Niner Noise
FanSided

5 crucial takeaways from 49ers Week 3 win vs. Steelers

By James Jones

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball after getting hit low by Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Raheem Mostert #31 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball after getting hit low by Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 12: A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field during warmups before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 12: A San Francisco 49ers helmet sits on the field during warmups before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

No. 1: 49ers are a playoff team right now

I know it’s early in the season, and the 49ers have a long road ahead to actually be playing meaningful games in January, but hear me out.

More from SF 49ers News

A game like the one they played last Sunday was not one they would have won in any season dating back to 2014. In fact, the three games they have won thus far likely would not have been contests they would have won, either.

This is a different team. A more balanced and confident team. After two years, which saw a virtual complete overhaul of the roster in 2017 and unrealized (premature) expectations in 2018, it’s clear Shanahan and Lynch’s rebuild is working.

Again, we are three games into a 16-game season. As such, the 49ers still have a lot of work to do to actually become a playoff team. The players know this and understand the importance of taking things one game at a time.

dark. Next. Power ranking 49ers 2019 draft class after Week 3

This team has loads of talent and potential now. If they continue on their current path, a minimum of a Wild Card playoff seed should be attainable.