Niners Nation
What will you have your eyes on regarding the 49ers in the last half of the year?
The only guarantee we have about the NFL is the unexpected. On Thursday Night Football, the 2-6 New York Jets handled the 6-2 Houston Texans.
If we had told you the San Francisco 49ers would have been 4-4 entering their bye week after looking at their schedule before the season started, you would have called us some not-so-polite names.
The Niners have been inconsistent, with flashes of brilliance mixed into their up-and-down play. Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys was yet another feather in the cap. The third quarter was arguably the best quarter the 49ers had played this year, but a fourth-quarter defensive meltdown and failure to pick up one yard on 2nd & 1 put the game in question.
You could make an argument for each rookie who has been the most impressive. I’m in the minority that the defense is nipping on the heels of the offense production-wise.
That brings us to today’s Community question.
Christian McCaffrey’s return is imminent. He’s the obvious answer. McCaffrey also won’t be the only reinforcement the Niners get back, and the deeper the playoff run is, the longer that list could be.
I’m fascinated to see how the offense continues to evolve. I think defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen has been tremendous is manufacturing pressure and changing up his looks. Kyle Shanahan will be tasked with the same without Brandon Aiyuk and with the ever-revolving injury door at wide receiver.
A month from now, will Ricky Pearsall be the go-to option on third down? Will Jacob Cowing be an integral part of the offense? Or will we still be at a point where George Kittle is doubling up every other receiver on the roster per game in targets? McCaffrey will have something to say about that.
How about you? What are you most looking forward to in the second half of the season? Let us know in the comments below.
