NFC West Power Rankings: Week Seven
4 – San Francisco 49ers, 2-5 (Last Week: 3)
October 22, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane (92) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the fourth quarter at Levi
Things are ugly right now for the San Francisco 49ers, and it’s extending off the field. After being thumped by their rivals, the Seattle Seahawks, on Thursday night in primetime, ESPN’s Mark Schlereth called the 49ers’ offensive line “pathetic“, and that’s a nice way to put it.
After the Thursday night debacle, there were supposed to be “big changes” coming for the 49ers, and there were reports on heated meetings and teammates distancing themselves from Colin Kaepernick, which head coach Jim Tomsula has downplayed. Plus, there’s reports that Vernon Davis and Joe Staley have been involved in “locker room quarrels“. But other than that, things are just peachy!
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- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
In any event, this team is in a downward spiral, and it doesn’t look like it will be fixed any time soon. The head coach is in over his head and the quarterback is going to absorb most of the blame, but it starts at the top. Management is letting this team spiral down, but they really seem to be content with that. As long as you’re making money, who cares what the fans think, right?
What it all boils down to is that the 49ers don’t have enough talent to win right now. They have some extremely talented skill players, like Carlos Hyde and Torrey Smith, but that talent is washed out by the lack thereof in the trenches. The offensive line is an absolute mess, and without consistent blocking, San Francisco doesn’t stand a chance.
In their upcoming matchup with the St. Louis Rams, that dismal offensive line will have to find a way to slow another strong pass rush. That really doesn’t look likely, and guys like Aaron Donald and Robert Quinn have to be licking their chops. Maybe it’s time for owner Jed York and general manager Trent Baalke to admit their mistakes. That seems about as likely as the 49ers’ line not giving up a sack this week.
Next: Middle of the Pack