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San Francisco 49ers Will Have More Explosive Passing Offense In 2015

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula and offensive coordinator Geep Chryst at 49ers Minicamp

Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

With expectations around the league hitting an all-time low, the San Francisco 49ers are methodically rebuilding an offense system left marred by early retirements and free agent departures. The offseason has been hard for the average fan to absorb in such a short time, but some on the 49ers have been optimistic about the new direction the offense is taking.

“Personally, (I think) this has been one of the best offseasons we’ve had since I’ve been here. Everybody’s very focused and excited. I think with a new coaching staff, (there is) new energy, new ideas, I think that has something to do with it as well,” left tackle Joe Staley told the team’s website.

The new vision for the 49ers’ offense under the administration of OC Geep Chryst will consist of a new more condensed playbook that involves spending less time in the huddle and taking more shots downfield. Last season, San Francisco had a paltry five pass plays of 40 or more yards, ranking them 29th in the NFL.

San Francisco will also incorporate what quarterbacks coach Steve Logan calls “explosion plays” into the passing game. “It’s not a completely new system,” said Staley. “We’re just adding some things we really haven’t done in the past.”

Last season’s lack of a consistent deep ball has been attributed to the offensive play-calls. However, it is hard not noticing tight end Vernon Davis‘ disappearance also had a profound effect on San Francisco’s ability to threaten defenses down the field. Davis sat out for most of 2014 offseason workouts and never reestablished the chemistry he once had with quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Over the past four months, general manager Trent Baalke stockpiled a great deal of speed for San Francisco’s roster with the additions of wide receivers Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson. Smith is already forming a strong connection with Kaepernick and is expected to be a dependable receiving option alongside former teammate Anquan Boldin.

“(Head coach) Jim Tomsula, Geep Chryst and I love to push the ball down the field and so guess what? We’ve got a wonderful cast of characters for Colin to work with,” said Logan.

Chryst is also hoping to better integrate running backs Reggie Bush and Carlos Hyde into the new 49ers offense. Kaepernick compiled just 379 of his 3,369 passing yards through running backs last year, and only four of those 44 receptions went for more than 20-plus yards.

During mandatory minicamp, Kaepernick and Bush worked extensively on short to intermediate routes. “Hopefully we can start to develop that relationship to where he trusts me enough to if he gets in a jam, he can just check the ball down to me,” said Bush.

Success next season will ride almost exclusively on the coattails of Kaepernick. His ability to thrive in this new offensive environment will be crucial for the 49ers in 2015.

James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.

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