49ers Tumultuous Offseason – 2015 Preview
Just a few seasons ago, the 49ers ownership looked genius grabbing a low profile Stanford head coach to lead their franchise turnaround.
The same ownership also signed and developed a number of great players prior to the Jim Harbaugh-era. So it wasn’t unwarranted for 49er fans to be optimistic that the Yorks and GM Trente Baalke knew what they were doing.
After one 8-8 season and the first non-playoff appearance in four years, the 49er fan base had lowered expectations for the 2015 season.
In what was the first week of “official” free agent signings for the 2015 season, 49er fans just lowered their expectations even further. After hearing the sudden departures of guys like Patrick Willis and Frank Gore, the 49er teams heart and passion was seemingly ripped from their chest. Below is a full list of departures courtesy of 49ers.com:
As of March 12, 2015
· LB Patrick Willis announces retirement,
· S Bubba Ventrone (Accepted coaching position with the New England Patriots)
· RB Frank Gore (Indianapolis Colts)
· LG Mike Iupati (Arizona Cardinals)
· LB Dan Skuta (Jacksonville Jaguars)
· WR Stevie Johnson (Waived)
If rumors are true, this list is expected to grow. Michael Crabtree and Ahmad Brooks seem to want off a sinking ship. Justin Smith is expected to announce early retirement, leaving Aldon Smith to be double teamed all season. What’s Aldon Smith's over and under for sacks if that is the case (I say 11 assuming he plays 16 games). Kaepernick trade rumors are floating but not sure how much merit there is at this time.
49ers management was able to land one key acquisition, Torrey Smith, from the Ravens. Torrey is expected to open the pass game with his speed, giving Kaepernick a legitimate downfield threat. I personally thought Stevie Johnson did a great job in this role and with his yards after the catch. Hopefully, Torrie can improve the pass game with better chemistry on the field. After all, he reconnects with Anquan Bolden who has been the model receiver of consistency since joining the 49ers in 2013.
A few positions of concern remain, particularly that offensive-line. Collin Kaepernick was the second most sacked quarterback in the NFL with 52. This is highly unlike the 49er teams in the past which were stout and bullied their way to victory. They appear to be relying on the draft to correct this area since Mike Iutapi signed with the Arizona Cardinals without much attempt to keep him.
Additionally, the 49ers have expressed interest in signing Reggie Bush and Ted Ginn Jr. It sounds to be me, the 49ers are looking to replace Ellington as their return guy or are not convinced at 5"9 he can endure being a receiver and full time kick returner, especially since he was hurt late last year. Look for Bush or Ginn Jr. to be an affordable way to boost the offense and special teams in case Ellington is not the answer.
Another concern would have too be the 49ers runningarea for the 49ers was at the bruiser running-back position. The 49ers never filled the void left by Anthony Dixon in 2014. Carlos Hyde was ok in short-yardage situations, but with Frank Gore gone --they will want to preserve Hyde as their primary back. Thus, they need to find someone.
Trent Baalke missed the mark if they think the Australian rugby star, Jarryd Haynes, is going to be their next special teams phenom. If he makes the team, Haynes will play special teams or possibly running back. He's supposed to be a freak of nature big body with incredible measurables (speed, long jump, cuts, etc.). I just never really see these type of signings pan out in the NFL. Wish him the best but the NFL game is too fast and learning curve too hard.
The 49er ownership is high on Chris Borland, especially since he filled in nicely when Willis went down late last season. Borland was a steal third-round pick. Low costs, high reward type.
Unfortunately, I don’t think he’s the long-term answer. Borland is undersized for an NFL linebacker. He lacks the hard-hitting power that the 49ers built their championship defense on. I noticed late in games Borland would run out of steam. Opposing teams would run the ball to victory (granted, Kaepernick and the dismal 4th quarter offense didn't help) but I suspect Borland's size has a lot to do with opposing teams ability to run the ball. Even with Navarro Bowman’s return, the 49ers should look for a pro-bowl linebacker to compliment Bowman who will be challenged to return to form after a serious knee injury in 2014.
For now, I can only be thankful for the 49ers legends Patrick Willis and Frank Gore who have departed. It is impossible to replace this type of heart and passion in one off season.
Baalke, if the 49ers fail next year, the 49ers need to get rid of you. Not only for sticking with Greg Roman far too long but for your inability to keep this dynasty in tact. More updates for 49er off season moves to come. Stay tuned.
