"System goes around Christian McCaffrey" - Logan Ryan sets bold expectations for Brock Purdy's 49ers in loaded NFC West after 2024 playoffs absence

The San Francisco 49ers experienced a major regression in the 2024 season. Fresh off clinching the NFC for the second time in the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch era, they were expected to continue contending, only for injuries and poor play to sink them to last place at 6-11 and a playoff absence.

During the offseason, multiple key contributors left, including Pro Bowlers Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga. However, others like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are still with the team.

Former DB Logan Ryan said the team is good enough to return to contention in 2025. He said on Monday's episode of CBS Sports HQ:

"Winning the division is a goal. They play in a very tough division over there with the Rams, and the Seahawks aren't going nowhere. So it's going to take about 12 games to win that division and I think that's where the 49ers are at."

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He continued:

"(McCaffrey) is a guy that does all the right things. He trains so hard, some people might think it's too hard. But I know he's doing everything he can to get back to this. And if he is healthy, the system goes around Christian McCaffrey."

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49ers' defense has much to prove in 2025

One major reason for the 49ers' regression in 2024 was their poor defensive performance. While injuries to Javon Hargrave and Talanoa Hufanga did not help, the team generally struggled to prevent other teams from scoring points, especially when the opposing offense faced a third down (24th).

This has led to a 26th position in defense rankings. However, he has some hope for the unit, which has seen some new additions like rookies Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins and Super Bowl-winning trade acquisition Bryce Huff:

"There are certainly pieces in place to return this team to average, if not better, on this side of the ball."

Their season begins at the Seattle Seahawks on September 7. Kickoff is at 4:05 pm ET on Fox.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

Know More

49ers Fans! Check out the latest San Francisco 49ers Schedule and dive into the 49ers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash