Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t play in yesterday’s NFC Championship Game, but it would be hard to tell after combing through social media. Following the Seahawks’ win over the Rams in a thrilling title game, attention turned to the 49ers regime and how Seattle, under second-year head coach Mike MacDonald and former 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold, is on the doorstep of a title. Making things worse is that the game is at Levi’s Stadium.
So, why all the discussion about Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch? Well, the pair is headed into year ten of their partnership, and the 49ers have gotten very close to a title, but have yet to cash in. Here’s the thing: the 49ers under Shanahan and Lynch made the Super Bowl in their third year and lost. The New England Patriots will be underdogs, but the last time I checked, they can also win the Super Bowl. Comparing early seasons between two different organizations and coaches without proper context is a bit lazy.
While it does feel like Seattle is early with their Super Bowl berth and young, things are never certain in the NFL. When Shanahan and Lynch took over the 49ers, it was a full rebuild. John Schneider hired MacDonald, and the Seahawks were coming off one losing season in 2021 since 2011 under Pete Carroll. Yes, credit must be given to Seattle for their coaching staff, free-agent additions, and successful drafts, but the canvas laid for MacDonald wasn’t blank.
Yes, Seattle eliminated the 49ers rather handily in the divisional round. The 49ers have work to do, but even if the 49ers defeated Seattle, they would still have work to do. Their star players are aging out. The draft is imperative. The Rams and Seahawks both showed that investing in offensive linemen is the way to go.
The discussion will turn to how quickly Seattle got back to the Super Bowl and how long they will be in charge of the NFC West. There is no doubt the 49ers will have to act fast and hit big in the draft while spending wisely in free agency.
Nothing in the NFL is certain except that things change quickly. The 49ers have to get to work and can’t afford to run back the roster from 2025. That would be foolish and arrogant. Shanahan and Lynch shouldn’t be under fire on January 26th.
Unfortunately, the conversation grows, even if it’s unnecessary.
