Previewing the 49ers 2020 Offense
Will the Super Bowl hangover hurt the 49ers offense in 2020?
Last season, the 49ers offense ranked second in scoring. But teams that lose that Super Bowl tend to struggle the following season. And the 49ers lost starting wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, who signed with the Saints. The 49ers also lost Deebo Samuel for the next few months because he broke his foot.
The 49ers offense could look decidedly different in 2020 than it did in 2019.
Here's what you need to know about it:
PASSING GAME
Last season, the 49ers passed the ball less frequently than all but five teams.
Next season, the 49ers probably will have to pass more. Opposing defenses will load up to stop the 49ers run game, because it's so good, plus Sanders is gone, plus Samuel is injured. Teams probably will want Jimmy Garoppolo to throw the ball. They'll force him to make difficult passes down the field -- throws he didn't have to make often last season.
A greater emphasis on downfield passing bodes well for tight end George Kittle, of course, but also veteran wide receiver Travis Benjamin, whom the 49ers signed this offseason. He averages 15.1 yards per catch for his career. It also bodes well for Dante Pettis, who averages 15.2 yards per catch. Maybe he can get his career back on track.
The 49ers will need to replace Samuel's yards after the catch while he's out. Last season, he gained a whopping 8.3 yards after the catch per reception -- he was a major weapon.
Wide receivers who have similar skill set are Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Hurd and Jauan Jennings. All three excel after the catch. One needs to step up early in the season.
RUNNING GAME
The 49ers still have Raheem Mostert. He has requested a trade, but they don't have to trade him -- he's under contract for two more seasons. And he led all NFL running backs in yards per carry last season, plus scored 15 touchdowns counting the playoffs. He is one of the 49ers' difference-makers. And he will continue to make a huge difference for them, even if he's unhappy.
They still have Tevin Coleman, but I've heard they might trade or release him before the season starts. He's the highest-paid running back on the team, and the 49ers can replace him with Jeff Wilson Jr., who's young and cheap.
The 49ers also still have Jerick McKinnon, although he has to prove he still has all the quickness and explosion he had before he missed two seasons with a torn ACL. A running back can't afford to lose any athleticism.
The 49ers don't really need McKinnon or Coleman. If either one plays well in training camp and makes the team, good for the 49ers. But one way or another, Mostert should produce next season, even if opponents do everything they can to shut him down.
Which means the offense should produce as well. If the young wide receivers grow up fast, the 49ers will be tough to stop.
