On paper, last season, the San Francisco 49ers did many things well. They were in the top half of the league in both points scored and points allowed, and they finished with the fifth-most passing yards.
There was one statistical flaw, however, that severely hindered their offensive effectiveness, and it's clear they've not only neglected to address it this offseason, but they may have made it even worse.
The Niners were 24th in rushing attack. Their 106.9 yards per game on the ground marks the lowest since Kyle Shanahan's first year in the Bay, and it's in stark contrast to his usual run-oriented scheme.
Their inability to establish the run mainly stemmed from an inept and injury-riddled offensive line. Christian McCaffrey was unable to find space, and San Francisco's run game evolved into a run-pass hybrid, in which McCaffrey caught dump-off after dump-off for minimal gains. As a result, McCaffrey caught an astounding 102 balls in 2025.
This offseason, the Niners' solution to this issue was to sign a few little-known depth pieces and a veteran in Rob Jones, who is coming off a broken neck bone. They also neglected to pick up a lineman in the draft until late in the fourth round.
49ers could experience more of the same ineptitude on the ground
In all, the collection of moves doesn't leave fans overwhelmed with confidence. Combine that with an even shallower running back room than last year, and it seems as if the Niners are intent on making their weaknesses weaker.
The departure of Brian Robinson Jr. left general manager John Lynch with a backup hole to fill, and fill it they did. With CMC turning age 30, the San Francisco front office elected to protect its star back with two complete unknowns.
Jordan James, a second-year man out of Oregon, saw most of his time on special teams and didn't receive his first carry of the season until the 41-6 blowout loss to Seattle in the postseason. Kaelon Black was taken at the back end of the third round and was considered to be one of the biggest reaches of the entire draft.
Now, the 49ers are relying on an obscure combination of age and inexperience in the backfield ahead of the new season.
Their offensive decisions thus far have been nothing short of befuddling, and only time will tell if they will pan out or not. One thing is certain, though. Whatever happens, the San Francisco offense will likely need an unexpected breakout if it wishes to get back to the rushing success fans have grown accustomed to over the years.
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