San Francisco 49ers: Best team in the NFL in 2019?

After a defensively dominating performance, the San Francisco 49ers are more than up to the challenge of winning the NFC West.

Slowly and quietly over the course of the past three seasons, the San Francisco 49ers have collected a plethora of young talent on cheap deals, as well as veteran acquisitions to complete their roster.

Young standouts Jimmy Garoppolo and Nick Bosa have both been highlights on either side of the ball, alongside veterans like Tevin Coleman and Richard Sherman.

Even with their undefeated record (only matched by New England on a soft schedule) and unmistakable talent, fans and media alike have continued to throw San Francisco to the wayside regardless of their talent and track record when compared to the likes of New England and New Orleans.

Impressive wins against both Cleveland and Los Angeles have cemented this team as a legitimate candidate for a postseason run, and the doubt from the general public has only added fuel to the fire named Richard Sherman.

Jimmy Garoppolo is by no means a part of the NFL quarterback elite yet, but very well may be with any success in the near future.

Although Garoppolo is polished in his mental game, able to make reads and run a complete offense, mechanics still cap his performance and hinder his ceiling. Garoppolo’s lack of lower body movement and rotation (caused by poor footwork with his front foot) handicaps any throws beyond 15 yards.

Even though it may produce a quicker release, missed throws downfield with time in the pocket can end a season. Simple mechanical issues like the ones currently in Garoppolo’s throwing motion should not be present at this stage in his career. Whether it comes down to the coaching staff or within Garoppolo’s circle, these issues need to be corrected in due time.

A deep running back stable including Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida gives San Francisco a reliable source of offense, both inside and outside the tackles.

Tight end George Kittle has continued to be a high volume target, with 34 receptions through six games.

Marquise Goodwin has had a downturn in production but still provides needed top-end speed on the outside. Strong offensive line play and high effort on the outside have made five-yard runs turn into 15-20 yard chunk plays, and this is the kind of effort a coaching staff likes to see as we move into the latter part of the season.

The defense of San Francisco though has been the side of the ball to create the opportunities to win ball games. The unfair combination of Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, and DeForest Buckner is able to bring pressure in bunches, and each of these players is more than capable of winning a one-on-one matchup when presented with the opportunity.

From Bosa’s technique to Ford’s quickness and hip-bend, to the size and strength of both Armstead and Buckner. Robert Saleh has done well to design four-man rush concepts around this talent, utilizing picks and stunts to free his speed rushers with the size and reach of Buckner and Armstead.

Backed up by Kwon Alexander and a ball-hawking secondary highlighted by Richard Sherman and Jaquiski Tartt, this unit is able to capitalize on opportunities brought about this their front four, and can punish offenses on any given snap.

Tartt has been one of the most underrated players in the league for a significant time now, playing his role effectively with a great sense for the game. Saleh has been able to use Tartt similarly to how Kam Chancellor was used in Seattle, the best label being a “money-backer.”

This role is simply a box safety who is tasked with various assignments, similar to that of a weak-side linebacker. This versatility from a player with a safety build and linebacking instincts gives Saleh a true weapon in his arsenal.

San Francisco has proven themselves as a legitimate contender, and as long as people fail to recognize their success, fuel will only be added to the fire in the 49ers locker room.