49ers Areas of Concern: Offense
While some teams strike quickly with long touchdowns, the 2025 49ers offense has thrived through efficiency rather than explosiveness. Kyle Shanahan’s unit, quarterbacked by Brock Purdy and powered by Christian McCaffrey, has consistently moved the ball down the field. However, the lack of big-play production leaves little margin for error against elite defenses.
McCaffrey’s Impact
McCaffrey has been outstanding, compiling 922 rushing yards, 820 receiving yards and 14 total touchdowns in 14 games. Yet surprisingly, he does not own the team’s longest run of the season. That distinction belongs to Purdy, whose 26-yard scramble against Tennessee stands as San Francisco’s longest rush in 2025.
McCaffrey has primarily operated between the tackles, churning out steady gains to help his team extend drives and control possession. He has also been a major factor in the passing game, leading the 49ers by a wide margin in receiving yards.
49ers Areas of Concern: Missing a Big-Play Receiver
The absence of Brandon Aiyuk, who has yet to return from last year’s ACL injury and appears poised to end his 49ers tenure, has left the team without a true vertical threat. In his place, Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings have contributed in spurts while battling injuries of their own.
Pearsall’s 38-yard catch-and-run against the Titans marked the team’s longest passing play since McCaffrey’s 39-yard reception against the New York Giants in Week 9. Without an elite wide receiver like the Rams’ Puka Nacua or the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Purdy has leaned heavily on short and intermediate throws to Pearsall, Jennings, McCaffrey, and George Kittle. Pearsall’s 96 receiving yards against the Titans were a welcome sight, and the 49ers offense would gladly benefit if he keeps playing well.
If the 49ers hope to reach the Super Bowl at their home stadium, they must either fix or successfully mask these weaknesses. Otherwise, those lingering concerns could once again stand between San Francisco and a deep postseason run.
Main Photo Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
