Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The San Francisco 49ers

Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The San Francisco 49ers
By Stuart Tomlin

For my half of the Go For It On Fourth preview for the 2018 NFL season, I decided to ask fans of every team questions about how they think their team will do this season. Instead of asking just one fan per team, I decided to get as many fans as I could involved. For some teams, that was several. For some teams, that was just one fan. But we very much appreciate everyone who got involved in our Preview for the 2018 Season!

Representing the San Francisco 49ers:

Jen, California, @IdreamofMe2018
Philip Withers, Bangor, North Wales.

First off, sum up last season for us.

Jen: It was a tale of 2 seasons. The 1^st half had a lot of losses, even though there were some really close games, at the end of the day, a loss is a loss. The 2^nd half ended on a 5 game winning streak. 🔥

Philip: It had its up and downs!! To start the way we did, to go 0-9 was hard to take, there was a lot of hope coming into the season. The way we finished, the way we played in all departments of the team will again rekindle our hope for new season.

How was your offseason?

Jen: Offseason was good. Got some nice pick-ups and overall, the feeling on and around the team is very positive.

Philip: It went as well as we could hope. We addressed areas that needed it through free agency and the draft. On the injury front we've just lost starting RB Jerick McKinnon for the season, that's probably been the biggest negative of the off season. The 53 man squad didn't really contain any surprises.

Key additions from free agency and the Draft?

Jen: Richard Sherman has been our rival for so long, but he is all ours now. Still weird seeing him in a Niners jersey (laughs). Our defense desperately needed someone back there to stabilize the unit and he is a vet that can accomplish that. I like what I’m seeing from Mike McGlinchey. He has a huge upside.

Philip: Picking up Richard Sherman was huge. His experience around this young team will be vital, he's a natural leader. Weston Richburg is a welcome addition at Centre. He's entering his fifth season and he has 50 starts to his name so he's not short on experience. Draft wise big Mike McGlinchey was an unexpected pick but he fills a need on the O-Line. Dante Pettis was taken in the second round, this confused some fans but he’s shown flashes of what he's capable of. Later on in the draft we picked up some gems in CB D.J Reed, DT Julian Taylor and WR Richie James. All these made the final 53 after a productive off season.

What's your hopes for this coming season?

Jen: My hopes are that we gel as a team and stay healthy.

Philip: I just want to see some progression on our 6-10 finish last year, we must build on that. It's a brick by brick situation in San Fran right now.

What's your thoughts on your starting quarterback?

Jen: I absolutely love Jimmy!!! His vision on the field and decision making are incredible gifts for us.

Philip: He's a breath of fresh air! He transformed us last year. He's brought a leadership quality that we were lacking and the younger players have responded to him well. His quick release is deadly. I'm hoping that huge contract hasn't taken the wind out of his sails because he played like a man with something to prove.

And your thoughts on your head coach?

Jen: Kyle is not my favorite person, but I think he can get the job done.

Philip: I like Kyle, I like the way he handles himself and conducts business. I'm looking forward to seeing more of his extensive playbook.

A player that will be key for you this season?

Jen: Honestly, Jimmy is such a crucial player to our team that I’m gonna have to say he will be key for us.

Philip: Jimmy G! If he gets injured we will struggle.

And who would you happily drive to their next club?

Jen: Speaking of Jimmy, but this time a different one. Sorry, Jimmie Ward has got to go.

Philip: Jimmie Ward. I honestly don't know how he's still employed. He's another failed Baalke draft pick.

What made you choose to support your team?

Jen: As a lil I was really into sports. People around me, particularly boys in my class, said that girls cannot wait football and this and that. I started watching football just to prove them wrong. The 49ers won the SB that year and that was that (laughs).

Philip: Honestly I liked the helmets and uniforms. I was 8 years of age and my father was trying to get me into the NFL back in the late 80s. He had some books about the NFL and I used to read them, I was fascinated by the gear the players would wear.

For a first-time NFL fan, tell us some reasons why they should support your team?

Jen: Our team has a lot of young guys. Mold them now and the future will be bright. Support a team that is working on their comeback. A team that is great on and off the field. A team that’ll make a person proud to rep that red and gold.

Philip: The Niners are young, hungry to succeed team, they have something to prove. The management are progressive and handle themselves well. John Lynch & Kyle Shanahan are genuinely good guys that you can back without fear of being embarrassed by their actions. The Niners have a rich history, a brand new stadium and the weather is great year around! That last one is the main selling point haha!

Compare your team to a European football club.

Jen: I love Tottenham. The thing that drew me to them was their potential. I’d see some of their games and they’d lose but I saw what they had. I knew they could be special if they just made some adjustments and truly believed. They’ve had such a great turn-around and seeing some of their places represent England in the World Cup was so awesome. That’s the 49ers…working on their turn around. 🤗 –

Philip: The best comparison I can make is A.C Milan. They were great in the 80s and 90s and that fantastic players but they fell on hard times over the last ten to fifteen years.

What's the best-case scenario for you this season?

Jen: Best case is winning the Super Bowl (laughs). Realistically, making it to the play-offs.

Philip: Winning the Super Bowl! Can't get much better than that!

And what's the worst-case scenario?

Jen: Suffering many injuries and enduring a losing season.

Philip: Losing Jimmy G early on to a season ending injury.

Can Jimmy Garoppolo continue on the brilliant run that he had at the end of last season?

Jen: I believe in Jimmy wholeheartedly. He can do it.

Philip: Honestly no he won't. That 5-0 start was impressive but coaches will have more film on him now. He'd be hard pressed to keep that up.

Predict your record for this season, and how far (if at all) you will go in the postseason.

Jen: 10-6 and making it to the first round of play-offs.

Philip: 8-8 is realistic.

Tell us who you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta on February 3rd next year?

Jen: I have absolutely no idea. As long as it’s not the Patriots, I’ll be happy.

Philip: Rams beating the Steelers.

Anything else you'd like to promote?

Jen: Let’s go 49ers!!!!! #NinersNation

Thank you to both Jen and Philip for taking part.