Tag: Kyle Shanahan

ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky says Kevin O’Connell outcoached the 49ers

On Sunday, the Vikings were able to defeat Shanahan and the 49ers, and it was because of Minnesota’s staff, according to one ESPN analyst.

The San Francisco 49ers, led by Kyle Shanahan, are considered one of the best staffs in the entire NFL. Several staff members, such as DeMeco Ryans and Mike McDaniel, have gone on to become head coaches.

However, on Sunday, the Vikings defeated Shanahan and the 49ers, and it was because of Minnesota’s staff, according to one ESPN analyst.

Dan Orlovsky, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst, praised the Vikings on Monday. He specifically credited Kevin O’Connell as being one of the “best bread crumb layers” with what he does on offense. He also mentioned the work of Brian Flores to confuse and pressure Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense.

Brock Purdy was 16-1 against NFC teams in his NFL career heading into Sunday’s game. His lone loss came to the Vikings last year and now he can credit them and Brian Flores with his other loss against the NFC as well.

49ers were hoping Vikings starting QB would return to San Francisco as backup

Sam Darnold would’ve been the 49ers backup QB again if Kyle Shanahan hand his druthers.

The San Francisco 49ers went into the offseason with only one quarterback under contract.

Last season Sam Darnold held down the backup QB role. Brandon Allen operated as the emergency third QB. The only time the 49ers strayed from this setup was when Brock Purdy sat out the season finale and Darnold started with Allen as QB2. Both Darnold and Allen were free agents entering 2024.

San Francisco’s chances to retain Darnold were slim. The former No. 3 overall pick joined the 49ers in part to rehab an image that had been battered during tumultuous tenures with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. His success in simply existing as the 49ers’ backup for a season put the then-26-year-old on track to score a decent free agent contract and a potential starting job.

He landed with the Minnesota Vikings, but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was hopeful Darnold would have no suitors and be forced to return to San Francisco.

“Yeah, I thought it was a real good spot for him,” Shanahan told reporters in a press conference on Wednesday. “And I was happy for him. I was hoping he’d find no good spots and come back here. But I was happy for him. He got this opportunity because Sam more than deserves it. Sam is a starting quarterback in this league and he should run with it.”

Darnold proved his supporters correct in his debut with the Vikings. He completed 19-of-24 throws for 208 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in Minnesota’s 28-6 rout of the New York Giants.

The 49ers weren’t able to keep Darnold, and now they’ll have to face him in Week 2 when he lines up under center for the Vikings. Shanahan believes Darnold is a starting QB in the NFL, but the 49ers and their coach will be hoping he looks more like a backup on Sunday.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Kyle Shanahan’s injury update on Christian McCaffrey is mostly good news

Kyle Shanahan’s injury update on Christian McCaffrey offered a little optimism about the RB’s ongoing Achilles injury:

Christian McCaffrey’s injury status may wind up being a story line throughout the San Francisco 49ers’ 2024 season.

It dominated the headlines in Week 1 when McCaffrey was ruled out before the game with calf and Achilles ailments. His injury status remained in headlines after the game when there was confusion about when the 49ers knew McCaffrey would be out.

As the page turns on Week 1 to Week 2, McCaffrey’s status for the 49ers’ game in Minnesota is still up in the air, but head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update in a conference call that came with a little positive news.

Shanahan told reporters McCaffrey is day-to-day with Achilles tendinitis. He also said McCaffrey would have played if Monday night’s game was a playoff game.

https://twitter.com/nwagoner/status/1833572169349271664

While the ideal scenario would be McCaffrey at 100 percent, that doesn’t appear to be in the cards while he works through the chronic Achilles issue.

All signs point to the issue being something the 49ers are managing early in the year. That’s better than needing to sideline him for a prolonged period while he rehabs the injury.

Given the potential severity of a major Achilles injury it makes sense that San Francisco wouldn’t rush him into action for Week 1. It also makes sense if they sit him for Week 2 with a quick turnaround from Monday night to Sunday morning, and with the Vikings’ field turf playing surface. The 49ers are focused more on February than September. Everything they do with McCaffrey moving forward will be about ensuring he’s as healthy as possible for a postseason run.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Legendary NFL coach likes 49ers offense and ‘great’ coach Kyle Shanahan

Bill Belichick is a big fan of the 49ers’ offense and head coach Kyle Shanahan.

There aren’t many stamps of approval more valuable for an NFL team than one given by legendary coach Bill Belichick.

The San Francisco 49ers received that very stamp ahead of their Monday night showdown against the New York Jets.

Belichick didn’t accept a job offer from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, but he did appear on the ‘Pat McAfee Show’ and expanded on the difficulties of facing Aaron Rodgers before heaping praise on the 49ers and their head coach.

“The 49ers have really good skill players,” Belichick said. “You can’t let (Christian) McCaffrey get going if you’re the Jets. That guy’s a game wrecker. (Brandon) Aiyuk on third-down situations. (George) Kittle is one of, if not the best, tight end end in the league. He’s a tremendous player. Those guys are all really hard to tackle. They’ll all block. They’re a tough matchup. They’re a really tough matchup. With Trent (Williams) back there they’re solid at left tackle, so the blind side is good. And Kyle’s a great offensive coach. He’s a scheme coach. So, I’m sure he’ll challenge the Jets with some good looking plays and some tough schemes.”

Belichick isn’t familiar with facing the current iteration of the 49ers since he last faced them with the New England Patriots in 2020. San Francisco dominated that game in New England and won 33-6.

This version of the 49ers is even tougher with McCaffrey in the backfield and Brock Purdy under center. Belichick also didn’t mention wide receiver Deebo Samuel who is perhaps the most unique offensive weapon in the league.

Getting that co-sign from Belichick is just another signal that San Francisco’s offense has the potential to be the NFL’s best in 2024. Week 1 will give us a good picture of what’s to come against Jets head coach Robert Saleh and their very good defensive unit.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers offense falls off in ESPN analyst’s bold prediction

An ESPN prediction has the 49ers offense falling off some. We don’t see it.

The San Francisco 49ers are returning virtually all of their starters on offense in 2024.

That’s a significant deal considering how dominant they were on that side of the ball last season. They ranked No. 1 in points scored, offensive efficiency, and offensive EPA per play according to ESPN.

Their only change to their starting lineup will be at right guard where rookie third-round pick Dominick Puni figures to step in for the rotation of Spencer Burford and Jon Feliciano.

Despite all that, ESPN analytics guru Seth Walder made an offensive dip his bold prediction for the 49ers’ 2024 season. Via ESPN:

The 49ers’ middling offensive line play will catch up to them and they’ll fall out of the top four offenses in the league (in terms of expected points added per play) as a result. The only lineman they can feel great about is left tackle Trent Williams, and even he carries risk, given that he’s 36 years old and currently holding out. Left guard Aaron Banks, center Jake Brendel, right guard Spencer Burford and right tackle Colton McKivitz all showed weakness in either run or pass block win rate last season.

This is becoming a theme in the pre-season analysis of the 49ers. Their offensive line is an easy weak spot on the roster to point to, and Walder did so with his prediction. He doesn’t mention Puni, but a rookie third-round pick wouldn’t like alter the projection much.

Williams did return to the fold and will get three days of practice in before Week 1. He joins Banks on the left side with Brendel at center. Puni will man right guard alongside McKivitz.

There certainly could be a dip in offensive production if the offensive line falters. However, the 49ers have a good track record under head coach Kyle Shanahan of piecing together offense behind a questionable offensive line. That group had some bad moments last season, but it certainly wasn’t terrible. Puni could also provide an upgrade at RG.

With quarterback Brock Purdy getting a full offseason under his belt without requiring rehab for a major elbow injury and the return of all but one starter on offense, we’ll lean toward San Francisco once again generating a top three NFL offense and proving Walder’s prediction wrong.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers superstar WR sits out practice despite team expectation

Brandon Aiyuk watch continues.

Brandon Aiyuk watch continues.

Despite both Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch noting that the San Francisco 49ers star pass catcher was in Santa Clara on Wednesday, Aiyuk was not on the field at the start of practice. Prior to practice, Shanahan and Lynch spoke to members of the media and indicated their hope that Aiyuk would return to practice on Wednesday.

Although the start of the regular season is quickly approaching, Aiyuk is still “holding in.” Aiyuk has yet to suit up for practice since the start of training camp as he seeks a new contract or a trade from San Francisco.

Via @mattbarrows on Twitter:

When speaking with members of the media before practice, Shanahan said he’d hoped Aiyuk would return to practice on Wednesday in Santa Clara. While Shanahan mentioned his hopes for Aityuk practicing, he noted that does not believe Aiyuk practicing is an indication that a new deal is coming.

Via @mattbarrows on Twitter:

Via @957thegame on Twitter:

 

It wasn’t just Shanahan who was hoping Aiyuk would practice, it was also general manager John Lynch. When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Lynch didn’t hold back saying,”at some point, you’ve got to play” in reference to Aiyuk’s extended contract saga.

Via @AdamSchefter on Twitter:

Via @brgridiron on Twitter:

The 49ers are set to open the regular season against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets on Monday Night Football just 12 days away from Wednesday.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers rookie impresses coaches with improbable debut

In his preseason debut on Friday, the former Louisville running back carried the ball 11 times against the Raiders.

After the rookie running back suffered a hamstring injury at the start of training camp, the San Francisco 49ers have been without their 2024 fourth-round pick for most most of camp and the first two preseason games. Yet, after returning to practice earlier in the week, Isaac Guerendo made his highly-anticipated preseason debut on Friday night against the Las Vegas Raiders.

In his first preseason game in the NFL, it didn’t take long for the former Louisville Cardinal to make an impression. In the second quarter, Guerendo took back a kickoff return for a 93-yard touchdown. Along with a blazing run to the end zone on kickoff, Guerendo added 32 yards on 11 carries and two catches for three yards.

On Sunday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to members of the media on a conference call where he praised Guerendo’s performance on Friday against the Raiders. When talking about the rookie running back, Shanahan noted the lack of padded practices Guerendo has had since suiting up for the Senior Bowl in February.

I thought he did a real good job, especially since it was the first day he had shoulder pads on since the Senior Bowl. He got hurt our first day of practice and then the two practices we had before the Raiders week were unpadded practices. So for him to go that long without putting pads on, I really liked how he ran. He tried to break tackles, never eased up on contact, tried to run through it, hit the holes well and had a real good first game.
After spending five seasons at Wisconsin, Guerendo transferred to Louisville for his final season. With the Cardinals. Guerendo rushed for 810 yards on 132 carries with 11 touchdowns. Guerendo added 22 receptions for 234 yards.
Guerendo’s standout performance should likely bounce him up the depth chart and into the conversation for Christian McCaffrey’s backup alongside Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

49ers No. 1 pick to practice in time for regular season opener

After missing all of the preseason due to an injury, the former Florida Gators pass catcher is set to return to practice.

While rookies like Renardo Green, Dominick Puni, Jacob Cowing, Malik Mustapha and Isaac Guerendo have impressed at different times in the preseason, the San Francisco 49ers have been without their No. 1 pick from the 2024 class for all of the preseason, and most of training camp.

The No. 29 overall pick from the 2024 NFL draft, Ricky Pearsall has been dealing with a shoulder injury that has kept him on the sideline for his rookie preseason campaign. However, the former Florida Gators pass catcher could be making a return to the practice field just in time for the regular season opener.

During a conference call with members of the media on Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Pearsall will make his return to practice on Monday. Pearsall could get two weeks of practice in before the 49ers make their regular season debut against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets for Monday Night Football on Sep. 9.

Via @RapSheet on Twitter:

Pearsall played three seasons at Arizona State in the Pac-12 before transferring to the SEC. In two seasons at Florida, Pearsall racked up 91 receptions for 1626 yards with 12 total touchdowns.

Pearsall will have a chance to compete with Cowing and veterans Chris Conley and Trent Taylor for a spot behind Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel on San Francisco’s wide receiver depth chart.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Kyle Shanahan says he’s had some contact with star offensive lineman during holdout

The star offensive lineman has been holding out from practice at training camp with the 49ers.

While a bulk of the attention surrounds Brandon Aiyuk’s contract saga with the San Francisco 49ers, another star member of the offense has been absent from training camp due to a contract situation. All-Pro offensive tackle Trent Williams has been holding out from camp as he seeks a new deal with the 49ers.

On Wednesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed a small update on the situation with Williams. In an appearance on San Francisco’s KNBR with Tom Tolbert and Adam Copeland, Shanahan said he’s had some contact with Williams. He said there’s “nothing new to add, but hopefully it’s getting close.”

Via @KNBR on Twitter:

Williams still has three years remaining on his current deal with the 49ers and is set to make $20.05 million this season, $22.5 million in 2025, and $32.1 million in 2026. However, none of the money left on his current contract is guaranteed.

Williams is coming off three consecutive All-Pro seasons along with four straight Pro Bowl nods. Williams started 15 games last season, earning an 89.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.

With only the preseason finale left and the start of the regular season looming, Williams’ status should be a top priority for the 49ers. The 36-year-old blocker is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and a key to what the 49ers do on offense in the pass-and-run game. Williams provides leadership and stability to a relatively unproven group up front that’s tasked with protecting Brock Purdy.

Without Williams, the 49ers’ tackle responsibilities fall on Jaylon Moore and Colton McKivitz on the outside of the offensive line. Moore and McKivitz will likely get reps with the rest of the starters that are available in the 49ers preseason finale on Friday against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The 49ers will close out the preseason in Las Vegas on Friday with kickoff set for 7 p.m. PT.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Brock Purdy shouldn’t have started preseason game vs. Saints

In his first preseason start of the 2024 campaign, Purdy finished with 11 yards on 2-of-6 passing against the Saints.

After a heavy dose of Brandon Allen and Joshua Dobbs in the San Francisco 49ers preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday marked the first appearance of a familiar face.

For the first time since their Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February, Brock Purdy started under center for the 49ers on Sunday in the preseason against the New Orleans Saints. While some rust is expected in a preseason week two cameo, Purdy’s appearance on Sunday in Santa Clara didn’t go to plan.

After three drives in the first quarter, Purdy’s line in the box score finished with 11 yards through the air on 2-of-6 passing. However, it looked worse. In 11 plays, the 49ers managed just one first down with Purdy under center.

While Purdy’s performance included a bad decision that almost resulted in an interception, the 49ers patchwork offensive line didn’t do him any favors against a tough New Orleans Saints defensive line that featured multiple proven starters. In his short appearance, Purdy was either hit in the backfield or flushed out to scramble on nearly every drop back.

Via @FeelLikeMafe on Twitter:

Via @49ersRushPodcast on Twitter:

Along with an offensive line that was missing Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Spencer Buford and Jon Feliciano, Purdy was also without nearly all of his prime weapons. Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey. George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Kyle Juszczyk and Jordan Mason were all sidelined against the Saints.

With key piece after key piece missing all around him, what was the argument for Purdy to play not just one, but multiple series in a meaningless preseason contest —  a question Kyle Shanahan will likely have to answer.

With nothing to prove coming off an MVP finalist season, Purdy is the center of San Francisco’s offense on a team that’s attempting to get back to the Super Bowl. Putting him under center in a preseason game against a tough defense without his supporting cast is a questionable judgment.

While an ugly stint in the preseason should likely be forgotten about by the time the 49ers suit up for their regular season opener against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, it’s safe to say Purdy should’ve joined the rest of his Pro Bowl-caliber teammates on the sideline on Sunday against the Saints.

This post originally appeared on Niners Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]