49ers plot lines
WHAT WILL BE GAROPPOLO’S ENCORE?
Going 5-0 in his December debut as the 49ers’ starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo pocketed a long-term contract (five years, $137.5 million) and immediate playoff aspirations. He’s spent all year studying Kyle Shanahan’s complex offense, but is his mind too cluttered now?
CAN JERICK MCKINNON PAY OFF?
Another high-priced investment comes in the 5-foot-9 frame of Jerick McKinnon, whose rushing and receiving ability should produce huge stats, similar to Devonta Freeman under Kyle Shanahan with the 2016-17 Falcons. Niners fans would prefer McKinnon channel Roger Craig circa 1985 (1,050 rushing yards; 1,016 receiving).
CAN RICHARD SHERMAN COME BACK?
After seven years tormenting the 49ers as the Seattle Seahawks’ All-Pro cornerback, Sherman found refuge behind enemy lines. If he can rebound from November’s right Achilles tear (and a training camp hamstring strain), the 49ers have found a steal to play left cornerback and lead a young defense. Reuben Foster will return from suspension in Week 3. Will he continue to throw himself around with reckless abandon?
WILL DEFOREST BUCKNER BE A STAR?
Year 3 could be DeForest Buckner’s comingout party for a league that has ignored him from a Pro Bowl and All-Pro standpoint. He already has proved to be a dominant, reliable force who could merit a $100 million-plus contract next offseason.
REUBEN FOSTER’S RETURN
Linebacker Reuben Foster will be coming off a two-game suspension when the 49ers visit Kansas City in Week 3. Will we see the Foster who threw his body around with reckless abandon as an injury-plagued rookie who still racked up the 49ers’ second-most tackles? Or will he follow coaches’ orders to use his hands more and shoulders less? SUBPLOTS FOR MONDAY MORNING QBS
Home-field advantage
Year 5 of Levi’s Stadium should bear the 49ers’ first home winning record (2014: 4-4; 2015: 4-4; 2016: 1-7; 2017: 3-5). Of the eight opponents this season, five have new coaches, and only the Rams went to the playoffs.
Paid up
Almost every starter is working on a contract or extension signed since 2017, and the most underpaid one is Buckner, whose rookie contract can’t be extended until after the season. In contract years: Jimmie Ward, Eli Harold, Robbie Gould, Bradley Pinion.
Suspensions
Foster is suspended the first two games after his tumultuous offseason that included a domestic-violence charges he was exonerated from but also weapons and drug-possession charges. Also out two games is receiver/returner Victor Bolden for violating the performance-enhancing drug policy.