3 reasons the San Francisco 49ers won’t suffer a Super Bowl hangover

The San Francisco 49ers came out of nowhere to reach the Super Bowl in 2019, and despite a heartbreaking loss, should be right back in the mix in 2020.

The 49ers burst onto the scene in 2019, earning the NFC’s top seed and reaching the Super Bowl just a year removed from a 4-12 finish. However, after a devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recent history suggests that a Super Bowl hangover could be imminent.

The Los Angeles Rams missed the playoffs in 2019 after their Super Bowl loss, and the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers have both largely underwhelmed after their recent losses on the NFL’s biggest stage.

However, a look at San Francisco’s roster and long-term outlook suggests that the 49ers are here to stay. Despite trading star defensive lineman DeForest Buckner in the offseason, the roster is still loaded, and a Super Bowl return could be in the cards in the upcoming season for a few reasons.

1. Roster and front office continuity

The 49ers extended star tight end George Kittle, head coach Kyle Shanahan, and general manager John Lynch this offseason, giving the team a level of long-term security that most Super Bowl teams cannot maintain.

Outside of Buckner and wideout Emmanuel Sanders, San Francisco largely maintained roster continuity, and quickly plugged both holes by selecting defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Lynch and Shanahan have done a tremendous job building a competitive roster from the ground up, and with both back for the long haul, regression is not likely. Despite Jimmy Garoppolo’s limitations, Shanahan’s brilliant offensive scheming and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s tenacious unit make the 49ers a formidable opponent for other contenders.

Even without Buckner, the pass rush remains tenacious, headlined by Kinlaw, Arik Armstead, and Nick Bosa, and linebacker Fred Warner and cornerback Richard Sherman hold down their position groups exceedingly well. The defense will once again be one of the league’s best.

Extending George Kittle is just the cherry on top. Kittle has established himself as the best tight end in football, with his blocking ability and receiving prowess making Shanahan’s offense hum. At a record-breaking $15 million per year, his contract is still a bargain, and remains the team’s most important player. If he stays healthy, San Francisco should make another deep playoff run.

2. A deep running back group and the NFL’s most creative scheme

Kyle Shanahan is the NFL’s most creative offensive mind, and has maximized San Francisco’s efficiency in the ground attack. With a deep stable of backs including Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, and Jerick McKinnon, the 49ers will be able to overcome injuries at the position if necessary.

While stalwart left tackle Joe Staley retired in the offseason, San Francisco quickly plugged the hole by trading for disgruntled All-Pro tackle Trent Williams, and should again field a strong offensive line this year.

The potential of Shanahan’s running game was on full display in the NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers, with Mostert and company racking up 285 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

Mostert figures to be the team’s top running back again in 2020, but Coleman and McKinnon are more than capable of carrying the load as well. Both have had injury concerns in the past, but have been solid contributors for the Falcons and Vikings, respectively.

With fullback Kyle Juszczyk serving as both a lead blocker and ball carrier, the ground game should be in good hands once again this season, keeping the Niners in contention for the NFC’s top seed.

3. The NFC lacks another clear-cut favorite

While the New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys all enter the season with high expectations, the Saints are arguably the only team in the same tier as San Francisco.

The 49ers handled the Packers easily in 2019, Dallas still needs to prove it can reach its full potential, and Seattle has question marks on defense and along the offensive line. Even the Saints have underperformed in the playoffs despite fielding one of the NFL’s best rosters.

A Super Bowl hangover requires other prominent contenders within the division and conference, and without marked improvement from some of the NFC’s other playoff teams the 49ers should remain the favorite.

Although injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic could provide some complications, the 49ers have no real holes on the roster and have shown an ability to play at an elite level despite the fact that they do not have an elite quarterback.

The Saints may be the only true threat to San Francisco in its pursuit of a return to the Super Bowl, and 49ers fans should be optimistic that their team can find some Super Bowl redemption this February.