4 glaring overreactions to the 49ers' first 4 games of the season

While a four-game sample size to start the season may not be very telling of what 2024 looks like for the San Francisco 49ers, they neverthelss find themself in a much different spot than last season.

A year ago, the team hadn't lost a game until Week 6.

Already, the 2024 Niners have lost two.

Two seasons ago, in 2022, San Francisco started 2-2 as well and still managed to appear in another NFC Championship game. In fact, aside from 2020 when the 49ers last failed to reach the playoffs, they have played in the NFC title game four out of the past five seasons.

There may not be too many reasons to press the panic button after a 2-2 start. Just like there shouldn't be a rush for the Niners to make travel arrangements for New Orleans to go to Super Bowl LIX in February.

But let's take a look at the overreactions thus far.

1. 49ers can't win without Christian McCaffrey

This is not a fact, as San Francisco has won two games now thanks to All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey's replacement, Jordan Mason.

While there is no precise timetable for McCaffrey's return, we do know the team is without Elijah Mitchell for the season due to injury. Rookie Isaac Guerendo has played some more snaps as of late, but Mason is the primary reason why the 49ers still have a run game that should be respected by opposing defenses.

The third-year running back has now rushed for 100 yards or more in three of the Niners' four games.

Quarterback Brock Purdy is also more comfortable throwing to Mason than before, given the injured McCaffrey was a dual-threat player for Kyle Shanahan's offense.

Mason was only targeted four times in 2023 and caught three of those. Already, he has more than that with two more receptions in Week 4 against the New England Patriots, including a 24-yarder.

Similar to McCaffrey, we have seen wide receiver Deebo Samuel utilized as a two-way weapon, as well. He scored a rushing touchdown in Week 1 against the New York Jets this year, too.