It’s week 18, and the final game of the season. It’s a match up of two teams who had playoff hopes, and fell short. You’d expect this to be a game where the starters sit and see what the backups can do, but it wasn’t this way. The Rams finish a disappointing 8-9 season after high hopes of a SB win. The 49ers were way off their target at 4-13. No one expected this game to be the absolute shoot out that it was.
Trey Lance was firing on all cylinders, and so was rival Matt Stafford. The two quarterbacks combined for a massive 800 yards and 9 touchdowns. WR Desean Jackson showed off his elite speed hauling in 4 deep balls for 159 yards and 3 scores. Probowl hopeful Deebo Samuel had 7 catches for 153 yards and 2 scores. George Kittle was his animal self and spent the day running over Rams players.
The after-game interview with George showed his excitement for this matchup.
Erin Andrews: “George, tell me about what this game meant for you after such a disappointing season”
George Kittle: “We punched them in the nose. We know we’re better than we’ve been playing and I think this was just a taste of what we’re able to do. They’re an excellent team, and we fought hard. We have a lot of competitors, and we’ll come back stronger”.
The season is over for the 49ers, and they’ve fallen short of expectations. When you look at the roster there’s talent at every level. What’s missing is consistency, and not letting games get out of hand when the 49ers have the lead. Most of the starters this year will be returning next season, and hopefully with a few key spots from free agency and the draft, the sky’s the limit for San Fran.
In this past offseason, General Manager John Lynch and head coach Pollux decided to make a huge splash ahead of the NFL draft. In moving from the 12th spot to 3rd, they gave up a huge wealth of draft picks including three 1st rounders. What they got in return is the future of their franchise. Fast forward to week 18.
Trey Lance has had a roller coaster of a season. Yes, the glaring stat is 4-13. However, when you look further into this you see that the 49ers have had issues keeping starters on the field. Trey has thrown for almost 5000 yards and 37 touch downs. He's also rushed for more then any 49er back up running back and not afraid to depend on his legs when a play breaks down. However, his eyes are always down field first which has helped him exceed passing expectations in year one.
Drops have plagued the team this year and have come at the worst possible times in games. And the defense, as star studded as it seems have giving up leads late in the game. This team could easily be sitting at .500 if they had made a few more key plays in games. Sour milk right? But the future is bright for this young man from North Dakota State who was seen heading into the draft as a development player who needed to sit for 1 to 2 years behind Jimmy.
Look a little further down into the stats. The NFC West is ultra competitive, Seattle finishes 16-0, Arizona 9-7 and the Rams finish 8-9 (losing two regular season games to SF). You could easily have 2 wildcard teams from this division alone. The threesome of Deebo Samuel, George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk have played great at times and have hauled in the majority of Lance's missiles throughout the season. Plus acquisitions during the season have added key depth and contributors like Ronald Jones and Carlton Davis III.
This team has the potential to get to the next level, and the offseason will define whether that happens. The roster has win now ability, can the coaching lead them there? Time will tell.
OPENING NIGHT OF THE 2021 SEASON
It was Sunday of opening weekend. The 49ers host the division rival Cardinals in a bitter rivalry. The Cardinals open the scoring with an interception return from Jalen Thompson on a tipped ball headed to RB Raheem Mostert. Thompson caught the fluttering pass and ran it back without anyone in chase. The 49ers then drive down the field and kick the extra point. The game continued with back and forth scoring in each quarter until the 4th when Arizona got into scoring position late inside the 2min warning to seal the game.
GAME STATS
Kyler Murray struggled early on, but was able to calm down and find his targets during the 2nd half to finish 24/34 for 249 yards, 2tds and 1 int from Vetran Richard Sherman. RB James Connor proved unstoppable with his first game with AZ to rumble for 175 yards and a TD. And TE Zack Ertz was Kyler's favorite target hauling in 6 catches.
On the other side, rookie QB Trey Lance showed off his arm talent throwing for 373 yards, 3 TDs and 2 INTs. Although one of his INT was on a tipped pass. Raheem Mostert had a big day with 16 rushes for 139 yards and a TD including a 65 yard sprint to the endzone. Big days by Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle who both finished their day with 5 catches each, and both over 120 yards receiving. Deebo Samuel hauled in 2 TDs in his first game of the season.
THOUGHTS
It was clear that the 49ers rallied around the rookie QB who showed poise and decisive throws in his first outing. Trey finished the day with a QBR of 112 proving that he can play at the next level.
The 49ers head on the road next week to play the New York Jets. Both teams start the season 0-1 and both have rookie QBs. Zack Wilson struggled in his first game throwing for 5 interceptions in a 41-31 loss. They'll look to run the ball behind ex 49er Tevin Coleman who despite losing, had a good day on the ground. Ex 49er Trey Burton also had a good day for NYJ, leading the team in receptions. This is sure to be the battle of the rookies.
It's only mere days after the 2021 NFL draft and 49er fans are ecstatic to see the newly drafted players in red and gold. Coach Pollux is here to talk about the newly added talent for this upcoming 21/22 season.
Round 1 - Pick 3 - Trey Lance QB North Dakota State
Trey has been looked at as a developmental guy, a QB with a powerful arm, very intelligent and able to make all the throws. Plus, he's fast. He'll have to work on his accuracy this preseason however he's in the right place, a team with a great defense and key veteran players around him to build around. Whether he starts on day one, or sits behind Jimmy G will all depend on how the games go.
Round 2 - Pick 48 - Aaron Banks OG Notre Dame
This was a bit of a surprise pick, this man is massive and will help especially in the interior of the offensive line, however he's not a quick as the usual scheme players the 49ers have. But if you want a guy to lay players out on the field, this is the dude! He'll compete on day one for a starting spot on the roster and be there to protect the QB.
Round 3 - Pick 88 - Trey Sermon RB Ohio State
You can never have enough running backs, and this guy is a great between the tackle runner. He'll compete for playing time from day one and some predict may be one of the better rookie RBs in the league. He's not as fast as Raheem Mostert but will be a great change of pace back who can make people miss on the field.
Round 3 - Pick 102 - Ambry Thomas CB Michigan
Ambry will play a depth role as he learns the defense and sits behind starting CB Emmanuel Moseley and Jason Verrett. In the past the CBs have has numerous injuries and have reached far down the depth chart. Ambry has good size and speed and has great instincts to play in the slot while he gains experience.
Round 5 - Pick 155 - Jaylon Moore OT Western Michigan
Jaylon is a solid tackle who will need some time to develop, but could play a swing tackle role when needed.
Round 5 - Pick 172 - Deommodore Lenoir - CB Oregon
Deommodore is another depth pick, looking to protect the 49ers down the road if injuries play a role.
Round 5 - Pick 180 - Talonoa Hufanga - S USC
2020 Pac 12 Defensive Player of the Year, he'll look to contribute on special teams and will provide depth at a position that has noone signed beyond this up coming season.
Round 6 - Pick 194 - Elijah Mitchell - RB Louisiana
Elijah is a shifty back who will push for reps as a receiving back. He's got great speed and hands, but sits in a deep RB position for the 49ers.
Coach Pollux told reporters that he's pumped with all the new additions and sees a bright future. He was also heard saying that noones job is safe, this isn't about compactly, it's about having the right people at the right positions.
The 49ers have earned an over all draft grade of B+ and have shored up both the offense and defense for years to come by adding much needed depth as well as the QB of the future in Trey Lance. Many pick him for a Rookie of the Year prospect, however time will tell during the preseason and early games this year.
The big news in the NFL this offseason was the trade that the 49ers made with Miami to move to the 3rd pick in the draft. Speculation around the league about who the 49ers would take at QB has been wild.
The prospects include:
Mac Jones - Alabama
Trey Lance - North Dakota State
Justin Fields - Ohio State University
Coach Kyle Shanahan asks his quarterbacks to play under center, deploy playaction passes, run the boot, and throw across the middle of the field. All three of these quarterbacks would fit this bill, however they all have their strenghs which they bring to the table as well.
Mac Jones has proved he's a leader in the lockerroom and on the field. He's played in the big games and run an NFL style offense. He's a very accurate passer and can manage the game well. He also resembles a prototypical NFL QB and can probably start game one if needed.
Justin Fields is probably the most talented quarterback of the 3 listed above. He's the fastest running a 4.41 40 time during his proday, and even stumbled during that run. He's got a strong arm and can make all the throws, plus like Mac Jones he's competed on the biggest stages in college football. He's a quieter leader but was able to earn the respect of his team last year starting for the Buckeyes.
Trey Lance is the biggest wildcard and has the most raw talent of the three. He reminds scouts of Patrick Mahomes coming out of college. He also boasts the strongest arm of the three, however is the most raw passer.
All three are projected to be franchise quarterbacks at the next level and would all fit the SF scheme. Analyists have been making their projections for the last 2 months, and although each of them have made their case for who SF is going to draft, the 49ers haven't tipped their cap to reveal.
What does this mean for Jimmy G. The 49ers have said that he's a part of the team for 21/22 however, the 49ers loyal are waiting to see how this all plays out. One thing is for sure, you don't made a trade this big unless you know what you're trading for.
The 49ers have been limited by injuries over the past few years, especially during the 2020/2021 season where they saw most key starters including Sherman, Jimmy G, Kittle, Deebo, their starting safeties and corners, their top 3 linebackers all missing significant time. It's hard to imagine how high the ceiling would have been without those stet backs.
49ers fathful will be waiting for the draft and excited about the future.
Tonight's NFL Rookie Draft have 49er fans buzzing. There were a few surprises and a few holes filled which surprised noone.
Let's start with one of the drafts biggest surprise at the 5th pick of the draft. All season long Kyle Shanahan has reiterated that Jimmy Garappolo is his man and that there are no quarterback contraversies. When Roger Goodell announced the pick, there were surprised looks on faces all throughout Radio City Music |Hall. Let's review the season, Jimmy struggled with consistant weapons battling injuries and still managed over 40 touchdowns. The issue was, the 49ers were taken out of the game by the quarterbacks interceptions. In fact there were 42 of them. Let's talk about the pick.
In the first round the 49ers select Quarterback Clayton Burris (USC). Burris comes from an NFL ready offfense from a college team who routinely gets some of the best recruits year in and year out. Burris was a 3 year starter at USC and helped win an NCAA championship in his 2nd year. Scouts rave about his quickness on the field, strong arm and great accuracy. The question is, will he start some time this season or back up Garappolo and wait for his turn during the season. All eyes in Santa Clara will be watching.
Another surprising pick was the selection of Tight End Zach Pratt. Everyone knows this is George Kittle's team, he's the backbone of their passing attack and ranks amougst the top 2 tightends for the last 3 season. Pratt somes in with great speed, reliable hands and prototypical size. He played for 4 years at Memphis.
Another huge draft pick was the selection of Right Tackle Jason Lane (University of Florida) - The massive college star comes in and shifts to Guard for his first season and is expected to start right away after the departure of two starting offensive lineman from last season.
Also selected in the draft were Left Tackle Bryson Sharper (Utah State) and Right Guard Matt Roth (West Virginia) who will both compete for a starting position with the team. Both have great size and started for 3 years on their college teams.And Wide Receiver Joey Sutton (Tulane) , who at 6'4, has some of the best hands for a rookie wide receiver. This however was the other surprise from their draft night as the 49ers have one of the deepest depths at this position in the NFC.
Tonight's NFL Rookie Draft have 49er fans buzzing. There were a few surprises and a few holes filled which surprised noone.
Let's start with one of the drafts biggest surprise at the 5th pick of the draft. All season long Kyle Shanahan has reiterated that Jimmy Garappolo is his man and that there are no quarterback contraversies. When Roger Goodell announced the pick, there were surprised looks on faces all throughout Radio City Music |Hall. Let's review the season, Jimmy struggled with consistant weapons battling injuries and still managed over 40 touchdowns. The issue was, the 49ers were taken out of the game by the quarterbacks interceptions. In fact there were 42 of them. Let's talk about the pick.
In the first round the 49ers select Quarterback Clayton Burris (USC). Burris comes from an NFL ready offfense from a college team who routinely gets some of the best recruits year in and year out. Burris was a 3 year starter at USC and helped win an NCAA championship in his 2nd year. Scouts rave about his quickness on the field, strong arm and great accuracy. The question is, will he start some time this season or back up Garappolo and wait for his turn during the season. All eyes in Santa Clara will be watching.
Another surprising pick was the selection of Tight End Zach Pratt. Everyone knows this is George Kittle's team, he's the backbone of their passing attack and ranks amougst the top 2 tightends for the last 3 season. Pratt somes in with great speed, reliable hands and prototypical size. He played for 4 years at Memphis.
Another huge draft pick was the selection of Right Tackle Jason Lane (University of Florida) - The massive college star comes in and shifts to Guard for his first season and is expected to start right away after the departure of two starting offensive lineman from last season.
Also selected in the draft were Left Tackle Bryson Sharper (Utah State) and Right Guard Matt Roth (West Virginia) who will both compete for a starting position with the team. Both have great size and started for 3 years on their college teams.And Wide Receiver Joey Sutton (Tulane) , who at 6'4, has some of the best hands for a rookie wide receiver. This however was the other surprise from their draft night as the 49ers have one of the deepest depths at this position in the NFC.