The San Francisco 49ers, as they were all throughout last season, continue to be hit hard by injuries to key players. But unlike last season, they have found ways to win games on a consistent basis.
They improved to 3-0 on Sunday thanks to some clutch defense and a last-second field goal by new kicker Eddy Piñeiro, which gave them a 16-15 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Their defense, which was a big problem last year, looks revitalized under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in his second tenure with them, and second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall could be developing into a gem.
But the experts at Bleacher Report apparently aren’t feeling a lot of optimism about the 49ers. In its latest NFL power rankings, the publication ranked the team 10th, while placing the 1-2 Kansas City Chiefs one spot higher at No. 9.
Read more: Packers Slammed for Reason Behind Browns Loss
At the same time, Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report did give San Francisco some credit for how it has started the season.
“The San Francisco 49ers don’t need style points to be a top team in these power rankings,” Moton wrote. “They’ve won all three of their games by five or fewer points, which has tested their mettle.
“Thus far, the battle-tested 49ers are atop the NFC West, and they have two wins with backup quarterback Mac Jones, who aggravated a knee injury last Sunday. Kudos to Eddy Pineiro for his game-winning kick to maintain San Francisco’s unblemished record.”
Last year, the Niners lost multiple games by five or fewer points, and they also lost multiple games after leading in the fourth quarter. In addition to their defense, special teams was a major culprit, particularly in crunch time.
But now, the Niners’ defense ranks third in points allowed and fourth in total yards allowed. The team will be seriously tested without star defensive end Nick Bosa, who is out for the year with a torn ACL he sustained on Sunday, but a number of young players have stepped up for it on that side of the football.
Read more: 49ers Trade Idea Lands Team Perfect Nick Bosa Replacement
As for the Chiefs, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report gave a couple of reasons for optimism despite their dismal start.
“Things aren’t quite right with the Chiefs,” he wrote. “Still, Andy Reid’s team found a way to win on Sunday Night Football against the New York Giants. Two important areas of growth occurred during this particular contest.
“First, the Chiefs finally ran the ball with some confidence. Prior to Sunday’s contest, quarterback Patrick Mahomes was the squad’s leading rusher. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt combined for 79 yards on 20 carries. It’s not a huge number, but neither back managed more than 31 yards during the first two contests.
“Second, fourth-year wide receiver Tyquan Thornton is turning into a legitimate threat. He caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown against the Giants. His targets and yardage output have increased each week, thus giving Mahomes the type of weapon the offense previously lacked.”
Wide receiver Rashee Rice is continuing to serve his six-game suspension, and second-year roadrunner wideout Xavier Worthy is still ailing after suffering a shoulder injury in Week 1. Meanwhile, quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ numbers continue to be depressed for the third season in a row.
But with the Chiefs’ running game and defense improving, perhaps they simply need to endure this stretch in order to reemerge as contenders. They will face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday before visiting the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, Oct. 6.
For more on the 49ers and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Read the full article here
