The San Francisco 49ers have had a disappointing season so far, with a record of 3-5. Many fans and analysts have been trying to pinpoint the reasons for the team’s struggles, and one columnist for The Athletic has pointed the finger at head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Kyle Shanahan, who took over as head coach of the 49ers in 2017, had been seen as a rising star in the coaching world. He led the team to the Super Bowl in the 2019 season, where they narrowly lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. However, since then, the team has not been able to replicate that success.
In the article, the columnist argues that Shanahan has had the most to do with the team’s failings this season. They point to a number of factors, including Shanahan’s play-calling, game management, and handling of the quarterback situation.
One of the main criticisms of Shanahan has been his play-calling. The columnist argues that Shanahan’s play-calling has been too conservative this season, and that he has not been aggressive enough in trying to push the ball down the field. This has led to the offense struggling to score points, and has put too much pressure on the defense to keep the team in games.
In addition to his play-calling, the columnist also criticizes Shanahan’s game management. They point to several instances this season where Shanahan has made questionable decisions, such as going for it on fourth down in situations where a field goal would have been the safer choice, or not using his timeouts effectively at the end of halves.
Another area of criticism for Shanahan has been his handling of the quarterback situation. The 49ers have been dealing with injuries at the quarterback position, with Jimmy Garoppolo missing time due to injury. Shanahan has been criticized for not having a clear plan for the quarterback position, and for not developing a backup quarterback who could step in and perform if needed.
Overall, the columnist argues that Shanahan’s coaching has been a major factor in the 49ers’ struggles this season. They argue that Shanahan needs to take more risks with his play-calling, improve his game management, and make better decisions when it comes to the quarterback position.
It is important to note that this is just one columnist’s opinion, and there are likely many factors that have contributed to the 49ers’ struggles this season. Injuries have been a major issue for the team, with key players such as George Kittle and Nick Bosa missing significant time. The team has also had to deal with the challenges of playing during a global pandemic, which has disrupted the normal routine of the NFL season.
Despite their struggles, the 49ers still have time to turn their season around. Shanahan is a talented coach with a track record of success, and if he can make some adjustments to his coaching style, the team could still make a push for the playoffs.
In conclusion, Kyle Shanahan has come under criticism for the 49ers’ struggles this season. While there are certainly areas where Shanahan can improve as a coach, it is important to consider the many challenges that the team has faced this season. With some adjustments and a bit of luck, the 49ers could still salvage their season and make a push for the playoffs.