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NFC West: How Good Is the 49ers’ Own Division in 2016?

By Peter Panacy

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vance McDonald (89) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talks to head coach Chip Kelly in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) talks to head coach Chip Kelly in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Points: 55 (No. 9)

Offensive Yards: 622 (No. 27)

Defensive Points Allowed: 46 (No. 16)

Defensive Yards Allowed: 714 (No. 15)

Alright, 49ers fans. It’s your time. Enjoy the thought of the Niners being in first place within the NFC West. How long that lasts? Well, hopefully it’s for a bit. Maybe.

Week 2 brought the feel-good feelings from Week 1 crashing to a halt. The Carolina Panthers routed the 49ers 46-27 in a game San Francisco had no business winning — on paper or by any other analysis.

But, to be fair, the Niners were trailing by only seven points with five-plus minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. It was a game. And the fact Carolina led only 17-10 at the half meant this didn’t turn into a blowout from the opening whistle.

That’s good. The 49ers can compete with top-tier teams, which is a far cry from what was seen a year ago.

Still, there are more than a few problems here. See the vast difference between total points scored on offense compared to offensive yards?

This means two things — San Francisco is benefiting from insanely good field position and/or scoring off turnovers.

The latter should draw our attention. The 49ers actually rank second in the NFL with six turnovers generated so far.

But the problem is San Francisco still doesn’t have a likable answer at quarterback. Blaine Gabbert has been inconsistent, and Colin Kaepernick probably isn’t the answer either.

So the offense will likely go as far as running back Carlos Hyde will take them. He excelled in Week 1. Not so much in Week 2. At least the Niners are boasting a strong offensive line, as Pro Football Focus pointed out.

Insofar as the defense, the 49ers do have some nice pieces. DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead will look to bookend the defensive line. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman is a stud. And there are workable pieces in the secondary.

Will that be enough to offset the lack of playmaking ability on offense?

Next: So Is the NFC West the NFL's Worst Division?