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San Francisco 49ers: Why a fast start is mandatory to make playoffs in 2018

By Jeremy Wohlfart

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 08: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the San Francisco 49ers at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Bobby Ellis/Getty Images) /
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Jimmy Garoppolo and the offense

Get ready to roll your eyes as I make the most obvious statement you’re ever likely to read on this website.

This season hinges on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, he is the not-so-secret weapon for the 49ers.

I have total faith, however. Garoppolo has already shown great maturity and leadership with his receivers, has an incredible chemistry with Marquise Goodwin and is developing the same with new offense weapon Jerick McKinnon, and he has an effectively new weapon in the 49ers most talented receiver in Pierre Garcon.

Add in rookie Dante Pettis and rookie standouts last year in Trent Taylor and George Kittle, and the offense looks pretty talented and more than enough for a playoff push.

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a eight-yard touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 24: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring on a eight-yard touchdown catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

The only question mark looks to be on their offensive front. Weston Richburg, Joe Staley and Mike McGlinchley are fine, but the guard play has been wanting. Jonathan Cooper is injured, while the duo of Joshua Garnett and Laken Tomlinson haven’t impressed in OTAs (although it’s OTAs, so take that with a grain of salt). Mike Person has been getting first-team reps also.

It’s a messy situation at guard, so teams with a strong defensive interior could prove to give the 49ers some headaches.

Unfortunately for the 49ers, the archrival Rams have such an interior defensive line.