Greg Roman: San Francisco 49ers’ Offense ‘Going To Pop’

Jan 12, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman (right) talks to running back Frank Gore (21) before the NFC divisional round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are 29th in the National Football League in total offense, gaining just 309 yards per game.

But their 24.7 points per game has the Niners 12th in the NFL, so they’ve at least been somewhat efficient.

The 49ers are fifth in the league with 141 yards on the ground per game, but the passing game has struggled somewhat.

As in, they have the worst passing offense in the entire league. At 168 yards per game, they are almost 20 yards behind the next-worst team on the list, the Oakland Raiders, who average 186.4 yards per contest.

But offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters, according to the National Football Post, that better days are just ahead.

"“We’re certainly not a finished product,” Roman said. “I think those opportunities are out there and the roof is going to blow off. It’s going to pop. It’s coming.”"

We’re waiting.

The 49ers have failed to muster 200 yards of offense in consecutive losses to fellow playoff contenders Carolina and New Orleans the last two weeks.

"“I’d say the past few weeks have not been up to our standard or the standard of production that we expect or work for,” Roman said. “It’s simply a function of getting back to work, identifying problems, fixing those problems and re-emphasizing the positive things.”"

Roman also thinks the struggles are good for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

"“This is extremely valuable for him to go through these types of situations, battle his way out and learn from them,” Roman said. “To play quarterback in this league is a tall task. Over time there are so many different things you’ll encounter, so many different players you’ll play with, all those different things that contribute to your growth as a quarterback.”"

At 6-4, San Francisco currently hold the sixth and final spot in the playoff chase in the NFC, leading the Arizona Cardinals thanks to their head-to-head victory and the Chicago Bears based on better record within the NFC. The Cardinals are Bears are also 6-4.

Carolina holds the top wild card spot at 7-3, while Dallas and Green Bay are each 5-5.

The Seattle Seahawks, at 10-1, would have to take some significant steps back toward the field for the 49ers to have a shot at a third straight NFC West title; at this point, a wild card is the most likely scenario for a return to the postseason.