3 things 49ers need to improve before showdown vs. Seahawks

49ers offense must get off to a hot start

With such an innovative mind like the one Kyle Shanahan possesses, watching the offense struggle for the better part of three games is a bit incomprehensible and certainly won’t cut it if there’s a shootout with Seattle on Sunday.

The 49ers have had a good second half-surge over the last two weeks, but they’re going to need an earlier boost for maximum results.

There is no one player, group or coach to blame for the struggles because it’s the ultimate team sport, and various phases of the offense are costing them. Whether it be the 3.6 yards-per-run average, which is good enough for the league’s 16th overall rushing rank, or another failed third-down conversion early in the game, San Francisco loses the chance to pounce on its opponents and then ends up in a dogfight.

The outside groans and chatter are growing louder and stronger after every game. And it’s worth wondering how patient the Niners brass is willing to remain if the losses continue piling up. More importantly, whatever decision is made will be extremely detrimental to overall team morale, so let’s leave it in the hands of the Shanahan/John Lynch brain trust.

It’s been a roller-coaster of a ride to begin the season, which is going to be a little longer this year, so no need to hit the panic button… just yet. San Francisco has a chance to recapture early season momentum while keeping a division rival down in the standings.

But that’ll need to be the case for all three matters versus the Seahawks on Sunday.