Niner Noise
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49ers 2019 training camp: 10 things to watch during opening weekend

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 and Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers go up against each other in a 7 on 7 drill during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 and Chris Culliver #29 of the San Francisco 49ers go up against each other in a 7 on 7 drill during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Dante Pettis #18 and Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

No. 8: The Go-To Guy in the Red Zone

Despite a slew of offensive injuries last season, the 49ers ended up being pretty good on that side of the ball.

At least in terms of yardage, totaling 5,769 total yards, which ranked 16th best in the league. As far as points go, however, Kyle Shanahan’s offense managed just 342 — 21st overall.

A key reason was the team’s red-zone abilities, or lack thereof.

In 2018, the Niners finished dead last in red-zone touchdown efficiency, finding end-zone pay dirt just over 41 percent of the time. There’s surely a lot of blame to go around, whether it be Shanahan’s play calling, the carousel under center or a lack of a go-to guy in the red zone.

Wide receivers Dante Pettis and Deebo Samuel could be key elements here, namely because of their exceptional footwork and Samuel’s physicality. So could another rookie, Jalen Hurd, even though he’s still pretty raw.

Yet the 49ers also brought aboard veteran wide receiver Jordan Matthews during the offseason, and 16 of his 22 career touchdowns have come within the red zone.

Matthews is far from guaranteed a spot on the 53-man roster, so that’s something to watch in training camp. But if he makes the cut, one might look to him as a worthy red-zone target this season.

Speaking of wide receivers…