It took just 2 games to reveal 49ers' 3 most glaring weaknesses in 2024

The San Francisco 49ers understandably have lofty aspirations this season, as nothing short of a Super Bowl victory would suffice as a successful 2024 campaign.

However, after just two weeks, the Niners are 1-1 and have shown numerous cracks and weaknesses, let alone a growing list of injury concerns.

Injuries are always going to be a theme, but San Francisco has also shown a number of other problems over the first two weeks, highlighted by a frustrating Week 2 road loss at the hand of the Minnseota Vikings.

Let's identify what those weaknesses are.

No. 3: Special teams

We must begin with the weakest unit overall, which would be special teams.

This group is considered the weakest link because of the mundane nature in which it plays. The 49ers haven't had a regular season kickoff return for a touchdown since former wide receiver Richie James did it back in 2018. It's been even longer for a punt return as that occurred back in 2011 when former Niners return specialist Ted Ginn Jr. returned a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown during the same game.

Related story: 5 greatest return specialist in San Francisco 49ers history

Ironically, all returns came against the Seattle Seahawks, so perhaps San Francisco will eventually find pay dirt once again.

Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider has the responsibility of designing plays that'll help flip field position and score points.

It hasn't been the case for San Francisco in a while, but there's plenty of time to correct things.

No. 2: Offensive efficiency

Corrections the 49ers need to make aren't just limited to special teams.

During their Week 2 matchup versus Minnesota, the 49ers struggled to find a consistent rhythm and sustain drives. They only converted two of 10 third-down tries, and the offensive line was thoroughly outplayed. Quarterback Brock Purdy was sacked six times and had two turnovers.

From a statistical standpoint, he still played a solid game, throwing for 319 yards on 28-of-36 passing and finishing with a passer rating of 101.3.

Ultimately, it was the lack of critical third-down conversions that made the difference between winning and losing.

Now that Purdy and the Niners are expected to be without running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel for at least the next few weeks, Purdy has an opportunity to prove he can still be successful even without a few of his top weapons.

No. 3: Defense getting off the field

While San Francisco's offense struggled to stay on the field, the defense had just as much trouble getting off of it.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold made some impactful plays at crucial moments of the game, including a 97-yard backbreaking touchdown pass to All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The 49ers had a chance to take the lead or tie the game early in the second quarter. However, the offense couldn't cash in from Minnesota's own 1-yard line, and the Vikings would make the Niners pay shortly thereafter with the Jefferson score.

It was an uncharacteristic blunder but one that should certainly be a teaching point.

San Francisco should understand by now that it's no longer just the hunters but now have become the hunted. Championship expectations are currently through the roof, and everything seems perfectly aligned for it to happen.

Unfortunately, for as often as the 49ers have been knocking on Lombardi's door, it remains unanswered, and these issues are getting in the way of this year's attempt.

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