Between now and the end of August, TGS will offer up a quick snapshot of every NFL team heading into the 2015 regular season. Today, the San Francisco 49ers.
2014 in a nutshell: Distracted by controversy surrounding off-field incidents and head coach Jim Harbaugh’s worsening relationship with the team, a squad that went to the conference title game in 2011, 2012 and 2013 wins just eight game.
Why 2015 could be different: They lost Harbaugh, both coordinators and close to a dozen key players on both sides of the ball.
Major additions: Darnell Dockett, Torrey Smith, Reggie Bush, Philip Wheeler and Shareece Wright.
Major losses: Harbaugh, coordinators Greg Roman and Vic Fangio, key offensive players Frank Gore, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Michael Crabtree and Stevie Johnson and key defensive players Chris Borland, Patrick Willis, Aldon Smith, Justin Smith, Ray McDonald, Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.
Breakout watch: They’re hoping 2014 second-round pick Carlos Hyde can step it up in place of departed workhorse Frank Gore, and the line is still good enough to make that happen.
Position to watch: With Borland, Willis and Aldon Smith gone and All-Pro NaVorro Bowman returning from a devastating knee injury, a once-jacked linebacking corps is surrounded by questions. Second-year surprise standout Aaron Lynch has been out most of the offseason, but they still have plenty of talent with Lynch, Bowman and Ahmad Brooks.
Prediction: Look at the depth chart. This team is terrible, and Colin Kaepernick was one of the worst quarterbacks in the league down the stretch last season. With patsy Jim Tomsula in control, the badly depleted Niners will be lucky to win five games.
