On November 9th, the 49ers went up against the Los Angeles Rams once again, except this time it ended in a 42-26 loss. This game was nothing short of disappointing, the team’s record was hurt and some major cracks really shined under those stadium lights. The defense looked depleted and ravaged, and the offense, although it showcased moments of greatness, also fell short at times.
With the trade deadline long passed and the 49ers making zero moves to acquire anybody, there is no magic fix coming to help this team. So if Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers want to go for a deep playoff run, they’ll have to patch up those cracks themselves and FAST!
Here are some things that will benefit them in the future, alongside some steps they can take to make sure their season doesn’t end early.
- Strength of schedule
Four of the seven remaining teams the 49ers have to go up against this season, have either a losing or tied record, almost ensuring that the 49ers can achieve at least a 10-7 record (assuming the team wants to play like actual NFL players.) This means the 49ers still have a good chance at making the playoffs
- Scour the waiver wire.
Although the trade deadline came and went, there are always a few vets on the waiver wire that can fill much-needed depth positions. With the immense injuries to our defense, any serviceable pass rusher, linebacker, or defensive back could make a huge difference down the road.
- The Return of Brock Purdy
After the loss to the Rams, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan updated reporters on Brock Purdy’s condition stating Brock, “could have gone today” as the backup to Mac Jones. I’d like to call this foreshadowing to Brock’s highly awaited return to the team. Although Mac Jones has played well, Purdy’s mobility and improvising may be exactly what we need to put more points on the board if our defense remains depleted.
- Better coaching
Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh are great coaches and an even better duo. But for the love of all things football Kyle Shanahan needs to be more conservative with the ball. I believe if Kyle starts going for it on fourth downs more often, and is a little more creative with the playcalling, the 49ers success rate will increase by a great amount.
Yes, there are other factors that play into the team’s difficulties, injuries and players not meeting standards could all affect our team, but if the players we have can get their rhythm together, John Lynch may be adding a little depth, Kyle claims back his title as an “offensive guru” and if our injured players get to see the field again, I believe the 49ers can still have a great chance at making a deep play off run.