In this week’s Reacts survey, we question whether the Niners can make a second half run like they did in 2021
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Following another NFC West loss, in which the 49ers had a lead in the fourth quarter, the 49ers are 5-5 and in a three-way tie with the Rams and Seahawks. Arizona leads the division at 6-4. Losses are bound to happen in the NFL due to parity, but the five losses have been particularly frustrating, with the 49ers losing leads in four games.
The pressure is mounting for Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. Christian McCaffrey is back, Jauan Jennings has emerged as a top receiver target, and the 49ers offense is second in yards and eighth in points scored in the NFL. What has wholly regressed is the 49ers red zone offense, which sits at 28th in the NFL, behind the Rams and ahead of the Packers.
The 2021 49ers were 3-5 through eight games, but they won two straight to improve their record to 5-5. The team finished 10-7 and qualified for the playoffs with Jimmy Garoppolo as the quarterback. History is there, but are there similarities between the two seasons?
First, the 49ers quarterback was Garoppolo, with rookie Elijah Mitchell as the team’s starting running back. Deebo Samuel was on an absolute tear in 2021 and carried the 49ers through their toughest stretches before finishing as a first-team all-pro player. Trey Lance even helped keep the 49er’s season alive with a win over the Texans before the season finale in a spot start.
The 2021 49ers finished 13th in points scored (427), seventh in yards gained (6,387), ninth in points allowed (365), and third in yards allowed (5,270). Special teams were an issue for the ‘21 Niners, and the team had negative expected points on special teams in nine games, according to Pro Football Reference.
The 2024 49ers defense is a big part of the problem this season. While they rank sixth in yards allowed (3,022), the 49ers are 16th in the NFL for points allowed (222). Regarding special teams, the 49ers have negative expected points in eight of their ten games. And two games are negative double digits, which is how many games the 2021 49ers had all season.
Another concern is the 49ers have dropped four one-score games. The fourth quarter has been a disaster class for this year’s team. Nothing feels easy, even in the team’s five wins. Last season was a breeze during the regular season, with just a rough three-game patch. Nothing is coming easy for this team, and at times, they look inexperienced during crunch time. There’s no excuse for the fourth-quarter ineptitude with this team’s experience in big games and big moments.
Sunday is a must-win. A loss will drop their playoff probability into single digits, and a win pushes their chances over 50 percent. History is on the 49ers side, but relying on history and not adjusting and perfecting their present isn’t going to get them into the playoffs.
Can the 49ers turn their season around? Vote on the poll and let us know in the comments about your confidence level and concerns.