches who are able to stay calm inspire the team and make them believe that it isn't over win the big games more often than not. How many angry and agitated coaches do you see win the biggest games? Loss of composure and negative body language as a HC not only affects your ability to manage the game, it also impacts everybody on the sideline.

Roster Building
Very few teams in the league have a HC and QB combination that they are happy with. We believe we have that combination. So, why can't our GM build a roster that complements them? Why do we have aging fan favorites that can't stay healthy on the roster? Why don't younger drafted players see the field more? Is the scheme on both sides so dense that it takes years to learn? Why is the HC/GM combination unable to make hard business decisions that make the team stronger? Bill Walsh would have likely traded Kittle by now. I am reminded of Einstein's definition of insanity when I look at our roster - let's just run it one more time with this aging roster and hope for a miracle that everyone will stay healthy (when all evidence points to the contrary).
Seattle winning it all on our home turf is a humbling experience. But there's much to learn from them. Now let's see if our HC/GM learn and improve or continue to stubbornly stick to their methods.

Good post.

Last year was the year to go all in with the home Super Bowl but instead we did a half rebuild.

We are an aging, injury prone top heavy team that relys on 5 guys. Bosa, Trent Williams, CMC, Kittle and Warner and we have ZERO impact players under the age of 25.

If one or more of those guys are out the entire position group goes to s**t.

Has he been fired yet,

John, you're going to have to learn how to draft better or your days with the 49ers are numbered.

Originally posted by 49er-from-Yavin-IV:
John, you're going to have to learn how to draft better or your days with the 49ers are numbered.

the thing is, John isn't responsible for drafting players. it's a collaboration. What the 49ers need is a new power structure. They need an architect with a vision. not 10 guys with ideas.

Originally posted by Heroism:

Originally posted by Gemini10:

The @Seahawks defense had more sacks (9) and takeaways (4) in 2 games at Levi's Stadium this season than the 49ers did in their 8 home games combined (7 sacks, 3 takeaways)

Kenneth Walker III also had more runs of 20+ yards (3) than the whole SF team (2) in that stadium

— Jack Andrade (@RealJackAndrade) February 9, 2026

This feels damning. I know there were injuries but the lack of sacks and pressure along with the state of the OL is just disgusting. The neglect of the trenches is finally coming to roost. Can't win the NFC West this way.

The irony is Seattle doesn't have any DL superstars, either. What they have is depth: multiple guys who can win 1-on-1, play selflessly, and execute the scheme. MacDonald schemes up free rushers, but the players also do the dirty work like filling lanes and freeing up teammates. There are a lot selfless guys on that DL.

The 49ers are the opposite. They have Nick Bosa, and that's basically it. Outside of Bryce Huff--who lost his effectiveness once he had to play base downs--there's no one who can consistently win 1-on-1. When Bosa went down, the pass rush disappeared because everything was built around him.

Seattle didn't have a single double-digit sack guy, but they had five players who could create pressure. That's the takeaway. It's not about finding an "edge #2." It's about having multiple players who can win on their own, so that the whole unit doesn't fall apart when one guy is out for the year.

They also don't have as many high paid players. Darnold is their highest and he earned $13 million in 2025. Next year his cap number will be about $37 million which is still lower than many starting QBs. They have alot ofplayers still on their first contract. The Niners have more older players that are among the highest paid at their position. Yhey can't keep their depth as we've seen with some of the guys that have moved on.

Originally posted by BP13:
the thing is, John isn't responsible for drafting players. it's a collaboration. What the 49ers need is a new power structure. They need an architect with a vision. not 10 guys with ideas.

💯

Originally posted by Heroism:
Seattle didn't have a single double-digit sack guy, but they had five players who could create pressure. That's the takeaway. It's not about finding an "edge #2." It's about having multiple players who can win on their own, so that the whole unit doesn't fall apart when one guy is out for the year.

This was the bread and butter of the Jimmy Johnson Cowboys' Super Bowl Championships!

You're all overcomplicating this. The problem isn't the quality of the picks we have made, we have been average to above average in terms of finding starters.

The big misses this FO has made were the reckless trading away of assets. The Lance trade (cost us 3 firsts), I believe we gave up assets for Hargrave, assets for CMC ( this was good and worth it), etc. Worth it or not, eventually we were going to pay the price for going all in during those years our roster was elite and one or 2 players away from being SB contenders. And now we hit a cliff where our stars are aging and we don't have any young superstars because Mykell Williams is the first top 15 pick we have had in like 5 freaking years.

Lynch…if you want to keep your job, then keep your picks and use them to find the next generation of impact players. No more leaning on the old farts we currently have.

Also you're all going to hate me for saying this but…I'm not against trading Bosa this offseason for a couple high picks in this and the next draft. His best football is behind him and his value is never going to be higher than what it is right now. Seattle managed to have a dominant pass rush without locking up hella money and dependence in one defensive end. He's no sacred cow in my book.

Originally posted by Sask49erFan:
Good post.

Last year was the year to go all in with the home Super Bowl but instead we did a half rebuild.

We are an aging, injury prone top heavy team that relys on 5 guys. Bosa, Trent Williams, CMC, Kittle and Warner and we have ZERO impact players under the age of 25.

If one or more of those guys are out the entire position group goes to s**t.

A big part of the problem is that the coaches don't trust younger players. It seemingly takes players longer (than other teams) to see meaningful action. Ad by the time they start contributing, they are ready for their next contract. That leads to worse salary cap outcomes.

Originally posted by Young2Owens:
Also you're all going to hate me for saying this but…I'm not against trading Bosa this offseason for a couple high picks in this and the next draft. His best football is behind him and his value is never going to be higher than what it is right now. Seattle managed to have a dominant pass rush without locking up hella money and dependence in one defensive end. He's no sacred cow in my book.

I wouldn't be opposed to trading away Nick Bosa for a haul if I believed this front office could do something with the return, but there's no reason to trust this front office to trade away the only pass rusher they've got and then successfully replace him. John Lynch's drafting record doesn't inspire any confidence. Nick Bosa is the only pass rusher they've ever hit on, and even that one was gift-wrapped. Anyone could've made that pick.