10 Problems the San Francisco 49ers Could Face Next Season

8. Some Inconsistencies in Offensive Play-Calling

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 49ers’ offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, employed some questionable play-calling in the Super Bowl at the most crucial point of the game. The Niners were seven yards away from the end zone and had the possibility of sealing a victory with a touchdown towards the end of the game. They had one chances from seven yards out and three from five yards out, and they couldn’t score a touchdown.

There were some serious issues with play-calling on all four of those plays. On the first play, LaMichael James ran the ball and only gained two yards. The next three plays were all failed pass attempts to the right side of the end zone to Michael Crabtree.

It was strange that the Niners didn’t choose to have Frank Gore run on one of those plays because he had a strong second half. Although Crabtree was most likely the 49ers’ best option at the end of the game, the Ravens knew this, so they covered him with multiple defenders. Roman didn’t react to the Ravens’ coverage and didn’t show any creativity in his play-calling at the end of the game.

In addition, in the first half, it seemed like the offense had no idea what to do. Greg Roman needs to be more effective in situational play-calling and run plays for the right player at the right times. The Niners also need to make sure everyone knows what play is going to be run, so they don’t need to waste so many timeouts.