The San Francisco 49ers would seem to be a lock to at least make the playoffs in the upcoming season. Most analysts consider them a favorite to win the NFC Championship. However, one NFL writer gave one major reason why the 49ers are “overrated” by fans and the media this summer.
The San Francisco 49ers made important changes this offseason
The 49ers made some changes to the roster and the coaching staff following their heartbreaking overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February’s Super Bowl. As previously discussed on GH, Mike Jones with The Athletic thought the 49ers didn’t improve much on offense. While the offense didn’t get better, Jones was worried the defense would become worse:
Perhaps the most notable departure was defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, whose philosophies never quite meshed with those of Kyle Shanahan. Can first-year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen reignite a defense that lost Armstead and Javon Kinlaw and added Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos and Jordan Elliott?
The San Francisco 49ers defense could be a liability
Jones called the 49ers one of the league’s losers last week. This week, he named them one of the most overrated teams before training camp. Once again, he thinks the defense could be a liability:
Kyle Shanahan always gives them a chance, and Brock Purdy again has a talented supporting cast, although Brandon Aiyuk faces an uncertain future. Questions loom over the defense, however, with first-year coordinator Nick Sorensen directing a unit that lost Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw to free agency and must deal with the extended absence of Dre Greenlaw, who is recovering from Achilles surgery.
The 49ers hope to put another heartbreaking Super Bowl defeat in the past and make another run at a ring, but doing so could prove more challenging than many expect.
Keeping Brandon Aiyuk should be a priority
The 49ers will rely on their offense to win games this season. They have arguably the league’s overall most talented offensive unit at skilled positions. To keep the offense and the 49ers in contention this season, the front office must do what they must to keep wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk happy. He’s the key to Brock Purdy’s success.
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