The San Francisco 49ers had another reasonably successful season, going 13-4 and ending the regular season with a 10-game winning streak.
But for the second straight season, they fell short in the playoffs by losing in the NFC Championship Game.
With rookie quarterback Brock Purdy, who took over for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 13, facing a long recovery period after tearing the UCL in his elbow in that contest, there is an air of uncertainty surrounding the 49ers right now.
But by upgrading at these two spots, they can help ensure a real shot at a Super Bowl championship next season — as long as Purdy is ready to go when the season starts.
The Secondary
Cornerback Charvarius Ward was a very nice pickup last offseason, while second-year safety Talanoa Hufanga blossomed big time by making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team.
Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir had one of their best games of the season. They completely locked up AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. Here’s their combined numbers against this elite receiver duo:
• 6 targets
• 2 catches allowed
• 16 total yards
• 1 pass breakup pic.twitter.com/ITznP4wllA— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) January 30, 2023
But although San Francisco boasted the NFL’s best overall defense, the rest of its secondary looks suspect.
They could use an upgrade from Deommodore Lenior, who allowed a 66.3 percent completion rate and a 91.2 passer rating when his man was targeted this season and was often picked upon by opposing offenses.
In addition, Emmanuel Moseley, the 49ers’ other starting corner, suffered a torn ACL in October, which could make him unavailable to start next season.
A Third Quarterback
Purdy and Trey Lance appear to be the Niners’ QBs moving forward, but if this season showed anything, it’s that teams need three capable quarterbacks on their roster.
Garoppolo is apparently on his way out, which means they will need to pick someone up who has enough experience and ability to be their third-string signal-caller.
NEXT: NFL Insider Names 1 Team As A Fit For Jimmy Garoppolo
