Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 storylines to watch over second half of 2019

By Peter Panacy

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers talks with George Kittle #85 against the Washington Redskins during the first half in the game at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers talks with George Kittle #85 against the Washington Redskins during the first half in the game at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks in action against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 3: How 49ers Handle Elite-Level Opposing Quarterbacks

So far, these are the quarterbacks the Niners have had to face in 2019:

  • Jameis Winston, Buccaneers
  • Andy Dalton, Bengals
  • Mason Rudolph, Steelers
  • Baker Mayfield, Browns
  • Jared Goff, Rams
  • Case Keenum, Redskins
  • Kyle Allen, Panthers
  • Kyler Murray, Cardinals

Interestingly enough, Murray arguably provided the biggest obstacle, as the rookie’s efforts nearly thwarted San Francisco’s undefeated streak in Week 9.

In the second half, though, the 49ers have some notably stiffer competition:

  • Russell Wilson, Seahawks (twice)
  • Kyler Murray, Cardinals
  • Aaron Rodgers, Packers
  • Lamar Jackson, Ravens
  • Drew Brees, Saints
  • Matt Ryan, Falcons
  • Jared Goff, Rams

Rodgers, Brees and Wilson are all on a Hall of Fame trajectory, while Wilson and Jackson should be in the MVP discussion this year.

Yes, San Francisco’s pass defense is allowing an average of 4.3 net yards per pass attempt, which is second best in the NFL at the halfway point. But one would expect that average to increase against these quarterbacks.

Exactly how much will be a key factor to watch during the second half of 2019.