By Jack McNicholas

The Biggest surprise in 2021 to me was the success the 49ers found in the second half of the season which lead to a deep playoff run. After starting 2-4 it was looking bleak for the 49ers and Jimmy Garapolo. However, despite injuries and the 49ers fans about ready to start hopping on the Trey Lance train. Trey Lance of course was drafted in 2021 with the third overall pick. The 49ers traded three years of first-round picks to move up to that spot and acquire their future quarterback. While the 49er’s season looked as though the playoffs were out of reach, they finished the season 10-7. Eventually went on the beat the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in one-possession playoff victories. Eventually losing to their conference rival and eventual Super Bowl Champions Los Angeles Rams. Looking into 2022 it’s hard not to want to root for this 49ers team. Whether it will be Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance in 2022, this team has so many players you would want to root for. Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, and Fred Warner are a quad of players that could match up to some of the best at their positions over the whole league.

The 49er’s defense is an incredible balance to their high-powered offense. This Defense was 9th best in scoring which will improve this year as they dealt with injuries last season. Fred Warner could be a dark horse for defensive player of the year after his performance last season, With 137 total tackles, he is all over the field. The NFC west as a division has been one of the most competitive in recent years and will continue to be and the 49ers will look to their defensive anchor for answers. Currently, the team is facing the possibility of no longer having the services of Deebo Samuel.

Samuel is making waves this offseason for requesting a trade out of San Francisco in pursuit of a long-term extension elsewhere. Hoping to retain the swiss-army knife receiver who had 121 targets, 77 catches, 1405 yards, and 6 TDs receiving, to go along with 59 rushes, 365yds, and 8 touchdowns. Without that production on your offensive side of the ball, it could be detrimental to the development of Trey Lance. I do believe with a concrete quarterback plan they will be able to get the edge on teams. My biggest question for this team is where will they end up? Will they be able to pull together a season that will end in a playoff run? Will Deebo Samuel be on the team? Find out in 2022.