What Super Bowl 54 loss means for 49ers 2020 offseason plans
The San Francisco 49ers far exceeded expectations in 2019 going from a record of 4-12 to a Super Bowl appearance. What should we expect from the team this offseason?
By now you know the San Francisco 49ers suffered a crushing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV by a final score of 31-20.
A quick look back on the 2019 season will reveal San Francisco had an extremely successful year improving from a four-win 2018 to the No. 1 seed in the NFC and two playoff wins. The nine-win turnaround cannot be taken for granted and should have been more than enough to award Kyle Shanahan NFL Head Coach of the Year honors.
Despite the incredible season, 49ers fans are without a doubt left with a bad taste in their mouths. Nothing tastes quite as unsatisfying as a second-place finish does; something San Francisco has had to swallow their last two trips to the big game.
They say that hindsight is 20/20 and a review of the 2019 season reveals outstanding roster construction. This all started with the free-agent additions of guys like linebacker Kwon Alexander and running back Tevin Coleman.
Next were the additions the 49ers made in the draft. They completely changed the team’s effectiveness on defense by bringing in No. 2 overall pick, EDGE Nick Bosa, and fifth-round steal, linebacker Dre Greenlaw. They also picked up wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who was arguably the best offensive player the team had against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
The last big move the team made was a midseason trade with the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Sanders was a huge piece that helped take the top off of opposing defenses.
These additions were a huge reason for the team’s incredible turnaround. It is extremely difficult for a team to make consecutive deep postseason runs. Just ask 2018’s NFC Champions, the Los Angeles Rams. If the Niners hope to return to the Super Bowl next season, then they must acquire a few key pieces this upcoming offseason.
Read on to see who Niner Noise believes the 49ers should target in the 2020 offseason.