2022 Season Thread

[Samurai]

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Seems like the running game is there to be had but guys aren't executing their blocks properly so we're missing out on big running plays.

Definitely need to upgrade at Center this offseason as Brendal isn't cutting it. He isn't the only one but he seems like he has the most negative plays out of everyone.

I tend to give Burford a pass since he's a rookie and it seems like he does have the physical tools to play the position at a high level he just needs experience.

What is frustrating to me is that we knew that Mack was leaning towards retirement in the off-season. Once he made it official, we had no contingency plan for that other than the unproven Brendal. Seemed as if Lynch was caught completely unaware that the team didn't have a center.

[Samurai]

There are rumors that the Niners are one of the teams interested in OBJ (along with the Giants, Chiefs and Bills). Given that we already have Aiyuk and Deebo, along with CMC and Mitchell splitting time in the backfield, wouldn't this be a matter of having too many guys that need the ball but we're still only allowed to play with one ball at a time? Unless OBJ can also play on the offensive line, this doesn't make sense to me.

[wco81]

Didn't he get injured in the Super Bowl?

His second ACL, so not sure how much he could do this year.

[CrimsonCrew]

I can see the temptation of OBJ. He is - or was, anyway - a deep threat of the sort that we don't really have. Aiyuk can do it, but he doesn't have elite speed, and Gray clearly isn't ready yet. But man, we aren't using the guys we do have on offense. Shelling out more money and cap space for OBJ, who would be our third WR? It's a tough sell for me.

I'm starting to get pretty worried about what this team looks like two or three years down the road. By then, Kittle will probably be pretty well into the down slope of his career. Williams presumably will not still be dominant. Got to figure Ward and Armstead will be gone. We still have plenty of young talent, but that talent will be really expensive and some of it will presumably be gone. We will have gone years without premium picks (three firsts, a second, two thirds, a fourth, and a fifth between Lance and McCaffrey). That's going to start showing as our OL and CB depth, for instance, get even worse.

We desperately need some of the young guys to step up. As bad as McGlinchey can be, he's presumably better than McKivitz or anyone else on the back end of the roster. Same goes for Brendel. CBs are every bit the mess that OL is unless and until the young guys can show better.

[CrimsonCrew]

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Seems like the running game is there to be had but guys aren't executing their blocks properly so we're missing out on big running plays.

Definitely need to upgrade at Center this offseason as Brendal isn't cutting it. He isn't the only one but he seems like he has the most negative plays out of everyone.

I tend to give Burford a pass since he's a rookie and it seems like he does have the physical tools to play the position at a high level he just needs experience.

What is frustrating to me is that we knew that Mack was leaning towards retirement in the off-season. Once he made it official, we had no contingency plan for that other than the unproven Brendal. Seemed as if Lynch was caught completely unaware that the team didn't have a center.

It's a really curious one. Based on Shanahan's comments, he sure seemed to know Mack was leaning toward retirement prior to the draft. In terms of FAs, Ben Jones has been good for Tennessee on a fairly reasonable contract, though he stayed put so we probably would have had to pay more. Brian Allen has been alright for the Rams, though he's on the pricier side. Bradley Bozeman missed a big chunk of the season, but he's been good for Carolina since coming back from that on a one-year, $2.8 million deal. Mason Cole has been good for the Steelers on an interestingly structured three-year deal that might turn into a fairly cheap one-year deal. Definitely some intriguing options who would have almost certainly been upgrades over Brendel, though I believe Brendel's pass-blocking metrics are a lot better than his run-blocking.

I've addressed this before, but they didn't really have a chance to do much in the draft. Linderbaum and Jurgens went before our first pick. After Jurgens, the next true center went in the late-5th. There's a strong argument that we would have ended up with a guy like Dohnovan West, who we signed as a UDFA, if we had drafted a center in the 4th or 5th rounds, and I think they took Zakelj in the early 6th with a long-term eye to center. We need to hope that Zakelj or Poe can figure out that spot and hold it down for a decade.

[thesack12]

The idea of pursuing OBJ is simple. You are always looking at ways to improve your team, especially if you have visions of making a run at the Lombardi.

If OBJ is mildly healthy, he's a high end talent. Its very rare you have the opportunity to bring in that type of player for only money. And as we enter week 11, rest of season cap space isn't of high concern and OBJ will likely sign for cheap (relatively speaking.)

Not only would OBJ inject a lot of talent into the WR room, but probably more importantly he would provide a lot of useful depth. We've already seen depth in the WR become a problem when both Deebo and Jennings missed the Rams game. To that point, I really don't want to be forced to have to start Ray McCloud at WR in a playoff game because guys are dinged up.

All that said, it doesn't seem like a great fit for Odell. He would be coming into a low volume passing offense with several mouths to feed already. The QB's skillset also doesn't line up all that well with the better parts of OBJ's game. Beckham is also looking to rehab his value, and get paid again this offseason. Being the 3rd or 4th option in a low volume passing attack, doesn't seem real conducive to rehabbing his value.

From the team's standpoint, if OBJ is willing to be a good soldier and accept not getting a ton of targets I can see the fit being decent. I think the dynamic of the current 49ers is very much a whats good for the team mantra, so I think even the other receivers would welcome him. As mentioned by Crims, the team doesn't really have a true deep threat, and having OBJ would likely encourage Kyle to dial up more field stretching plays. Maybe having Odell will also encourage Kyle to go more pass heavy as well. Even having OBJ out there, would command defensive attention, and open up things for the other receivers. I also think that OBJ is an under-rated and willing blocker. So he wouldn't be a negative in that regard.

To conclude, I'd like to see it happen. However, I'm not holding my breath, as he had plenty of other options.

[thesack12]

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Seems like the running game is there to be had but guys aren't executing their blocks properly so we're missing out on big running plays.

Definitely need to upgrade at Center this offseason as Brendal isn't cutting it. He isn't the only one but he seems like he has the most negative plays out of everyone.

I tend to give Burford a pass since he's a rookie and it seems like he does have the physical tools to play the position at a high level he just needs experience.

What is frustrating to me is that we knew that Mack was leaning towards retirement in the off-season. Once he made it official, we had no contingency plan for that other than the unproven Brendal. Seemed as if Lynch was caught completely unaware that the team didn't have a center.

It's a really curious one. Based on Shanahan's comments, he sure seemed to know Mack was leaning toward retirement prior to the draft. In terms of FAs, Ben Jones has been good for Tennessee on a fairly reasonable contract, though he stayed put so we probably would have had to pay more. Brian Allen has been alright for the Rams, though he's on the pricier side. Bradley Bozeman missed a big chunk of the season, but he's been good for Carolina since coming back from that on a one-year, $2.8 million deal. Mason Cole has been good for the Steelers on an interestingly structured three-year deal that might turn into a fairly cheap one-year deal. Definitely some intriguing options who would have almost certainly been upgrades over Brendel, though I believe Brendel's pass-blocking metrics are a lot better than his run-blocking.

I've addressed this before, but they didn't really have a chance to do much in the draft. Linderbaum and Jurgens went before our first pick. After Jurgens, the next true center went in the late-5th. There's a strong argument that we would have ended up with a guy like Dohnovan West, who we signed as a UDFA, if we had drafted a center in the 4th or 5th rounds, and I think they took Zakelj in the early 6th with a long-term eye to center. We need to hope that Zakelj or Poe can figure out that spot and hold it down for a decade.

Yeah, I think it was more of a timing issue than anything. Of course Kyle and John would/should have known long before we did, but the chatter about Mack considering retirement didn't really start to surface until late in the offseason, long after the draft and the guts of free agency. So there is a chance that Mack was on board to return for awhile, then reconsidered as training camp neared. Its not all that uncommon for guys to change their minds. If that is what happened, it would make sense why they weren't proactive with trying to fill the center position. If they pursued another option, that would have pushed Mack out the door and into retirement.

In any event, C should definitely be a priority this offseason. It would be amazing if either Poe or Zakelj could step in and be a reliable C for years to come, but that would still probably not be until at least 2024 and its not likely to happen anyways.

[CrimsonCrew]

The idea of pursuing OBJ is simple. You are always looking at ways to improve your team, especially if you have visions of making a run at the Lombardi.

If OBJ is mildly healthy, he's a high end talent. Its very rare you have the opportunity to bring in that type of player for only money. And as we enter week 11, rest of season cap space isn't of high concern and OBJ will likely sign for cheap (relatively speaking.)

Not only would OBJ inject a lot of talent into the WR room, but probably more importantly he would provide a lot of useful depth. We've already seen depth in the WR become a problem when both Deebo and Jennings missed the Rams game. To that point, I really don't want to be forced to have to start Ray McCloud at WR in a playoff game because guys are dinged up.

All that said, it doesn't seem like a great fit for Odell. He would be coming into a low volume passing offense with several mouths to feed already. The QB's skillset also doesn't line up all that well with the better parts of OBJ's game. Beckham is also looking to rehab his value, and get paid again this offseason. Being the 3rd or 4th option in a low volume passing attack, doesn't seem real conducive to rehabbing his value.

From the team's standpoint, if OBJ is willing to be a good soldier and accept not getting a ton of targets I can see the fit being decent. I think the dynamic of the current 49ers is very much a whats good for the team mantra, so I think even the other receivers would welcome him. As mentioned by Crims, the team doesn't really have a true deep threat, and having OBJ would likely encourage Kyle to dial up more field stretching plays. Maybe having Odell will also encourage Kyle to go more pass heavy as well. Even having OBJ out there, would command defensive attention, and open up things for the other receivers. I also think that OBJ is an under-rated and willing blocker. So he wouldn't be a negative in that regard.

To conclude, I'd like to see it happen. However, I'm not holding my breath, as he had plenty of other options.

He did sign on to effectively be the third WR in LA last year, but Woods got injured promptly after he signed, so he didn't have to function in that role and show he could be a good soldier. His history suggests he might chafe at that, but maybe his perspective has changed. You're right that he probably wouldn't command a ton of money. He signed for $1.25 million with the Rams, and for that price, the money isn't really a concern. But I wonder if he'd even want to come to the Niners. He'll want to rehab his value, and there are so many mouths to feed on what is really a pretty low-volume offense.

[CrimsonCrew]

What is frustrating to me is that we knew that Mack was leaning towards retirement in the off-season. Once he made it official, we had no contingency plan for that other than the unproven Brendal. Seemed as if Lynch was caught completely unaware that the team didn't have a center.

It's a really curious one. Based on Shanahan's comments, he sure seemed to know Mack was leaning toward retirement prior to the draft. In terms of FAs, Ben Jones has been good for Tennessee on a fairly reasonable contract, though he stayed put so we probably would have had to pay more. Brian Allen has been alright for the Rams, though he's on the pricier side. Bradley Bozeman missed a big chunk of the season, but he's been good for Carolina since coming back from that on a one-year, $2.8 million deal. Mason Cole has been good for the Steelers on an interestingly structured three-year deal that might turn into a fairly cheap one-year deal. Definitely some intriguing options who would have almost certainly been upgrades over Brendel, though I believe Brendel's pass-blocking metrics are a lot better than his run-blocking.

I've addressed this before, but they didn't really have a chance to do much in the draft. Linderbaum and Jurgens went before our first pick. After Jurgens, the next true center went in the late-5th. There's a strong argument that we would have ended up with a guy like Dohnovan West, who we signed as a UDFA, if we had drafted a center in the 4th or 5th rounds, and I think they took Zakelj in the early 6th with a long-term eye to center. We need to hope that Zakelj or Poe can figure out that spot and hold it down for a decade.

Yeah, I think it was more of a timing issue than anything. Of course Kyle and John would/should have known long before we did, but the chatter about Mack considering retirement didn't really start to surface until late in the offseason, long after the draft and the guts of free agency. So there is a chance that Mack was on board to return for awhile, then reconsidered as training camp neared. Its not all that uncommon for guys to change their minds. If that is what happened, it would make sense why they weren't proactive with trying to fill the center position. If they pursued another option, that would have pushed Mack out the door and into retirement.

In any event, C should definitely be a priority this offseason. It would be amazing if either Poe or Zakelj could step in and be a reliable C for years to come, but that would still probably not be until at least 2024 and its not likely to happen anyways.

There was strong speculation that he was going to step away prior to the draft. Not as much prior to the start of FA, as memory serves. But as said, they didn't have many options in the draft, and theoretically added three guys (Zakelj, West, and Poe) with the center spot in mind.

[wco81]

He'd be blocking a lot on those pitches which haven't been working this year.

[Samurai]

In any event, C should definitely be a priority this offseason. It would be amazing if either Poe or Zakelj could step in and be a reliable C for years to come, but that would still probably not be until at least 2024 and its not likely to happen anyways.

A part of me would love to see Poe make the roster next season but has he ever played center? A center has to be able to read the defense and make calls for blocking assignments at the line, which is where having a veteran like Richburg or Mack was very helpful. Seems like a tall order for someone like Poe to just learn in an off-season. But it is intriguing to see if someone as unique as him could pull it off. He'd be the fastest "pulling center" in the league; see what kind of schemes Shanahan could concoct with him!

[CrimsonCrew]

A part of me would love to see Poe make the roster next season but has he ever played center? A center has to be able to read the defense and make calls for blocking assignments at the line, which is where having a veteran like Richburg or Mack was very helpful. Seems like a tall order for someone like Poe to just learn in an off-season. But it is intriguing to see if someone as unique as him could pull it off. He'd be the fastest "pulling center" in the league; see what kind of schemes Shanahan could concoct with him!

Not to my knowledge. But neither has Zakelj, who was a college tackle. Granted Zakelj was like a fifth-year senior and is supposed to be a pretty heady guy. I think Brendel and Brunskill are the only guys on the roster with center experience.

[thesack12]

It's a really curious one. Based on Shanahan's comments, he sure seemed to know Mack was leaning toward retirement prior to the draft. In terms of FAs, Ben Jones has been good for Tennessee on a fairly reasonable contract, though he stayed put so we probably would have had to pay more. Brian Allen has been alright for the Rams, though he's on the pricier side. Bradley Bozeman missed a big chunk of the season, but he's been good for Carolina since coming back from that on a one-year, $2.8 million deal. Mason Cole has been good for the Steelers on an interestingly structured three-year deal that might turn into a fairly cheap one-year deal. Definitely some intriguing options who would have almost certainly been upgrades over Brendel, though I believe Brendel's pass-blocking metrics are a lot better than his run-blocking.

I've addressed this before, but they didn't really have a chance to do much in the draft. Linderbaum and Jurgens went before our first pick. After Jurgens, the next true center went in the late-5th. There's a strong argument that we would have ended up with a guy like Dohnovan West, who we signed as a UDFA, if we had drafted a center in the 4th or 5th rounds, and I think they took Zakelj in the early 6th with a long-term eye to center. We need to hope that Zakelj or Poe can figure out that spot and hold it down for a decade.

Yeah, I think it was more of a timing issue than anything. Of course Kyle and John would/should have known long before we did, but the chatter about Mack considering retirement didn't really start to surface until late in the offseason, long after the draft and the guts of free agency. So there is a chance that Mack was on board to return for awhile, then reconsidered as training camp neared. Its not all that uncommon for guys to change their minds. If that is what happened, it would make sense why they weren't proactive with trying to fill the center position. If they pursued another option, that would have pushed Mack out the door and into retirement.

In any event, C should definitely be a priority this offseason. It would be amazing if either Poe or Zakelj could step in and be a reliable C for years to come, but that would still probably not be until at least 2024 and its not likely to happen anyways.

There was strong speculation that he was going to step away prior to the draft. Not as much prior to the start of FA, as memory serves. But as said, they didn't have many options in the draft, and theoretically added three guys (Zakelj, West, and Poe) with the center spot in mind.

Ahh, I see.

I didn't recall hearing much about Mack until late in the offseason. With the 9ers being low on picks, I didn't pay a ton of attention to the team news/chatter leading up to the draft. So that would probably explain why.

Sucks that the West signing went nowhere. He had a decent amount of fanfare, and was considered a big UDFA pickup. Yet he's not even on anybody practice squad right now, let alone San Francisco's. He must have been highly underwhelming in camp.

[CrimsonCrew]

Yeah, if they had drafted West in the 4th instead of TDP, I would have been fine with that. I was thrilled we got him as a UDFA, but he never made any noise whatsoever in camp.

[Jikkle]

It's exciting the team is doing well but I'd caution about living in the moment because we've seen the Shanahan 9ers do this many times before where they look like they have everything firing on all cylinders but fall flat on their faces soon afterwards.

It wasn't that long ago the team looked absolutely hapless against the Chiefs and that's a bonafide Superbowl contender so hard for me to go crazy for a team that beat a bunch of teams that won't make the playoffs and the one that might they didn't look great on offense.

Don't mean to be negative but seems like everyone is on cloud 9 after beating a Cardinals team that looks like they gave up on defense partway through the game.

[CrimsonCrew]

It's exciting the team is doing well but I'd caution about living in the moment because we've seen the Shanahan 9ers do this many times before where they look like they have everything firing on all cylinders but fall flat on their faces soon afterwards.

It wasn't that long ago the team looked absolutely hapless against the Chiefs and that's a bonafide Superbowl contender so hard for me to go crazy for a team that beat a bunch of teams that won't make the playoffs and the one that might they didn't look great on offense.

Don't mean to be negative but seems like everyone is on cloud 9 after beating a Cardinals team that looks like they gave up on defense partway through the game.

Yeah, some good points to keep in mind. If there's one thing that has haunted the Shanahan Niners, it's a lack of consistency. They can look amazing one week, and mediocre or even bad the next. The offense finally clicked, but against a zone-heavy team without much pass rush that allows lots of YAC. That's a perfect recipe for our offense to succeed. We tend to struggle more against man-heavy schemes, and of course with effective pass rush.

Similarly, the defense played well down the stretch again, but looked pretty hapless early in the game despite Arizona missing three of its top four receiving options. I'm not at all confident we can slow down a good, pass-heavy offense like the Chiefs if we were to meet them in the SB. Thankfully, I don't know how many of those there are in the NFC. And second-half shutouts are awesome, but the caliber of opponent has to be considered. Each team has had only one truly viable receiving threat at best.

This team is absolutely capable of going the distance, and even winning it. But it will need complete performances on both sides of the ball to do so, and they haven't really ever demonstrated an ability to do that.

And man, those losses to the Bears, Broncos, and Falcons are going to be a kick in the teeth when it comes to playoff seeding. Win even 2/3 of those gimmes, and we would have basically locked up the division by now. Back to that consistency and execution complaint....

[wco81]

It's exciting the team is doing well but I'd caution about living in the moment because we've seen the Shanahan 9ers do this many times before where they look like they have everything firing on all cylinders but fall flat on their faces soon afterwards.

It wasn't that long ago the team looked absolutely hapless against the Chiefs and that's a bonafide Superbowl contender so hard for me to go crazy for a team that beat a bunch of teams that won't make the playoffs and the one that might they didn't look great on offense.

Don't mean to be negative but seems like everyone is on cloud 9 after beating a Cardinals team that looks like they gave up on defense partway through the game.

The KC game showed where the 49ers are.

They could win the NFC, though I would give the edge to Philly and Dallas if SF has to go on the road, especially in cold weather Philly.

But they probably can't stop KC or Buffalo and the offense would have to be flawless keeping the ball away from this top level QBs.

[Thomassoracco]

....

[CrimsonCrew]

Mitchell out six to eight weeks. Ugh. Didn't like the Wilson trade when it happened, and sure don't like it now. Better hope one of the rookies can step up....

[Samurai]

Mitchell out six to eight weeks. Ugh. Didn't like the Wilson trade when it happened, and sure don't like it now. Better hope one of the rookies can step up....

Yeah, definitely a bummer. Seems like both Mitchell and Kinlaw are made out of tissue paper. My concern now is that Shanahan will rely too heavily on CMC who obviously has his own injury history. For an all-too short time, it seemed that having Mitchell being able to spell CMC was our ideal situation.