top needs for 49ers
Posted: Wed Feb 4, 2015 3:05 am
per espn and Sando
Kaep's improvement key for 49ers
Aging defense, offensive direction among Niners' needs to be addressed
Originally Published: December 30, 2014
By Mike Sando | ESPN Insider
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Kaep's improvement key for 49ers
Aging defense, offensive direction among Niners' needs to be addressed
Originally Published: December 30, 2014
By Mike Sando | ESPN Insider
The San Francisco 49ers were one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season, falling to 8-8 after three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances (producing one Super Bowl appearance), and the long-rumored and long-reported rift between head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Niners' front office finally reached a resolution, with the two parties agreeing to part ways.
Here are the 49ers' offseason priorities:
1. Is this team reloading or rebuilding?
San Francisco ranked among the top three during 2014 in offensive and defensive snaps played by players 30 years or older. Defensive end Justin Smith could retire. Fellow defensive end Ray McDonald is already gone, following his off-field issues. Running back Frank Gore and receiver Michael Crabtree can become free agents. Tight end Vernon Davis appears to be in steep decline based on his play in 2014.
This team was entering a transition period whether or not Harbaugh was part of the immediate future, but how far will the 49ers go in retooling under new head coach Jim Tomsula? They could conceivably keep the defensive staff in place to make another run with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis returning from injuries and, hopefully, Smith returning for another season.
2. Look for ways to solve Seattle
The Seahawks have won five of the past six games in the rivalry, counting playoffs. The 49ers need to close the gap with Seattle. They aren't too far off in terms of talent, but they currently lag behind at the most important position on the field.
3. Help Kaepernick bounce back
The 49ers built some protections into their contract with Kaepernick, but they will almost certainly return with him as their starting quarterback in 2015 (the seasons beyond that are less of a certainty). They need to take a hard look at what can be done to reverse his recent slide in production. It seems pretty clear Kaepernick is at his best in an offense that emphasizes the running game -- including his own running abilities. The new staff will need to embrace that.
The 49ers also need to help Kaepernick overcome psychological hurdles against Seattle. Kaepernick has three touchdown passes, nine interceptions and 18 sacks while going 1-5 as a starter against the Seahawks.
4. Accept a mulligan on new stadium
Not much went right for the 49ers in 2014, but their new stadium should have been a shining light for them. Instead, the playing surface was a problem for much of the season, players were divided across two locker rooms and the atmosphere was hardly intimidating for opponents. The 49ers need to do a better job leveraging Levi's Stadium to their advantage.
Kaep's improvement key for 49ers
Aging defense, offensive direction among Niners' needs to be addressed
Originally Published: December 30, 2014
By Mike Sando | ESPN Insider
Shop
Kaep's improvement key for 49ers
Aging defense, offensive direction among Niners' needs to be addressed
Originally Published: December 30, 2014
By Mike Sando | ESPN Insider
The San Francisco 49ers were one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season, falling to 8-8 after three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances (producing one Super Bowl appearance), and the long-rumored and long-reported rift between head coach Jim Harbaugh and the Niners' front office finally reached a resolution, with the two parties agreeing to part ways.
Here are the 49ers' offseason priorities:
1. Is this team reloading or rebuilding?
San Francisco ranked among the top three during 2014 in offensive and defensive snaps played by players 30 years or older. Defensive end Justin Smith could retire. Fellow defensive end Ray McDonald is already gone, following his off-field issues. Running back Frank Gore and receiver Michael Crabtree can become free agents. Tight end Vernon Davis appears to be in steep decline based on his play in 2014.
This team was entering a transition period whether or not Harbaugh was part of the immediate future, but how far will the 49ers go in retooling under new head coach Jim Tomsula? They could conceivably keep the defensive staff in place to make another run with NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis returning from injuries and, hopefully, Smith returning for another season.
2. Look for ways to solve Seattle
The Seahawks have won five of the past six games in the rivalry, counting playoffs. The 49ers need to close the gap with Seattle. They aren't too far off in terms of talent, but they currently lag behind at the most important position on the field.
3. Help Kaepernick bounce back
The 49ers built some protections into their contract with Kaepernick, but they will almost certainly return with him as their starting quarterback in 2015 (the seasons beyond that are less of a certainty). They need to take a hard look at what can be done to reverse his recent slide in production. It seems pretty clear Kaepernick is at his best in an offense that emphasizes the running game -- including his own running abilities. The new staff will need to embrace that.
The 49ers also need to help Kaepernick overcome psychological hurdles against Seattle. Kaepernick has three touchdown passes, nine interceptions and 18 sacks while going 1-5 as a starter against the Seahawks.
4. Accept a mulligan on new stadium
Not much went right for the 49ers in 2014, but their new stadium should have been a shining light for them. Instead, the playing surface was a problem for much of the season, players were divided across two locker rooms and the atmosphere was hardly intimidating for opponents. The 49ers need to do a better job leveraging Levi's Stadium to their advantage.
