Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in 49ers fans and fans across the country.
Who has been the unsung hero?
The 49ers have become all too familiar with unsung heroes under Kyle Shanahan. Injuries have led to depth players being elevated into starting roles.
There have been plenty of examples over the years of a player the outside world may have never heard of rising to the occasion. Last week, it was Sebastian Valdez at defensive tackle:
Raheem Morris quickly learned how ridiculous the 49ers’ injury luck is. He’s lost multiple starters and depth pieces before the season began. That continued into the season. Valdez wasn’t supposed to step onto the field, but injuries to Alfred Collins, CJ West, and James Thompson Jr. have opened the door for Valdez.
The 49ers are 10th in passing success rate defensively without the player the pass rush revolves around. They’ve been stingy in the passing game and limit teams to field goals, as shown by their 6th-best red zone scoring percentage.
One positional group that has not been banged up, knock on wood, is the offensive line. Sacks are largely a quarterback stat, but Brock Purdy has been pressured on 33.3% of his dropbacks, which is the fourth-lowest in the NFL. Christian McCaffrey is averaging 1.72 yards before contact, the fifth-best mark in the league.
It’s a unit that shouldn’t even be in this category, as they’re one of the strengths of the team. However, they do not get the credit they deserve.
The other options are the benefit of three home games in the first month, the schedule, and the return of Deebo Samuel.
Are you confident in the 49ers?
Finally, as we always ask, about the direction of the team. The 49ers are 4-0, heading into a rivalry game. They’ve faced different levels of adversity this season, both on and off the field.
How do you feel about the direction of the team?
