Early NFL Season Takes: 49ers’ Offense Will Continue to Prevail

Since the San Francisco 49ers hired head coach Kyle Shanahan, they have been known for their offensive success. This season has proven to be no different. 

Despite missing the playoffs, Pro Football Reference ranked the 49ers' team offense in the top half of the NFL. San Francisco’s passing offense was top five in the NFL last season, despite losing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey, who is known for his dual-threat ability. 

McCaffrey was able to take the offseason to get healthy, but Aiyuk is still on the 49ers’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Shanahan's offense went into Week 1 almost entirely healthy and was able to beat the Seattle Seahawks, whose defense is on the rise. After their first regular-season game, FOX Sports ranked the 49ers seventh in the NFL in total offense. However, quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and fullback Kyle Juszscyk all suffered injuries during last week’s game. 

Shanahan started backup quarterback Mac Jones, whom the 49ers signed this offseason. Jones outperformed expectations and threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers. He also completed 66.67% of his pass attempts. 

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings also excelled in the absence of San Francisco’s main starters. In 2024, he had a career season in Aiyuk and McCaffrey’s absence. During Sunday’s game, Jennings had 89 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. 

With his success throughout his head coaching tenure in San Francisco, Shanahan has proven time and time again that he can lead a good offense. Despite the injuries that continue to plague the 49ers, an efficient and well-led offense will remain constant. 

San Francisco’s backups will have a tougher defensive matchup going into Week 3. The 49ers will play their first home game against the Arizona Cardinals. Pro Football Reference ranks the Cardinals’ team defense in the top half of the NFL, unlike the 49ers’ Week 2 opponent. 

According to ESPN, San Francisco has the easiest schedule in the NFL this season. This indicates that they are likely to keep up their offensive success, even if their backups have to play for extended periods of time. However, time will tell whether they have the talent to succeed in the postseason.