Fielding 49ers fans’ questions via social-media replies is old school in this video-conference, tell-me-to-my-virtual-face world. Never underestimate the power of a keyboard, however.
Let’s solve these 49ers’ fans riddles that came in via Instagram and Twitter:
Which game has you most excited this year? (@nicholas_rego__)
Before my Biggest Game reveal, an obvious answer would be the Sept. 13 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, which makes a daring assumption there is no pandemic-delayed start. If a delay pushes early games to the back end of the schedule, that cheapens the Week 17 visit by Seattle.
No matchup looms larger than a Nov. 15 visit to New Orleans’ Superdome. It’s an encore to last December’s 48-46 thriller that keyed the 49ers’ path to the No. 1 seed. The Saints remain the 49ers’ biggest obstacle to a NFC repeat. The 49ers’ Nola trip this year comes after road games at New England and Seattle, then a Thursday night showdown against Green Bay. Hopefully fans (and media) can travel by then because New Orleans’ Big Easy aura is unmatched on the NFL circuit.
If games are played at Levi’s Stadium with limited percentage of capacity, how would it be determined who gets to attend? I’m a season-ticket holder and if I go to games, I’d wear mask and gloves. (@ninercat81680)
All that remains in flux. Perhaps the NFL will take an all-or-none approach to fans in the stands. Dr. Anthony Fauci says the virus’ state ultimately will decide things, such as a limited crowd.
“If the virus is so low that even in the general community the risk is low, then I could see filling a third of the stadium or half the stadium so people could be six feet apart,” Dr. Fauci told NBC Sports’ Peter King on Saturday night. “I mean, that’s something that is again feasible depending on the level of infection. … But I would hope that by the time you get to September it’s not gonna be the way it is right now.”
Do teams redistribute tickets and re-assign seats to space out fans, who’d otherwise be able to crowd the concourse in beer lines? Will there even be beer lines or concessions to get your veggie-dog fix? A come-at-your-own-risk approach must be approved first by government officials, rather than the 49ers. For now, just keep wearing masks and gloves when in public, please.
Is a Super Bowl repeat more or less likely given schedule and modified training camp? (@2excel)
Virtual offseason programs likely stunt the growth of teams installing new systems, quarterbacks and coaches. The 49ers don’t fit those categories. Their continuity should help them transition from one Super Bowl run to the next. Not that any of it will be easy.
Do you think Kinlaw will have a Nick Bosa-type of year? (@49nerfan2001)
Respectfully, no. Javon Kinlaw’s rookie impact as an interior defensive lineman, for one, won’t be as noticeable as a play-making defensive end like Bosa. On top of that, Bosa won rookie of the year because he came in so polished and groomed for such success. Kinlaw will have opportunities to thrive, but don’t count on him playing 78 percent of the defensive snaps like his predecessor, DeForest Buckner.
Do you think Brandon Aiyuk will have a Deebo-like rookie year? (@leestreet_)
Similar question, similar answer. Whereas Deebo Samuel evolved into a physical and athletic threat as his rookie year evolved, Aiyuk will line up opposite him in a different spot and without the benefit of offseason practices to learn the system and gain Jimmy Garoppolo’s trust. Keep in mind that Samuel had the second-most receiving yards (802) in 49ers history, behind only Jerry Rice (927).
I hope the 49ers pull off the possible trade with the Packers, sending Dante Pettis to Green Bay for cornerback Josh Jackson. (@Dinoniner)
Since you did not actually pose a question, allow me: Do you really think last year’s NFC finalists would forge an alliance that could make either side better? Also, the timing is off. The 49ers unloaded Marquise Goodwin and Matt Breida on Day 3 of the draft. Pettis stays, until he proves in training camp (or later) he can’t rebound from his sophomore slump (11 catches, 109 yards, two touchdowns).
Which wide receiver gets squeezed out: Taylor, Pettis, Benjamin or James? One or two have to not make it, right? (@kingofgrease)
If the receiver-room capacity is six, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are assured entry, and probably Kendrick Bourne. Trent Taylor and Jalen Hurd are in if healthy, which is a big assumption. Thus, one vacancy exists. Pettis and James fell out of favor last season, so they’ll need to climb ahead of speed receiver Travis Benjamin. Don’t forget about seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings. It’s a hodgepodge, no doubt.
Assuming 100 percent health, what is your prediction for the top five in targets this season? (@OLDHAM2016)
First, here’s to full health all around the globe, and thanks to our health-care workers! Top-five targets: George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Kendrick Bourne, Trent Taylor and Raheem Mostert. Honorable mention: Jalen Hurd, Kyle Juszczyk and, oh yeah, Jerick McKinnon.
