San Francisco 49ers could surprise NFL pundits in 2021
The San Francisco 49ers are being forgotten about. However they could be a surprise team that bounces back in the 2021 NFL season.
Only 13 months ago, the San Francisco 49ers were seven minutes away from wining their first Super Bowl since 1994. Leading the Kansas City Chiefs 20-10 more than midway through the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LIV, things were perfect. Then Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Wasp happened.
Then, last year was a mess. From the jump, the 49ers were crushed by injuries, led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle. DE Nick Bosa, cornerback Richard Sherman and a litany of others were also hit. The result was a last-place finish in the brutal NFC West, ending the campaign at 6-10.
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However, things appear to be potentially turning for San Francisco. With all its stars expected to be healthy for the upcoming season, a group only one year removed from reaching the sport’s ultimate game now tries to get back.
The 49ers have lost some pieces since then. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is gone and Sherman will likely go in free agency this winter. However, they have gained a pair of exciting second-year players in Buckner’s replacement, Javon Kinlaw. As well as that, fellow first-round pick, receiver Brandon Aiyuk is on board. Additionally, San Francisco general manager John Lynch has the No. 12 overall selection in April’s draft, giving him the opportunity to land a premium player.
While the NFC West is loaded, San Francisco can compete. Despite the bevy of injuries in 2020, the 49ers still managed to split with the Arizona Cardinals and sweep the Los Angeles Rams. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will have the offense rolling behind its hoard of running backs and the combination of Kittle, Aiyuk and receiver Deebo Samuel, using unique motion and quick-hitters to gain chunks.
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Defensively, the secondary needs some attention in the offseason but few teams have the firepower of San Francisco in the front seven. Yes, the division will be a challenge (for all four team, not just the Niners) but considering what this team did when healthy two years ago, it’s capable of getting back to January and being a serious problem once there.
There’s a full slate of free agency and the draft ahead for all 32 clubs to rise and fall, but don’t discount the 49ers, who after an injury-riddled 2020 could be back with vengeance come autumn.
