4 reasons why SF 49ers bounce back into playoffs in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers core, if healthy, will be elite in 2021
It’s one thing to overcome injuries. It’s another when the bulk of those injuries were suffered by key players on the roster.
Yes, there are question marks at quarterback this offseason. San Francisco could move on from Jimmy Garoppolo. But the level of relative competitiveness in the wake of Garoppolo’s season-ending ankle injury suggests an elite-level signal-caller doesn’t have to be the key component for playoff success in 2021 when there are other top contributors.
Linebacker Fred Warner, who made the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career this season, is a key cog. But one could make the argument Nick Bosa is the SF 49ers’ best defensive player, and he’ll be back from his ACL tear. If anything, it’s good Bosa’s injury was suffered early in the season, allowing more time for his recovery.
One should also hope for fully healthy seasons from George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, who’ll combine with rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to form one of the more potent receiving trios in the NFC heading into 2021. Likewise, getting running back Raheem Mostert back from an injury-plagued 2020 campaign will help round out the offensive skill positions.
There’s going to be a lot of turnover this season. Yet the Niners core is there.
And if healthy, it stands to be one of the best in the league.