San Francisco 49ers: Has A Wide Receiver Group Finally Emerged?
Do the San Francisco 49ers finally have worthy WR’s? After the teams 41-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, we now have a clearer picture of the reciever situation. While not a perfect unit, their are certainly some building blocks for the future. At this rate, Jimmy Garoppolo might have his best season yet.
It’s all about getting help for your QB. Garoppolo hasn’t had that number 1 WR for his time in San Francisco. Pierre Garcon was a factor, but was far from a true game changer during his time with the 49ers. General Manager, John Lynch, opted to change the culture of the 49ers offense by giving Jimmy G. some help.
Dante Pettis was supposed to be the guy in San Francisco. The 2018 2nd round pick out of Washington hasn’t lived up to his potential. During the 49ers first two games, Pettis has 1 reception for 7 yards, and wasn’t even targeted during the Bengals game. Thankfully, others have stepped up, and by doing so, have given the 49ers a dangerous WR core.
Lynch didn’t waste any time during the 2019 NFL Draft. He took Deebo Samuel with the 4th pick of the second round. The WR from South Carolina has impressed thus far in his NFL career. Standing 6’0, Samuel has caught 8 balls for 104 yards during the 49ers first two games. He’s averaging an impressive 13 yards per reception.
During the San Francisco 49ers Week 2 win over the Bengals, Samuel broke out with 5 receptions for 87 yards and a TD. In addition, Marquise Goodwin, had 3 receptions for 77 yards and a TD. And if the production from these two isn’t encouraging enough, the team gets Trent Taylor and 2019 Draft pick, Jalen Hurd, back in a few weeks time.
The WR position has been dreadful for the 49ers. The team hasn’t had a 1,000 yard wideout since Anquan Boldin in 2014. Even more shocking, San Francisco hasn’t had a WR record 100 receptions since Terrell Owens in 2002. For a proud franchise like the San Francisco 49ers, this is a bit embarrassing.
Who’s to say if Samuel, Taylor, Goodwin, Hurd, or even Pettis, can record a 1,000 yard or 100 reception season. What we do know is that Lynch has made it a focal point to find WR talent. He knows giving a QB like Garoppolo weapons will make the 49ers one of the best offenses in the league.
Many labeled Jimmy Garoppolo as one of the NFL’s best young QB’s. Injuries might have hindered that, but at full health he’s a star QB. And once this WR core settles in, the San Francisco 49ers offense might be one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
Image Source: Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
