Niner Noise
FanSided

Why the 49ers neglected their pass-rush needs during the 2018 offseason

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Elvis Dumervil #58 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Elvis Dumervil #58 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Chicago Bears 15-14. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with general manager John Lynch after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

The 49ers’ Rebuild Isn’t Complete

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat’s Grant Cohn laid out an interesting piece on how the Niners are gunning for playoff contention in 2019. I don’t agree with a lot of Cohn’s arguments, and I’m sure many fans feel the same way. But he sheds light on a real possibility that makes sense here:

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

"The offseason moves make sense when you realize the 49ers don’t expect to make the playoffs next season. They conceded months ago. If they expect to make the playoffs, they would have made major investments to their defense. It’s terrible. It gave up 24.7 points per game in 2017, not counting Week 17 when it faced the Rams backups. No NFC team that gave up more than 21.2 points per game last season made the playoffs. The NFC is loaded with good clubs, and the Niners aren’t one of them yet. They need a defense."

What Cohn is arguing is San Francisco passing on being a legit contender this season, instead focusing more on the long-term rebuild.

While fans’ expectations haven’t been this high since the Jim Harbaugh era, Cohn’s argument has its merits. Sure, anything can happen. And the Niners’ offensive upgrades could be enough to pull off 10 or 11 wins this season.

But think of all the moves the Los Angeles Rams made this offseason. They’re in win-now mode, no doubt about it. Same with the Minnesota Vikings, whose top-ranked defense remains largely intact from last season.

If the 49ers are going to have a tough shot overtaking either club for NFC dominance this year, why panic and force the issue? Why not attempt to get by with what’s on the roster now and focus on those pressing pass-rushing needs next year?