Close Article Return to stream X
NFL

10 Reasons Why San Francisco 49ers Fans Should Be Excited For 2015 NFL Season

+Read full article

10 Reasons Why San Francisco 49ers Fans Should Be Excited For 2015 NFL Season

49ers
Getty Images

As the victims of some extremely harsh criticism last season and during the current offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have suffered many low points. Retirements and injuries plagued the team, and critics have had many field days at their expense. Heading into the 2015 season, there are many things to get excited about that analysts, doubters and critics have made a mistake by overlooking.

10. The Impact of Stellar UDFAs

DeAndrew White
Getty Images

10. The Impact of Stellar UDFAs

DeAndrew White
Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers have habitually signed undrafted free agents that have gone on the have some of the most lucrative and impressive careers in the NFL. This season will be no different, with the highly praised wide receiver DeAndrew White from Alabama championing the roster. White has impressed everybody who has had the pleasure of observing him. In addition to White, the 49ers signed notable quarterback Dylan Thompson.

9. The Return of Jimmie Ward

Jimmie Ward
Getty Images

9. The Return of Jimmie Ward

Jimmie Ward
Getty Images

It has been highly anticipated that Ward will be ready and eager to attend this years training camp. If nothing else, the talented safety will be likely to enter a rotation during the 2015 season and will be able to showcase what a prolific and skilled player he truly is. The 49ers did not have the ability to utilize the versatility of Ward last season.

8. The Anticipated Return of NaVorro Bowman

NaVorro Bowman
Getty Images

8. The Anticipated Return of NaVorro Bowman

NaVorro Bowman
Getty Images

Fans, teammates and coaching staff alike have long yearned for the return of Bowman, who suffered a grueling injury in the NFC Championship two years ago. Bowman's instincts are rumored to be sharper than ever, and anyone who has had the pleasure of observing him expects him to return full force to the field. Bowman will certainly be welcomed with open arms.

7. The Jim Tomsula Effect

Jim Tomsula
Getty Images

7. The Jim Tomsula Effect

Jim Tomsula
Getty Images

It's always intriguing and interesting when a new head coach takes over a team. In this case, Tomsula has a much better relationship with GM Trent Baalke and CEO Jed York. The 49ers simply could not keep the drama of last year out of the media. Having a head coach who has a good relationship with management could not only plug the locker room leaks, but ease the stress levels for everyone involved in the organization.

6. The Reintroduction of the Screen Pass

Reggie Bush
Getty Images

6. The Reintroduction of the Screen Pass

Reggie Bush
Getty Images

With the addition of former Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush this offseason, the 49ers will be reintroducing a much-missed element to their offense in 2015: the screen pass. The screen pass was nonexistent during the the Harbaugh area, and many were unhappy about this. Bush is known for his expertise in this area, and can help the 49ers offense become more of a multidimensional unit.

5. Higher Impact Players on the Offense

Torrey Smith
Getty Images

5. Higher Impact Players on the Offense

Torrey Smith
Getty Images

With the addition of former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith, the 49ers gained another element the offense has sorely lacked: A deep threat receiver. Last season, passes over 20 yards were seemingly unheard of for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. With Smith championing the roster, Kaepernick now has a physical and high-impact receiver to make big plays with. This will make the offense more of a threat to opposing defenses.

4. A More Aggressive Defense

49ers Defense
Getty Images

4. A More Aggressive Defense

49ers Defense
Getty Images

For a defense that has suffered a considerable amount of negative changes this offseason, all is not lost. 49ers defensive coordinator Eric Mangini is changing things up. A goal has been set by the defense to move around more and implement more aggressive blitzes that will cause hesitation and confusion to opposing offenses. Fans and all associated with the team should be excited to watch the defense amp up its aggression.

3. Their Underestimated Front Seven

49ers Front Seven
Getty Images

3. Their Underestimated Front Seven

49ers Front Seven
Getty Images

Often overlooked, the 49ers front seven is a lethal force to be reckoned with. Aldon Smith will finally play a full season for the team if he can stay out of trouble during the offseason, and despite the retirements the team has suffered, their depth chart is stacked with solid options. Players like Tank Carradine and Aaron Lynch will be able to act as an unpleasant surprise to any offense that has counted the 49ers' defense out.

2. Their Tremendous Depth at Running Back

Carlos Hyde
Getty Images

2. Their Tremendous Depth at Running Back

Carlos Hyde
Getty Images

Call it a bold prediction, but the 49ers running backs could be enough to carry the offense for the entirety of the 2015 season. The 49ers are no strangers to the running game, putting more of an emphasis on the run than perhaps any other team in the NFL. Carlos Hyde's breakout from the shadows of Frank Gore will be explosive, and Bush, Kendall Hunter and Mike Davis are all ready and prepared to make huge impacts on the field.

1. The Debut of a New and Improved Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick
Getty Images

1. The Debut of a New and Improved Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick
Getty Images

Speaking of running, quarterback Colin Kaepernick is rumored to have a new and explosive arm that he is ready to show off. Kaepernick is rumored to have polished all his skills and addressed his weaknesses, and has been given a plethora of shiny new weapons to play with. Kaepernick, who has been highly criticized in the past, may very well be the best NFC West quarterback in 2015.

Kelsey Kay is a San Francisco 49ers analyst for Rant Sports. Follow her on Twitter @kelseyykayyy, “Like” her on Facebook or add her to your network on Google.

 

 

 

Your Favorites