Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers are tied at 4-1 for the best record in the NFL. Unfortunately, due to the strength of victory tiebreaker, Philadelphia is still ahead of the 49ers, but the season doesn’t end today. Given all the injuries and chaos surrounding the San Francisco roster, four wins through five weeks is the best-case scenario. More good news is that with all three NFC West teams losing this week, the 49ers are in sole possession of the NFC West. Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay will be a great litmus test for the 49ers and their defense.
But how does the NFL media world view the 49ers through five weeks?
ESPN.com: The 49ers move up to number six from 12th
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com highlights surprise contributor Jake Tonges and his season filled with statistical firsts. The 49ers may have stumbled on another tight end to line up with George Kittle to give teams another look and to create mismatches.
“With tight end George Kittle out (right hamstring injury), Tonges has emerged as a legitimate receiving option with a knack for scoring touchdowns. The third-year tight end has 19 receptions for 166 yards with three touchdowns. Those numbers will likely tumble dramatically when Kittle returns, but Tonges has proved he can be a solid No. 2 tight end in the passing game — something the Niners have lacked for most of Kyle Shanahan’s tenure.“
NFL.com: The 49ers sit at number 13 out of 15
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm still isn’t a believer, but gives the 49ers credit for their Thursday night win in LA. Edholm is anticipating a 49ers QB controversy brewing between Mac Jones and Brock Purdy.
“Mac Jones’ gutsy Week 5 performance, without most of the team’s best receiving weapons not named Christian McCaffrey, was a massive victory and a statement that the Niners aren’t going anywhere. Yes, they’re extremely banged up, and we already know they won’t be fully healthy, with several players done for the season, but they’re 3-0 in the division with wins over every NFC West opponent, and they’re going to get some reinforcements. I’ll be watching how they handle Brock Purdy’s injury and whether there’ll suddenly be a QB controversy, but for now, my trust is in what Kyle Shanahan has been able to do with what he has left.”
CBSSports.com: The 49ers rise four spots to number nine
Pete Prisco ranks the 49ers at number nine, sandwiched in between their last two opponents, Jacksonville at number eight and Los Angeles at number ten. Moving up four spots, Prisco praises Kyle Shanahan and the job he’s done under these circumstances.
“Winning the way they did on the road against the Rams with so many guys injured is a testament to the coaching of Kyle Shanahan. Mac Jones played well in place of Brock Purdy.”
Bleacher Report: The 49ers are the biggest riser of the week and crack the top five
Gary Davenport sees this version of the 49ers as the 2021 version, the team...
