The San Francisco 49ers’ offseason hasn’t exactly been synonymous with fun. Shocking? Yes. Depressing? Yes. Fun? Not so much. And just when things were looking up and good reports were coming out of camp, we got the very upsetting Aldon Smith news Friday morning. So here we are, a couple days away from the Niners’ first preseason game against the Houston Texans, and we fans are desperately in need of some 49ers fun. Let me see what I can do Faithful. Try to enjoy Five Fun 49ers’ Facts Heading Into the First Preseason Game:
One – Reggie Bush
Reggie Bush is fun. The veteran running back is versatile, hard working and Head Coach Jim Tomsula said he could be in the running – no pun intended – to return punts. On his weekly “Jim Tomsula Show” on KNBR, Tomsula told listeners that when Bush asked if he could be considered for special teams, he said, “…well, I’m not gonna cuss, but I said, ‘Yes.’” Bush won’t play in this Saturday’s game, but when he makes his Niners’ debut, there is no doubt it will be exciting.
Also, Bush dated Kim Kardashian. If that’s not fun, I’m not sure what is.
Two – NaVorro Bowman
NaVorro Bowman is supposed to start on Saturday and according to Chris Biderman, his practices are getting better and better! Per Biderman, Tomsula may change his mind, saying, “I want to reserve the right if he’s a little sore. But, as of today, yes.”
Here’s hoping Bowman is not sore and we get to see him back on the field Saturday. Sadly, Bowman did not date a Kardashian.
Three – Anthony Davis
You all remember our good friend Anthony Davis? Offensive lineman who retired just a wee bit ago? Well, he says there’s a good chance he’ll be back in 2016. Davis will be under contract with the 49ers for five years if he does return. This fun fact would be WAY more fun if he wanted to come back now, like in time for Saturday’s preseason game; but at this point, we of the Niner Faithful have to take what we can get.
Four – Offensive Line
Over the last couple weeks, the offensive line has shown signs of improvement, and they’re learning a lot practicing against Eric Mangini’s blitz happy defense. Per Matt Maiocco, 49ers’ left tackle Joe Staley said that Mangini has “…done more blitzes this offseason than we’ve seen in, like, the previous six combined.”
The line is starting to come together, but there is still a lot of work to be done, and it may have to be done without Daniel Kilgore for awhile, as he still has a boot on his leg. But these are fun facts, so let’s focus on the positives.
Also per Maiocco,
“What I think we got to do a better job at right now is the overall understanding of the offense, especially in pass protection, just not as many MAs (missed assignments) and confusion,” said Staley. “I think we got to do a better job of shoring up some of that stuff. But the techniques and the physicality and the things we’re seeing from some of the guys, they’re starting to put it all together. . . I think the guys are starting to settle down now and really kind of grasp the whole playbook and you’re starting to see some of the natural talent take over.”
That last quote is easily the most fun part of this fact.
Five – Football is Back!
After eight months of losing coaches, losing players, and constant speculation as to just how bad San Francisco is going to be, football is back! That means no more speculation and maybe the 49ers won’t be so bad after all. The talking is over; the playing begins. So let’s see how this goes. Let’s see if this team that still possesses A LOT of talent, and that is still being coached by a talented group, can prove the naysayers wrong and come out swinging.
It all starts Saturday. Go Niners!!