The 49ers are Still Talented on Offense
The 49ers will come into next year better on offense. Injuries and holdouts derailed this season. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk conducted a "hold-in" that had a profound effect on the offensive production. Not practicing at all led to an obviously rusty Aiyuk before he suffered a season-ending injury. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings did his best to fill Aiyuk's role, and did so admirably, but they are two completely different players that change the style of the offense. Jennings is a big target with tenacity and the ability to win one-on-ones. Aiyuk, while also able to win one-on-ones, is fantastic at finding soft spots in defenses.
The wide-open receivers that quarterback Brock Purdy enjoyed throwing to were basically non-existent this season. Deebo Samuel has often been blamed for his lack of production, but in all fairness, he has never been a speedster. With no speed on the perimeter, how can anyone expect him to produce? Defenses were not intimidated downfield, and because of that, they were able to suffocate the playmakers at or near the line.
The Likely Return of Brock Purdy
The idea of former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart to the 49ers is fun, but pretending like Purdy won't be the starting QB next year is foolish. The entire front office has made their feelings known. They are bringing Purdy back, and that is a good thing. Sure, Purdy has a few weaknesses compared to the big prototypical quarterbacks of the league, and this season showed he needs a supporting cast to win, but what quarterback doesn't? If it was all up to the quarterback, the best quarterback would win the Super Bowl every year.
And yes, while Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes have 10 Super Bowls between them, they both had amazing supporting casts for those wins. Those teams were great at every level, and just so happened to have a great QB. Purdy is good enough to win a Super Bowl, and the 49ers front office is wise enough to recognize that.
The Front Office
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch took the reins of an almost talentless team in 2017. Through the draft, they have built a powerhouse. They had a few layups (defensive end Nick Bosa) and a few misses (Shanahan's favorites) but, for the most part, draft better than the majority of the league. Look no further than players like linebacker Dre Greenlaw, tight end George Kittle, safety Talanoa Hufanga, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, linebacker Fred Warner, and more recently safety Malik Mustapha and offensive lineman Dominick Puni. All of these players were found in the third round or later. Long story short, the 49ers front office knows how to find great players in low places.
As of now, the 2024 season should be looked at as more of an anomaly than anything else, so relax and enjoy the next few months of guessing!
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 16 matchup vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak, and quarterback Brock Purdy are scheduled... -
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 17 matchup vs. Bears
The San Francisco 49ers will hold three full practices this week as they prepare for their Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. However, only two will be open to reporters, as there will be no media availability on Christmas Day. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, defensive... -
49ers vs. Colts PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved their record to 11-4 after a 48-27 win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. Today, Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game. Which Niners stood out, and who needs more work? Highest-graded 49ers:... -
49ers vs. Bears in Week 17: How to watch, stream, and listen, plus odds
The San Francisco 49ers return to Levi's Stadium to take on the Chicago Bears on NBC's Sunday Night Football. The matchup marks the 71st all-time meeting between the two teams, with the 49ers leading the series 36-33-1. San Francisco will look to improve to 24-14 against the...