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<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\tPublished May 21, 2025 \u2022 26 mins ago\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n
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The San Francisco 49ers had what many would consider a “down year” in 2024, finishing with a 6-11 record. After entering the 2023-2024 season as the favorites to win the NFC West, many are left wondering what went wrong. Factors such as contract issues, injuries, and a challenging schedule filled with unusual obstacles all played a role in their disappointing performance.<\/p>\n
Trent Williams<\/a> and Brandon Aiyuk<\/a> Holdout The 49ers were not a bad team last season; they faced unique challenges and had their flaws. However, they have improved and should be expected to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them this year.<\/p>\n The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tNobody’s perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \t\t\t\tComments \n\t\t\tMore San Francisco 49ers News\n\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\tCynthia Frelund projects 49ers as NFC West champs in 2025<\/a> \n\t\t\tGet ready for a home playoff game, San Francisco 49ers fans. At least, that’s what NFL Media analyst Cynthia Frelund is projecting for the Bay Area team in the 2025 season. Following the release of the NFL schedule, Frelund incorporated the new information into her win…\t\t<\/p>\n Why the 49ers’ 2025 Schedule Could Be Their Golden Ticket Back to the NFC West Throne<\/a> \n\t\t\tTomorrow, May 14th, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, the NFL world will turn its attention to the unveiling of the 2025 schedule. This release carries significant weight for the San Francisco 49ers and their faithful, potentially outlining the path back to NFC West supremacy.<\/p>\n Based on…\t\t<\/p>\n
Trent Williams’ contract extension went more smoothly than Brandon Aiyuk’s, but both players missed significant training time. At first glance, this may not seem like a major issue, especially since both are exemplary professionals. However, it’s not just about the individuals; it’s about the team’s overall cohesion. Coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme relies heavily on zone running, which demands strong teamwork.
In zone running, offensive linemen must read the defense and execute blocks, sometimes targeting second-level defenders. This requires a specific degree of mobility, where size is sometimes less emphasized, unless you have a Trent Williams. Williams is an exceptional talent, possessing a rare combination of size, speed, and skill. His mere presence alters the dynamics of a game, forcing defenses to adjust, thus easing the workload for his teammates. However, the offensive line spent the offseason without him, which likely resulted in a learning curve for the other linemen.
Brandon Aiyuk also significantly impacts how the 49ers function offensively. He has a knack for detecting soft spots in defenses and capitalizing on them for big gains, alleviating pressure on other receivers and opening up the run game. When Aiyuk was injured, the 49ers struggled to find a receiver capable of consistently getting open. While Juan Jennings performed well, he does not possess the same speed and vision as Aiyuk.
Scheduling Challenges
The 49ers faced a particularly tough schedule in the 2023-2024 season. Not only were they the NFL’s most-traveled team, but they also played against four teams coming off bye weeks: the Chiefs, Cowboys, Seahawks, and Bills. Unfortunately, this kind of scheduling disadvantage seems to occur frequently for the 9ers. When must-win games are compounded by facing well-rested opponents, the chances of success diminish, especially given the high injury rate the 49ers experienced.
Why the 49ers Will Win the NFC West
The 49ers have learned from their struggles last season regarding contract management. They have addressed this by avoiding drama and completing contract negotiations well in advance of the season, resulting in high-profile extensions for George Kittle<\/a>, Fred Warner<\/a>, and Brock Purdy<\/a>. Additionally, the team went into the draft with a clear strategy, completely revamping their struggling defensive line and finding a replacement for Dre Greenlaw<\/a> in Nick Martin<\/a>.
Finally, the god of scheduling seems to be on the 49ers’ side, as they’ve been given one of the easiest schedules this year.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tCynthia Frelund projects 49ers as NFC West champs in 2025<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tWhy the 49ers’ 2025 Schedule Could Be Their Golden Ticket Back to the NFC West Throne<\/p>\n