top needs for 49ers

[Hangman_52]

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.

[shouldakepowens]

On the age thing how is the defense ranked top 3 in snaps with players over 30? Smith and McDonald yea but who else? Bethea? Maybe Wilhoite is older than I thought.

I forgot Brooks but his replacement played better. How can rebuild even be mentioned here?

[Hangman_52]

Willis

[shouldakepowens]

Willis

He missed 10 games tho right? I'm not worried about our defense at all anyway. The offense on the other hand. Baalke really needs to hit on his wr pick this year no more whiffs. We have our young rb and despite what people think of kap he's here and not going anywhere. The offensive line isn't very old. Its the wr and possibly te positions that need help.

[zman1]

Key need: speed on offense, especially at WR.

[dr3am]

Easily Kaep, it's all on him. Our defense should be good when Willis & Bowman returns & hopefully the Cowboy comes back for one season. But Kaep needs to get back to 2012 form and if he gets there then we will not only be a threat in the NFC West but the NFC as a whole

[Tomikcon1971]

Three things:

1) Coaching staff needs to get settled and develop a solid strategy for stabilizing the transition and implementing O and D plans
2) Trent needs to clarify 2015 roster. Who stays? Who goes? who retires? Any signings? Finally, draft.
3) Assuming 1&2 are handled competently......then Kaep's improvement is the final key.

I think we can be a threat next year.....expectations around the league seem fairly low for us.

[CalamityX12]

1. Sell team
2. Snuff baalke
3. Resign Jim Harbaugh

[jackwindham]

I'm not worried about our defense at all anyway.

I'm hoping the front office doesn't neglect the defense. While it is a strength, they can be even better, and that will help the team overall even more. Depth and talent infusion for both the defensive line and secondary is a must. It's not a top priority, but it is a priority.

[NinerSickness]

Top needs:

1. New QB
2. New QB
3. New QB
4. New coach.

[generaldreedle]

I'm going to get in my rosy fan perspective and say simplifying the offensive play calling, kaepernick devoting time to the mental aspects of the game, tomsulas popularity and a healthy defense will make for a good season