SANTA CLARA – Fresh off a rare win, the 49ers next get a chance to spoil the Seattle Seahawks’ playoff pursuit. But first let’s answer 20 questions in hurry-up mode for this week’s 49ers mailbag, as fielded via Twitter and Instagram:
1. Why didn’t they pass Kittle the ball in the second half? (@ortiz_a49)
Kyle Shanahan gave a 375-word answer to this Monday. Simply put: He tried calling George Kittle’s number, the Broncos adjusted their scheme, and (stuff) happens when winning is the top priority rather than chasing the single-game record for tight ends.
2. Do you think they re-sign Arik Armstead (@8ajrrr)
That’s the $9 million question. They’ve already exercised that 2019 option, but can still dump him if he’s not hurt over the next three games. He’s had his best year, mostly as a run stopper.
3. Is there any chance they trade down and take a CB like Greedy Williams? (@natekfoster)
Always a chance. And always can use more cornerbacks. Greed is good, and so is Greedy, a 6-foot-3 star who’ll skip LSU’s bowl game.
4. You think Dante Pettis can be a WR1, the way he runs routes and he’s not small?
And the fact he’s scored four touchdowns the past three games. He’s been their default No. 1. Correction: No. 1B, behind tight end George Kittle at No. 1A.
5. Do we need a true #1 WR for next year? (@bdanger323)
It’d be nice but not a must, not with Shanahan’s ability to scheme open most anyone (at least in the first halves and outside of the red zone).
6. Can we please get Jimmy a No. 1 WR, someone like Josh Gordon or a trade for Julio? (@teakwilsonw23)
They tried for Gordon. Julio reuniting with Shanahan would be ideal. Maybe N’Keal Harry in the draft?
7. Our center is the worst in the league (@crispychris95)
I haven’t rated centers since my days as one at Kennedy Jr. High-Cupertino. Weston Richburg is who Shanahan badly wanted and thus paid to replace Daniel Kilgore, last year’s McKittrick Award winner. Richburg has battled a knee issue most of the season.
8. Why are the 49ers’ color rush unis ALL BLACK?! My kingdom for a GOLD RUSH 49ers jersey!!
Actually, they went with the 1994 all-white throwbacks against the Rams, and that game went wrong fast. I’m all for a 49ers’ “Gold Rush,” as long as it looks gold and not spicy mustard.
9. Who are they looking into this upcoming draft (@islandsun408)
Everyone, and everyone’s social media, friends, family, coaches, dogs, cats and SAT scores.
10. What happens to C.J. if Nick tends to be the backup for the future? (@j.volpe02)
Beathard and Mullens will battle all offseason, and keeping all three is a reasonable insurance policy until Garoppolo’s knee proves sound. Beathard may need a big exhibition season to merit trade value.
11. Why doesn’t Saleh put Sherman on the best WR and lock him down (@niners_faithful10)
I asked this earlier this season, I believe when they went to face the Packers’ Devante Adams, and was told simply by Saleh and Sherman that left corner is simply spot. Adams went for 10-132-2, by the way.
12. Why has it taken so long for Trent Taylor and Ronald Blair to see the field? (@big_rizz)
Taylor has battled a back issue. Blair (5.5 sacks) has been buried in the rotation, but Denver’s run-oriented scheme allowed him to play a season-high 75 percent of the defensive snaps.
13. How many more games do you think we the niners can win? (@xbxallen)
Can’t I just rest on my correct call of the 49ers beating the Broncos? OK, the skid to the Seahawks eventually will end, but I’m not ready to say if it’s this week. The Bears are hot, but not as hot on the road. A winning trip over the Rams JV team is an end-of-season ritual.
14. Do you personally believe in Jed York’s postgame speech (@ericsegura23)
That they’ll win a championship? Yes, some day, with Jed and his family still the owners. I can’t say if it will be with this regime but Shanahan and Lynch are safe, assuming they get on the playoff track in 2019.
15. If the Niners mess things up, slid to the 2nd overall pick, miss out on the best player that fills the biggest need (Joey Bosa), what do you do? (@BreezeeAdams)
Trade the pick, get a bounty of others for a team that wants a quarterback, whoever the top one is.
16. Aside from edge rusher, what do you consider our 2nd, 3rd, 4th biggest need on the team this offseason? (@GeorgeMatthew2)
Free safety, wide receiver, cornerback, linebacker and interior offensive linemen.
17. Have there been any unexpected players step up to earn a spot for next year’s team? (@BaySports_Joe)
More surprising is the gluten of defenders who’ve put their 2019 spots at risk. Offensively, Nick Mullens, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert were nice surprises as injury replacements.
18. Will Marcell Harris start next season?? (@bigblocksports)
Come on, he only just made his first start at strong safety, albeit a good one.
19. With Foster out, do you think we might pursue Bowman in the offseason? (@thekidderic)
Put down the eggnog. That’s enough for you. Bowman didn’t play this season, cast aside from the Raiders after he went there upon a bad breakup with the 49ers.
20. You think Nick is a threat to Jimmy with the numbers he’s putting up (@rockyadam)
Are you drinking eggnog, too? Garoppolo is their guy, until he or his knee isn’t up to the task.