Kyle Shanahan changed things at the 49ers, creating a fierce victorious culture. In 8 years he took them to 4 playoffs, with 2 Super Bowl appearances. However, in an environment where results matter, he has to work hard and identify where the team failed. Specialized studies are coming out with the comparisons of additional performance indicators. And if we look at one of those, the Niners general didn’t fail at one or two, but 4 fronts.

A report in San Francisco Standard revealed the first was Run Defense EPA (29th). This parameter had 2 sub-metrics. Pass-Rush Grade and Run Defense Grade! But the Niners have worked on this. They brought in Jason Pinnock and Richie Grant. The latter has shown close-quarter tackling abilities. In the next parameters, they slip even more.

The 49ers are 31st in the short-yardage run efficiency. Even in the first-down run EPA, they came 20th. This was a major concern for Kyle Shanahan. His O-line plans focus on the running game. It made them bring in TE Luke Farrell from the Jaguars. But the price they had to pay forced many analysts to raise their eyebrows.

The 5th round (145th overall) pick of the 2021 Draft signed a 3-year $20.25 million deal with the Niners. But his performances have not warranted for the money they pay. In fact, in 4 years, he hasn’t scored a single touchdown in the league. In 4 seasons, he played 66 games (20 solo) and recorded 36 receptions for 318 receiving yards.

Another one was the special teams issues. They ranked last in the league in that one as well. In the week 12 matchup against the Packers, Kyle Shanahan, and the entire Niners fanbase looked gloomy as Jake Moody missed the field goals. Everyone was fed up. They tried to sort out the problems by firing special teams coordinator Brian Schneider and hiring Brant Boyer.

15-year veteran Jon Weeks has also arrived at the franchise to show he still has it. However, one trade helped them overcome to some extent. It’s the average separation as the team ranked last in that department.

Kyle Shanahan solves one big problem with a superstar trade

When the 49ers announced the trade of the WR Deebo Samuel to the Commanders, the fans went into a frenzy. They wanted to know what exactly happened. It was the Commanders QB Jayden Daniels who shared a close relationship with WR Brandon Aiyuk in Arizona.

Kyle Shanahan identified Samuel as the worst separator at the receiver position. After that, he told his other coaches to train other players as per their QB, Brock Purdy. This year, the Niners HC wants the injuries to heal. That has to happen.

If the superstars like WR Aiyuk and RB Christian McCaffrey don’t come back on the gridiron, there could be no expectations of having a historical season. This marred their 2024. It could very well be the problem in 2025. But the plan is on. The GM John Lynch and HC plan to rake in the coming draft.

It would be exciting. Stay tuned to learn more about your favorite superstars from the NFL world.