SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
2022 Record - 13-4
Head Coach - Kyle Shanahan
Offensive Rank - 5th (366 YPG); Scoring - 6th (26.5 PPG)
Defensive Rank - 1st (301 YPG); Scoring - 1st (16.3 PPG)
Brock Purdy is the starting quarterback after coming in for two injured quarterbacks last season. Purdy passed for 1,374 yards with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. Backing him up will be Sam Darnold (1,143 passing yards, seven TD, three INT with Carolina in 2022) after the 49ers traded Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys. The running backs are Christian McCaffrey (746 rushing yards, 4.7 YPC, six TD and 52 receptions for 464 yards, four TD), Elijah Mitchell (279, 6.2, two TD) and Jordan Mason, who ran for 258 yards (6.0 YPC) and one touchdown. The wide receivers include Deebo Samuel (56, 632, two TD), Brandon Aiyuk (78, 1,015, eight TD) and Ray-Ray McCloud. The tight end is George Kittle (60, 765, 11 TD). Rookie tight end Cameron Latu (Alabama) and rookie WR Ronnie Bell (Michigan) are also available.
On defense, All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa registered 18 1/2 quarterback sacks last season and along with Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave and Drake Jackson, forms a strong front. The linebackers are Fred Warner (team high 130 tackles), Dre Greenlaw (127 tackles) and Dem Flannigan-Fowles. Rookies Dee Winters (TCU) and Jalen Graham (Purdue) and Oren Burks will provide depth. The secondary has safeties Tashaun Gipson (five interceptions) and Talanoa Hufanga (four picks) along with cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir. Rookie Darrell Luter, Jr. (South Alabama), Samuel Womack III and top rookie draft choice Ji'Ayir Brown (safety - Penn State) are also in the mix.
OUTLOOK FOR 2023 - The 49ers had a rash of injuries last season, including losing two starting quarterbacks (Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo) to season ending injuries, but they rode the steady play of rookie QB Brock Purdy and a solid defense (1st overall in NFL and also 1st in scoring D) all the way to the NFC Championship game. In addition, the defense led the NFL with a plus-13 turnover ratio.
However, the wheels came off as they were blown away in Philadelphia after Purdy suffered an injury and the defense had their issues. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan knows this team can get it done and he's couting on a good mix of solid veteran play and the newer faces as well to get the 'Niners back to the playoffs, where they will look to complete the task this year. Over the last four seasons, San Francisco has been to the Super Bowl and back-to-back NFC title game appearances.
As long as Purdy is healthy and shows last year wasn't a fluke, the offense should be among the best in the NFL once again. The 49ers averaged 26.5 points per game (6th overall) and showed good balance at both running and passing. The defense is rock solid with Bosa (currently holding out for a contract extension) and Warner leading the way and some of the younger players adding into the mix should help this season. The Super Bowl is definitely a possibility, but they have to show they have what it takes after two near misses in a row.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - at Pittsburgh
Week Two - at L.A. Rams
Week Three - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Four - vs. Arizona
Week Five - vs. Dallas
Week Six - at Cleveland
Week Seven - at Minnesota
Week Eight - vs. Cincinnati
Week Nine - BYE
Week Ten - at Jacksonville
Week Eleven - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Twelve - at Seattle
Week Thirteen - at Philadelphia
Week Fourteen - vs. Seattle
Week Fifteen - at Arizona
Week Sixteen - vs. Baltimore
Week Seventeen - at Washington
Week Eighteen - vs. L.A. Rams
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