NFL record predictions for the 2018 regular season
By Ian Cummings
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers went 5-0 with Jimmy Garoppolo at the helm in 2017. With another year for the team’s young core to grow, and with all the moves the 49ers made this NFL offseason, it’s exciting to imagine how good they might be in 2018, as well as the years to come.
Count me as a believer in Jimmy G. He may not have extensive experience as a starting quarterback in the NFL, but in those five games he played last year, which included contests against the Jaguars, the Titans, and the Rams, Garoppolo showed everything he needed to show to gain onlookers’ confidence as a starting quarterback. He was poised, he displayed fluid fundamentals, he led his offense and served as an infectious leader, he drove the football down the field almost at will, and most importantly, he won. 5-0. With a 49ers roster that many considered to be talent deficient.
After a strong offseason, the number of 49ers doubters is dwindling, but Kyle Shanahan’s squad has yet to prove that they can be contenders on a full sixteen-game slate. Still, there’s reason to be confident besides Jimmy Garoppolo. The offense is flush with dynamic playmakers, from Jerick McKinnon to Dante Pettis, Pierre Garcon, and Marquise Goodwin. The offensive line is decent, and although they’l be looking for improvements on the interior, specifically from Laken Tomlinson and Joshua Garnett, the 49ers have a serviceable unit, and Garoppolo has shown he can win with worse.
On defense, the 49ers are sneaky good. Their front four is incredibly talented, with players like Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner, Sheldon Day, Jeremiah Attaochu, and Cassius Marsh. On the second level, Reuben Foster, who should be available after his assault charges are dropped, should effectively team up with Fred Warner to form an athletic duo at linebacker. In the secondary, the 49ers needed to add cornerback help, and they did just that by acquiring Richrd Sherman and D.J. Reed. Adrian Colbert and Jaquiski Tartt should pick up where they left off at safety, making plays and providing solid back-end play.
After weighing all the factors, it’s clear that the 49ers are close to competing. The offense under Mike Shanahan should be even more exciting in Year 2, and with Jimmy Garoppolo growing more and more comfortable as the team’s franchise quarterback, it’s not outrageous to expect the 49ers to battle with the Rams for AFC West superiority.