There was a lot of pressure on NFC West old boys, San Francisco 49ers, to live up to expectations in 2020. Kyle Shanahan had led the Niners to the Super Bowl a year prior but suffered heartbreak at the hands of the magnificent Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs. Regardless, the mood in the dressing room was full of hope heading into the 2020 NFL season. Alas, it did not stay that way.
Right from Week 2, the 49ers were dealt with a massive injury onslaught. QB Jimmy Garoppolo, DE Nick Bosa, RB Raheem Mostert, and TE George Kittle all endured an injury-ridden season. Bosa was ruled out with an ACL tear in Week 2 itself. Coach Shanahan faced a tough task and could only manage to steer the 49ers to fourth in the NFC West with a 6-10 record.
But the confidence that GM John Lynch has with Shanahan and the rest of the 49ers dressing room persists. Former Dallas Cowboys star, Michael Irvin, agrees.
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Michael Irvin lauds Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch despite poor season
Congratulations @JohnLynch49ers! #PFHOF21
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 6, 2021
NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin is considered by many as one of the greatest wideouts to ever set foot in the league. Since retiring, Irvin has taken up the role of NFL analyst across various broadcasting outlets. In a recent radio show segment, he was asked to comment about the 49ers and what lies ahead for the managerial duo of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch.
“I think they’re the best two working together and getting things done and knowing what they want to get done. [Shanahan] sees [the sport] better than all of us see it. He knows the things he wants to get done with his offense,” Irvin said on 95.7 The Game’s “Damon, Ratto & Kolsky”.
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Irvin also went on to address the Matthew Stafford to 49ers trade rumors.
“There are some teams that I’m sure will go after Stafford. Stafford’s known as an experienced quarterback in this league. So there are some teams that will go after Stafford. You would have to measure up against those teams, but I do think it would be somewhat of an upgrade.”
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The 49ers are also being linked to push for an unsettled Aaron Rodgers. However, negotiations with Green Bay Packers won’t be easy by any means, especially considering the season that A-Rod has just had. Regardless, the morale in the locker room is not one of panic but that of patience.
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