A Few Good Weeks

OTA’s & Mini Camp - A Good Few Weeks

The last few weeks in Santa Clara, at the 49ers training facility has been a productive and there are shoots of optimism in the air. Here are some my thoughts as we go into the next phase of the off season.

New Coaches

Some of the most successful sports teams, have benefited from changes to the back room coaches. The thought process is that, new coaches will bring new ideas, new approaches and energise the team.

The 49ers because of there success over the years have had coaches leave, this off season was the biggest exodus of staff since the arrival of Shanahan and Lynch.

I am excited about the changes in the back room. Anthony Lynn, has a great running back room, the team will be relying on the running game more than ever, while Trey Lance adjust to his starting role as QB1. Lynn’s experience will help the running back room  as well as the team all round and also give Shanahan a wise head to call upon during the coming season.

Brian Schneider joining the coaching staff is a huge upgrade. The special teams needs to become a threat again, so a new coach with fresh ideas is more than welcome.

The Deebo Effect

One of the positives for me was seeing Deebo at the training facility.  Deebo brings such energy to the locker room and his appearance around the team and being around the players and the staff was a welcome boost.

In regards to his contract and the business side of the NFL, I am sure this will get sorted out. The Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s  contract puts things into perspective and I am sure the deal will be concluded before Training Camp.

Trey Lance

Trey Lance looks like he has had a great start to the off season to date and the general feedback from the beat writers has been very positive.

This year, with Trey Lance as the starting quarterback this will add a different dimension to the plays that are called. I can see more deep throws and more impactful plays down the field.

Trey Lance’s maturity and development over the past few months must be pleasing for Shanahan and Lynch.

O Line

Unlike last year, where the wide receiver and cornerback rooms were the worries, this year all the focus has been on the O Line.

All the reports out of camp indicate the team are settled on Aaron Banks and Jake Brendel having the chance to be the starters at Guard and Centre respectively.

I think the team need to be proactive and add a veteran lineman, who can play several positions along the O-Line. This will add cover and more importantly avoid the debacle of last year when there was an issue at cornerback.

Conclusion

It’s been a positive few weeks, the team are heading into this next phase off the season, with direction, focus and no real hangover from the defeat to the Rams and in the NFC Championship game.