Forty-Niners Opening Season Breakdown

From losing the Super Bowl in overtime to blowing two double-digit second-half leads in their first 5 games, the San Francisco Forty-niners have let down many fans’ expectations for the start of the 2024-2025 season. The past year’s Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, had been ruled questionable in week one, with some cloudy rumors about his injury and return date. It turned out to be Achilles tendonitis in both legs, potentially sidelining him until Week 8, much longer than any fan had expected or desired. While McCaffery might seem like the majority of the problem, San Francisco’s defense is also worth paying attention to. According to CBS News, the Forty-niners defense ranks 29th in third down conversion rate allowed, rating 50%, and 25th in yards per play allowed, averaging 5.6 yards. The defense is not making up for the absence of McCaffrey. Additionally, while the offensive production has been solid, it is nowhere near where it was last year when the Niners were first in yards after catch per completion. This year, they sit 31st thus far. Quarterback Brock Purdy had nine touchdowns to running backs and three interceptions last year. This year, he has zero passing touchdowns to running backs and one interception. It is no mystery why the Forty-niners season has started slow. Injuries have been a significant issue. Not only has Mcafferey been sidelined for some time, but the Forty-niners are still missing Dre Greenlaw, a star linebacker who injured his Achilles in last year’s Super Bowl, guard John Feliciano, who injured his knee, safety Talanoa Hufanga, who injured his wrist, and kicker Jake Moody, who injured his ankle. It is early, and eventually, things might fall into place. It should not be panic mode just yet, especially since the Forty-niners have had rough starts to seasons before; hopefully the Forty-niners will pull things together for the rest of the season.