The 49ers are at a crossroads in their season. After being competitive throughout the first six weeks, they were not competitive against the unbeaten Los Angeles Rams.
The next three games before the bye week likely will tell us everything we need to know about the team.
Here are three main points as the 49ers come out of their 39-10 loss to the Rams, and look ahead to facing the NFL’s other three one-win teams over the next three weeks:
49ers have been their own worst enemy
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As much as we try to look for positives to focus on as this season plays out, the 49ers' play has not left much to be optimistic about. Last Sunday, the Rams manhandled the 49ers in all aspects of the game. It was especially noticeable when the team had to abandon the run and play catch-up. That D-line and scheme from the Rams just ate them alive. Aaron Donald is a top-tier defensive player, and he looked like the NFL Defensive Player of the Year last Sunday.
However, believe me, even though this is becoming redundant: If the 49ers cut down on their mistakes, they could bounce right back during this middle stretch of their season. There’s the positive. Three weeks ago, the 49ers had a great opportunity to win a game against the Arizona Cardinals after a couple of hard-fought losses to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers. The game against Arizona was a chance to right the ship, playing at home against a rookie quarterback.
They failed because of their own self-implosion with five turnovers. That is what it has been like week-in and week-out for the 49ers. They have competed with some really good football teams during this season, but they are their own worst enemy. They’re on track to set a NFL record for turnover differential in a negative way. That path of self destruction is not a path you want to be on.
The 49ers, as a young team going through growing pains and injury, must stay united, stay hungry, and stay focused on what they need to do as a team and find a way to eliminate the costly mistakes that have hurt them every single week.
Kittle has winning mindset
This is a game of physicality. The team that is more physical, more passionate, more emotional, in their approach to the game, on top of being mentally prepared, is going to have an advantage. You must play with anger and a chip on your shoulder. You must know exactly what you’re supposed to do and eliminate the mental errors. This game is all about coming with aggressiveness, confidence and a mindset to run through a brick wall so you will not be denied.
Tight end George Kittle has brought that sort of mentality every game. He was one of the few guys you saw playing with that emotion and characteristic against the Rams.
The third running back in their rotation, Raheem Mostert, is running hard and has become an asset in the backfield. He is earning an expanded role in this offense, but Kittle is one of those guys who has proven himself as a leader to the 49ers. He has earned his way to becoming a highly regarded tight end in the NFL. He plays with intensity, effort and toughness. His teammates need to follow his lead.
Schedule softens in the coming weeks
San Francisco 49ers
As bad as this season has been, the 49ers have great opportunities in the coming weeks to match up against teams that are in similar situations, if not worse. The Cardinals, Raiders, and Giants all are going through some sort of self-implosion. If there ever was a sense of urgency to turn a season around, it has to start this week by taking care of business on the road in Arizona. The 49ers have a tremendous opportunity to get this season back on track.
The Cardinals are on a downward spiral. They fired their offensive coordinator, and players have openly voiced their want for change. There’s a struggle to the commitment in Arizona right now, and that’s something the 49ers need to use to their advantage. They can only do that, though, if this team finds ways to eliminate the costly mistakes of turnovers and mental errors.
Otherwise, a loss here to Arizona would be devastating, in terms of turning their season around. This is the most winnable stretch of games on their schedule. Winning three in a row going into their bye week is a doable task and would be a huge confidence builder for the remainder of their season.
How’s that for optimism?