San Francisco 49ers
2019 Record: (13-3) 1st NFC West
2019 Season Recap:
Offense
Points: 29.9 (2nd)
Yards: 381.1 (4th)
Pass Yards: 237.0 (13th)
Rush Yards: 144.1 (2nd)
Defense
Points: 19.4 (8th)
Yards: 281.8 (2nd)
Pass Yards: 169.2 (1st)
Rush Yards: 112.6 (17th)
Heading into the 2019 regular season, the expectation for this
version of the 49ers was still somewhat unclear. With the return of their
starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to the fold, a much better season then
what transpired the year previous had probability. With sound potential
provided from what looked to be a great draft class, no one would’ve believed
the success that was to come.
Coming out the gates with immense strength, the 49ers didn’t drop
a contest until week 10 of the season. The revamped defense with the additions of
rookie Nick Bosa and Kwon Alexander, it was clear they were heading to elite
levels of play that could carry them all the way to the big show. Adding to
that fabulous play of the defense, Coach Kyle Shanahan found great fortune in
his run attack which was a league leader in many categories. Standing firm on
that formula, the 49ers used the old school approach of ground and pound with
elite defense to dominate their opponents.
With that pedigree, the 49ers managed to stamp their ticket to
Super Bowl 54 for the right of league supremacy. Facing off against the Kansas
City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, we were treated to a contest that was electric
and exciting on all levels. What occurred late in the contest could be blamed
on coach Shanahan not being aggressive enough when they had the lead. Either
way, another opportunity to become a champion slipped through his fingers. The
end result became sadness and frustration for the city of San Francisco.
Nonetheless, this team is built very well to return to the dance
next season while they iron out some depth positions on this roster.
2020 Offseason
WorkBook:
The Offense
Even though some may move the opinion to the offense in another
direction, in our eyes, everything has been predicated on the strength of this
offensive line. Truly, this unit is a masterpiece of creation which has allowed
the 49ers to excel in the run game no matter the running back who is carrying
the ball. Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, and Raheem Mostert all looked great when
given the opportunity to make plays. The same success can be said when seeing
how many times Garoppolo hit the turf. Sacked a mere 36 times this past season,
we could argue that 15% of those sacks were the fault of the quarterback. No
matter what, teams are built to succeed in the trenches and this line is a
beast.
A great offseason topic has already arisen within my circle which
has debated the future of Garoppolo. While his regular season had good levels
of achievement (3978 yards, 27 touchdowns), he was underutilized and
underwhelming during their playoff run. The way in which his contract is set
up, the 49ers could choose to move on from his services and potentially add a
player like Tom Brady to take them over the top. Granted, this is all
speculative, but the possibility would bring great levels of conversation.
When it comes to reviewing and possibly upgrading the receiving
core – obviously everything went through George Kittle and Deebo Samuel for
most of the season. With the addition of Emmanuel Sanders via trade from the
Broncos, he did add another viable playmaker that made life difficult for the
opposition. Adding other talents at lower rates would be the recommendation and
should come to fruition this offseason.
The Defense
Much like our assessment for the 49ers offensive line, the
defensive front is spectacular to say the least. The addition of Nick Bosa and
Dee Ford truly rounded out this unit to levels we never expected. Dominating
the field of play basically every week, it was difficult to not watch them play
a cheer - even if you aren’t a fan of the team. Rounding out the crew which
held Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, 48 team sacks was the end result which
was good enough for fifth best in the league. While Armstead’s contract is up
for review, bringing him back should be considered a top priority.
When it comes the line backing core this team employs, some
despised the move to sign Kwon Alexander to his big money deal. While we agree
the number was vast, he is a complete player at the position and a real
difference maker on the field. When Alexander was lost to his injury which cost
him eight games, his absence was felt and see on tape weekly. Upon his return
to the field, it was clear what he meant to how they scheme. With teammates
Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw making their presence also known, we absolutely
adore what they could again be in 2020.
Looking back at this secondary we were shocked to see a top place
finish in stat rankings. Nevertheless, they did preform to high levels for most
of the season to only see something of a drop off into their playoff run.
Richard Sherman was picked apart in the Super Bowl which doesn’t bode well for
him to return. The play of Jimmie Ward was a welcomed sight as many wanted to
see him off the club a season prior. While we weren’t in that camp, we still
believe in his abilities.
Either way, adding playmakers to the defensive backend should be
the main focus for this unit after locking up the most important pieces that
could head to the open market.
Team Free Agents / Team Salary Cap
Typically, clubs that come from a season record of 3-13 (2018),
shouldn’t have salary cap issues. But given the number of contracts to big
names held on this roster, there is no wonder how the rebounded like they did
in 2019. As of toady, the 49ers hold a meek 19.2 million in free space and have
a healthy 24 team free agents to consider.
Like we mentioned above, Arik Armstead should be viewed as the top
commodity to resign, but his price tag could preclude them for offering a new
deal. Emmanuel Sanders is also set to hit the open market, and unless a massive
haircut is taken on his salary, we can’t envision any situation where he
returns. Jimmie Ward also graces this list and should be looking for a raise
after his solid campaign on this defense. Ward’s contract could also be
difficult to get done, but one that would be of great value.
Outside of that, two restricted free agents do hold strong value,
and that would include Kendrick Bourne and Matt Breida. Both players played a
sound role this past season and could be leaned upon once again if re-upped. We
can’t imagine them finding their way to the open market, but dollars are again
the issue.
While the staple of our evaluation always includes ways to save
money on the books, there are interesting stipulations that could be made to
help the situation. Like we mentioned, getting out from under Garoppolo’s
contract isn’t a major issue, the team could save a whopping 26.6 million
toward the cap while sacrificing a mere 4.2 million in dead money.
Understandably finding a replacement to play the position would eat up those
funds, so perhaps staying the course is the best bet. For terms of cutting
bait, Richard Sherman is a favorable cap casualty as his 13.9 million would
only hit the dead cap with a 1 million loss – this is a no brainer in our eyes.
Other interesting moves that will be debated rests with two
running backs on the roster. Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon both have
options to be released. While Coleman would see his 4.9 million put back on
with no dead money attached, McKinnon would save virtually the same (4.5
million) but would generate a 4 million dead hit. This is one scenario we are
very interested in viewing.
Adding to that, it would be of benefit to see the 49ers
orchestrate new contract extensions that would keep DeForest Buckner and Joe
Staley on the club while dropping their cap hit. Together, both men hold a
whopping 25.7 million or 12.28% toward the books. While we understand that
Staley is nearing the end of his career, adjustments here would make a massive
difference.
The NFL Draft
In terms of what the 49ers have in the upcoming NFL Draft, they
currently hold six picks but not how you’d expect. Not having a second, third,
or fourth round selection, they did secure an extra fifth and seventh rounder
to help the cause.
To make matters worse, the punishment for reaching the final and
not winning, places the 49ers with the 31st pick in the first round.
San Francisco would be well advised to trade back from this pick to secure more
capital for the second and third rounds. While talent could be had at pick 31,
hitting on that pick would have to be 100% certain to make it warranted. For
our appetite, there is no other move but to trade down and solidify more
selections in the process.
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