The 49ers are off to a perfect 6-0 start, and now they turn their attention to the Atlanta Falcons, with a chance to reach 7-0 on Sunday. San Francisco has given its fans plenty to talk about through the first six games, and with the team looking to keep its unbeaten streak alive, there's no shortage of questions surrounding this team.
We asked for your questions, and you delivered. In this week's 49ers Webzone Mailbag, we're tackling what's on your minds as the 49ers prepare for a championship run. Let's get to your questions.
Kind of worried about the WR corps. Without Evans, Purdy only seemed to trust Kittle and CMC. Do you think the Niners need to trade for a name WR, or will the return of Kirk, D-Rob, and Deebo be enough? - Andy G.
You're not the only one who's worried about the 49ers wide receiving group. A lot of fans are. And I suspect some within the 49ers organization are, as well.
If I were John Lynch, I'd trade for a wide receiver, preferably one who can actually impact a game. I realize that Deebo Samuel, Demarcus Robinson, and Christian Kirk are returning, but what happens if they don't, or if there are more injuries? If Evans misses much time, I'm not comfortable with Jordan Watkins, Jacob Cowing, and Brandin Cooks being the ones Brock Purdy has to rely on.
Kirk will likely play on Sunday, but he's barely practiced, so I can't imagine he'd have much of an impact. The 49ers need to make a trade soon so the wide receiver can be ready to roll after the bye.
As for this week, they have to somehow find a way to get a win without Evans.
What can the 49ers do to avoid an upset in Atlanta this Sunday, and does Mike Evans play in this game despite the Achilles tendinitis and rib injuries? - Shawniieboy
Mike Evans has already been listed as being "out." He won't play on Sunday.
I think the biggest thing the 49ers can do to avoid an upset against the Falcons is to take care of the football. No turnovers. And they need to play cleaner than they did in the second half on Monday night. They committed far too many penalties against Washington.
Also, do your best to keep Bijan Robinson from going off on you. He is the best running back in the league, and he can score from anywhere. The 49ers have to keep Robinson corralled as best they can.
This would also be a great week for Watkins to finally show what he can do. His team needs him to step up big. I think it's in him to do so, but will he?
Good, bad, or both, what has surprised you the most about the 49ers and their undefeated record so far this season? - Ed H.
The biggest surprise for me has been the 49ers' ability to overcome injuries without missing a beat, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. A year ago, losing Nick Bosa essentially crippled their pass rush.
If you had told me a year ago that the 49ers would record five sacks against the Seahawks without Bosa, I would have had a hard time believing it. Yet here we are, with players like Romello Height, Keion White and Gracen Halton stepping up and generating consistent pressure. It's a testament to the improved depth across the defensive line and Raheem Morris' defensive scheme. (Justin Wong)
The 49ers won on Monday night. So why do I feel so bad? - James N.
The Evans injury was a huge downer for a lot of fans, and maybe even the team. For me, though, it was how the second half went. If the game was close from the beginning, I would've assumed it was just a letdown from an emotional win over a division rival the week before. But the 49ers were up about 20 points (and it should've been more), only to let the Commanders come back and almost win.
The hope is the second half was a wake-up call for the 49ers.
What are the chances we trade for a WR? BTJ? Jags seem to hate him. We need a WR. Or do we go with Jennings? - Anthony D.
It won't be Jauan Jennings. Minnesota is 5-0, and I doubt they'd be willing to trade to another undefeated team in their conference. And even if the Vikings were willing, is Jennings really the answer? I'm not sure he is. Although he would be an upgrade over the group that's currently healthy.
Brian Thomas, Jr. is more intriguing to me. I want the 49ers to trade for a wide receiver, and I'd be good with Thomas. But I doubt Jacksonville will trade him. Again, why would a contender trade someone of value to another contender?
I'm not sure the 49ers will trade for a pass catcher. It's very possible they will focus on the defensive line instead since they have multiple receivers returning. I hope they go get a wide receiver. But I'm not counting on it.
The D line is swarming! But if you had the choice, what DL star would you trade for to make the pass rush even better? Mack, Vea, or Buckner? Someone else? - Andy G.
I'm going with DeForest Buckner. Considering the current state of the Indianapolis Colts at 2-4 and the recent firing of GM Chris Ballard, you have to wonder whether Indianapolis would entertain moving some of its veterans before the trade deadline.
Plus, there's something poetic about bringing Buckner back to where his career began. We've already seen former 49ers like Samuel and Dre Greenlaw return and pick up right where they left off. Why not Buckner? It would almost be a storybook reunion. (Justin Wong)
I think the o-line has done a significantly better job this year. But I'm still concerned about short yardage situations. I still don't see us imposing our will on teams. In fact, I've seen us try to out-cute a few teams in the situation. What's the answer to our short yardage fix? - Lowbridge
I'm not sure if this offensive line is ever going to overpower another team's defensive line. Shanahan prefers linemen who can move in space and get to the next level. I don't see him changing his philosophy on that.
The 49ers have actually been good in short-yardage situations this year. They're the best in the NFL on third and fourth-down conversions, many of which are short-yardage. There is always room for improvement, but I like what they're doing on short-yardage downs right now.
There's more than one way to skin a cat (so I'm told). And there's more than one way to convert in short-yardage situations. But I get what you're saying. At some point, you have to be able to move some people. Those are probably the situations I'd run behind Trent Williams and Connor Colby.
That's all we have for this week's edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back soon with a new one.
More info on: Nick Bosa, Connor Colby, Brandin Cooks, Jacob Cowing, Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw, Gracen Halton, Romello Height, Christian Kirk, Brock Purdy, Demarcus Robinson, Deebo Samuel, Jordan Watkins, Keion White, Trent Williams
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