Is it run defense, the red zone offense, or injuries?
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Fans of the San Francisco 49ers are optimistic at an all-time high. Robert Saleh is back, the draft feels like a perfect fit for the team, and the team is relatively healthy. Christian McCaffrey is ready to roll, and the cornerstone players are under contract with no issues heading into training camp.
But there are concerns in 2025 for the 49ers. What is your biggest problem?
Our own Kyle Posey laid out the number one priority for the 49ers on offense and defense.
One of the issues that can’t be projected is injuries.
Red Zone Offense
Will the return of McCaffrey solve the 49ers’ woes in the red zone? Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers offense had no issues moving the football up and down the field in 2024. 2025 is the perfect opportunity for the team to clean up their issues in the red zone.
Given the 49ers’ strength of schedule, the team can’t afford to walk away with as many field goal attempts in 2025. McCaffrey was a cheat code in 2023. George Kittle has had back-to-back efficient seasons and should be an emphasis in the red zone while the team waits for Brandon Aiyuk to return from his knee injury.
Run Defense
Let’s just say it: it’s hard to believe the 49ers can be as soft against the run as they were in 2024. It’s almost impossible to be as poor against rushing offenses. The 49ers draft was a clear indication of the team correcting their biggest issue on defense.
Coverage was never an issue in 2024. Alfred Collins, Mykel Williams, and C.J. West will be tasked with fixing the 49ers run defense. Stop the run and have some fun will be the 2025 motto. Bryce Huff gives the 49ers their speed rusher on third down and obvious passing downs they have craved since Dee Ford departed.
Injuries
Given how awful the 49ers’ luck was in 2024, there is an easy opportunity to have the 49ers regress to the mean. Fred Warner played almost all of 2024 with an ankle injury, McCaffrey is ready to roll, and the team has addressed the positions with the worst injury luck at the defensive line and the secondary.
Malik Mustapha has a chance to miss games after aggravating an ACL injury in the season finale. Marques Sigle can step in with Ji’Aiyr Brown to fill the void.
It’s hard to envision back-to-back seasons with the same injury luck.
The 49ers have the second-best odds to win the NFC West, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, with good reason.
What is your biggest concern heading into 2025?