SANTA CLARA — A year ago, the 49ers were 1-10. Now, they’re 2-9. Progress! If that’s not enough to soothe 49ers fans, here is a Tuesday morning mailbag:
Don’t you think that coming off a bye, playing against one of the worst Ds in recent memory, the 49ers should have been much better prepared? I know the talent is not there (GM!?), but why is nobody questioning the coaching aside from Saleh (it seems)? (@Nik_8686)
Very valid points. Kyle Shanahan heaped blamed on himself — and all 49ers — for that 27-9 trash in Tampa. Shanahan strikes me as very loyal to his staff, but it will be interesting to what other teams’ assistants become available in January. As for last weekend, as bad as cross-country games typically go, this coaching crisis was compounded by Marquise Goodwin’s abrupt leave for personal issues and then Reuben Foster’s implosion.
I’m visiting San Francisco for the Broncos vs Niners. What is a must do? First time in San Francisco! I didn’t want to ask about the defense… so tourist tips it is! (@fperez2231)
Welcome to Santa Clara, er, San Francisco. Union Square for holiday shopping. Go for a stroll along The Embarcadero (wink at Pier 39, make it to Crissy Field for Golden Gate views). Dine in North Beach. Hit Coit Tower. Visit Union Street, the Marina, Chinatown, everywhere. Then wake up in time for the hour drive to Levi’s Stadium.
Robert Saleh should or shouldn’t be defensive coordinator next year? (@Jeremy_cheatham)
The Niners’ defense is a persistent problem, and even though the run defense is improved from a couple years ago, the pass rush and pass coverage are no match for today’s pass-oriented offenses. Shanahan, who’s been quite open amid turmoil, hasn’t chastised Saleh. If a better option surfaces on the coach market, that could lead to change.
If Dante Pettis was one of the best return men in NCAA, EVER, why isn’t he being used in the same position?? (@chrisdias79)
Same question crossed my mind last game. Educated guess: Pettis played 91 percent of the offensive snaps starting in place of Marquise Goodwin and the 49ers wanted him focused there (result: 4 catches, 77 yards, touchdown). He hasn’t looked comfortable on punt returns, but Richie James hasn’t been an upgrade.
Might the organization embrace an ‘outside-the-box’ salve to the front office’s drafting woes by investing a larger cadre of nationwide scouts beyond the 10 they currently employ? (@chunkierthanyou)
Might you be suggesting they hire a dogged reporter who can find the X-factor in players by scouting their backgrounds on and off the field and on and off social media?
Elijah Lee played more snaps than Malcolm Smith, Alfred Morris was a healthy scratch, Julian Taylor was active for the first time. Did they decide over the bye to switch from win mode to analyze for the future mode? (@gamerollerb)
Well, “win mode” isn’t working out so well (see: 2-9 record). They indeed need to use these final weeks to evaluate all players. Linebacker Malcolm Smith took a seat once his Achilles flared up, and Morris hadn’t been running well. So, yes, bring on the regular-season tryouts.
What is Silly Thomas’s role moving forward?
Ahem, Solomon Thomas’ role should be almost entirely as an interior rusher. That’s why the 49ers drafted him. The problem is he’s not big enough, strong enough or fast enough (yet?) in a league constantly demanding bigger, faster, stronger.
Do the Yorks have to face facts with Lynch’s player evaluations and replace him? (@wgclements)
Let’s clear up this misperception: John Lynch is not your typical, I-make-the-call general manager. Now, he doesn’t necessarily work at the pleasure of Kyle Shanahan, but they work in harmony on every pick and every move. Shanahan can have veto moves. Lynch lends a complementary voice with seasoned eyes and serious work ethic. He also relies on personnel help from respected advisors (Adam Peters, Martin Mayhew, Keena Turner) and the scouts.
Ward done as a niner? Goodwin update? (@spencer_martin)
Jimmie Ward is done for 2018 with a forearm fracture, and despite his injury history, the 49ers should at least keep open the door for a return, albeit on a short-term, affordable deal. No update on Marquise Goodwin’s unspecified personal matter, as of now.
Why did the 49ers look like a CFL team against Tampa Bay? (@JamieBeldin)
Hey, come on, CFL teams score more than nine points. Did you know 49ers long snapper Kyle Nelson’s dad, Mark, is a long-time CFL assistant, and he was the Ottawa Redblacks linebackers coach Sunday when they lost in the Grey Cup to Jeff Garcia’s old Calgary Stampeders?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Even LeBron James can’t ignore the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hype – The Pewter Plank
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
LeSean McCoy on Super Bowl, Tom Brady and Signing with Buccaneers – Buccaneers.com
