The San Francisco 49ers’ recent playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks (41-6) marked the second-largest margin in franchise history. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the defeat but emphasized it should not have escalated as it did.
Key takeaways from the loss highlight the team’s need for increased speed, particularly in their roster. While the 49ers had several fast players earlier in the season, their average top speed of 19.81 mph ranked them as the sixth slowest in the NFL. This lack of speed contributed to struggles in both offensive and defensive plays during the playoffs. Notably, players like Jauan Jennings displayed potential to enhance the offense, suggesting a focus on speed in the offseason is crucial.
Additionally, there are concerns about the offensive line’s performance, especially in light of facing top-tier defensive tackles. The team should consider investing in an interior offensive line during the draft, as they may need to replace aging players like center Jake Brendel.
On the defensive side, the 49ers need to bolster their secondary. Current players have not adequately covered opposing offensive threats, and while some defenders like Talanoa Hufanga have performed well, upgrades are necessary to create a more competitive secondary unit. The draft will be key for acquiring players who can strengthen this aspect moving forward.
In summary, the 49ers need to focus on improving their roster speed, reinforcing their offensive line, and investing in a stronger secondary to enhance their playoff performance in future seasons.
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