By Cameron Kobara
After a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024 the San Francisco 49ers enter the new year hoping to have a bounceback season. However the situation doesn’t seem to be much better this season as only a week in, many key players have dealt with injuries including, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Brandon Aiyuk, and Brock Purdy. What was supposed to be a bounceback push to another NFC championship game instead has the 49ers beaten and bruised a second year in a row.
Now the 49ers– having the easiest schedule in the league–must overcome their adversity to hopefully push for another deep playoff run. Let’s take a look at the 49ers season so far–
Week 1 Recap: San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
The 49ers began their season with a gritty 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks, this intense game illustrated the strengths and weaknesses of the 49ers. QB Brock Purdy had a mixed performance as he threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns, but also handed the ball right into the hands of Seattle defenders with two interceptions. Despite some bad reads Purdy’s performance shined in the final drive as he went 6-6 in attempts for 67 yards, ending the drive with a touchdown pass to Jake Tonges for the lead.
With star tight end Geroge Kittle taken out of the game by a hamstring injury, third-string tight end Jake Tonges stepped up to the plate, catching his first football in his four year long NFL career as well as multiple passes in the final drive to the endzone to take back the lead. Second year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall also showcased an amazing performance, leading the team with 108 receiving yards, demonstrating some potential for the team’s offence for the rest of the season
After sustaining achilles tendinitis in both legs last season, running back Christian McCaffrey seemed like his old self again, showcasing versatility on the turf as he stacked up 142 total yards. On the other side of the ball Nick Bosa stepped in during the final moments of the game with a strip sack to secure the win, showing why Nick Bosa stays at the top of the league’s best pass rushers.
Despite some additions to special teams in the offseason, Jake Moody and company remained the team’s weakest link. Moody missed a field goal and had another field goal blocked by Seattle’s defence– Moody has only made 11 out of his last 22 field goal attempts, having a success rate of 50%, an addition that was supposed to bring stability to the special teams, ended up becoming a MAJOR liability for the 49ers.
Strength and concerns
The 49ers won, but it cost them dearly as WR Jauan Jennings, TE George Kittle, and QB Brock Purdy suffered injuries, Geroge Kittle is set to miss “multiple weeks” according to head coach Kyle Shanahan while Jauan Jennings has his availability for week two “up in the air”. QB Brock Purdy suffered a left shoulder and toe injury, and could miss 2-5 weeks. Despite having the injury bug, the 49ers still have the easiest schedule in the league, have showcased promising potential with Ricky Pearsall and Jake Tonges and are still led by some of the greatest coaches in the game–Kyle Shanahan & Robert Saleh. However the coaches can only carry the team so far as there seems to be major weaknesses within the 49ers special teams and offensive line capabilities.
Week 2 recap: San Francisco 49ers @ New Orleans Saints.
The 49ers flew into New Orleans already down a tight end and a quarterback. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was cleared moments before the game and backup QB Mac Jones stepped in for #13 and managed to pull the team through to their second win of the season.
Mac Jones although inaccurate on some passes– Often throwing too low or too high. Managed to end the game with 279 passing yards and three touchdowns. An excellent performance from a back up, increasing fans trust with the 49ers secondary. On another good note the 49ers new kicker Eddy Pineiro illustrated a massive improvement in special teams, making 2/2 field goals, the longest of which being 46 yards, an amazing change of pace compared to ex 49ers kicker Jake Moody who was released after week one’s game against Seattle.
What really shined on this Sunday morning game was the defence. Rookie defensive end Mykel Williams kept up the pressure on Saints QB Spencer Rattler throughout all four quarters. Rookie Upton Stout also had that spark as he managed to achieve five tackles and one sack. Although the rookies had some promising plays, the veteran linebackers Dee Winters and Fred Warner demonstrated why they could become the best Linebacker duo in the league. Dee Winters was a heavy hitter as he made six total tackles and five solo tackles with renewed aggression, mimicking ex 49er Dre Greenaw. Fred Warner also played outstandingly making 11 tackles and one forced fumble.
Last but certainly not least, Round 7 rookie offensive guard Connor Colby showcased a great game. Colby entered the game as a backup for starter Ben Bartch. Colby, although a back up, took his opportunity and demonstrated some great blocking, allowing 0 sacks, 0 pressures, and 0 hurries, ending the game with a 73.1 pass block grade.
Prediction
After week two, with their roster, coaching staff, strength of schedule, and if the 49ers can get healthy for the remainder of the season. The 49ers could easily make it to a 12-5 record and could potentially go on a deep play off run. The 49ers defence has improved drastically with the addition of Robert Saleh, Rookies showing up and out, and the vets actually playing like vets. With the replacement of Jake Moody for Eddy Pineiro, special teams should be 100 times more effective. The 49ers have also seen insane improvement to their secondary and some possible improvements to the offensive line if Connor Colby can keep producing when competing against more difficult opponents. If the 49ers can stay healthy, keep performing like a playoff team, and keep patching up their holes the 49ers could potentially be back at the top of the NFC. A lot of promising talent this season, but we’ll keep watching every Sunday for any major changes in the 49ers season.