Most players expect to be competing for a sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2023. But some executives and coaches across the league aren’t ruling out San Francisco taking a step back.
the athlete Key decision makers were recently surveyed About the NFL – including general managers, CEOs, head coaches and assistant coaches – about the upcoming season. Topics covered included being named the league’s MVP, top three quarterback, and best non-quarterback offensive player.
Eighteen decision makers were asked to name three teams that will surprise people “in a bad way” next season. The 49ers are tied for the most votes in that category (five) along with the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.
The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are tied for second, with four votes each.
There was no reason given in the article as to why San Francisco received the most disappointing vote. The Bills’ struggles in the running game (apart from quarterback Josh Allen) were cited as a red flag, and the Dolphins also had “too much ego” paired with a young coach in Mike McDaniel.
Perhaps the high expectations of the 49ers leave little room to surprise fans in a positive way. There’s also little-known quarterback Brock Purdy, who went 8-0 in the eight games he played in over three-quarters last year but can fall back to mediocrity.
It’s also been a strange last month for the 49ers. They’ve traded former quarterback for receiver Trey Lance, and star rusher Nick Bosa’s contract could leak into a Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
To be fair, 22 of the 32 teams received at least one vote in the same poll, which is further evidence of the league’s unique parity each season. But other agreed-upon Super Bowl contenders, like the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, didn’t get a single vote in that category.
Good news for any faithful 49ers members panicking right now? Talents of the first order usually win. And the 49ers have plenty of that.
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