They were bottom three in the NFL for yards allowed last season and when looking at their playoff games, conceded only 15.6 points per game, an amazing effort considering they played three of the best offences in the NFL (Dallas, Green Bay and the L.A Rams).
Despite there being questions on offence, the defence is going to be amazing again.
Weakness
Despite the defence being their strength, their weakness also lies on defence. They have desperately struggled for cornerback depth and talent, and it looks to be their weakness again.
Their third string cornerback is Deommodore Lenoir, a fifth-round pick from 2021 who made 17 tackles last season. They may like Lenoir, but in a division with Cooper Kupp, DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown, D.K Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, their depth is a massive concern.
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Brandon Aiyuk was one of the most interesting cases in the NFL last season. Coming off a good rookie year, Aiyuk was a healthy scratch in week 1 and recorded only 9 catches in the first 6 weeks of the season.
He got more involved as the season progressed but registered just one 100-yard game last season. He has got a massive amount of talent; can he start this coming season the right way?
Who’s under pressure?
With news coming out that San Francisco have granted Jimmy Garoppolo’s management to seek a trade, the starting quarterback job looks to be Trey Lance’s.
Considering the franchise traded three first round picks for Lance and are now trading the person who took them to a Superbowl and NFC championship game in two of the last three seasons, that is pressure. Add on that, Lance attempted only 71 passes last year, making him an unknown NFL entity, this choice is a no brainer.
Projection
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I found this a very tough projection. I think the defence is going to carry this team again, Nick Bosa is an unbelievable talent and Fred Warner is the best off-ball line-backer in the NFL!
I have faith in Trey Lance and if any coach is going to get the best out of this prospect, it’s Kyle Shanahan. All of this mixed with a bad NFC, and the Niners are going to be playoff bound again.