The 2015 NFL season is just weeks away, and there’s plenty of intrigue to spare surrounding the San Francisco 49ers as the days tick down. Here are three things we've learned about them so far in training camp:
Focus on a more explosive offense
San Francisco has let most of their receiving core go, and they brought former Ravens wideout Torrey Smith in to be their top target. He’ll have some help with Anquan Boldin still in the fold, but the Smith has proven he’s an elite deep threat that has a chance to score every time he touches the ball.
San Francisco also brought in Reggie Bush to be Frank Gore's replacement, who's know with the Indianapolis Colts. Gore rushed for over 1,100 yards last year and was extremely effective, but Bush is a more dynamic runner who can do a lot more than just run between the tackles, which was Gore's forte.
Kaepernick has the reigns of the offense
New cornerback Shareece Wright, who was a member of the San Diego Chargers last season, sees a big difference in the 49ers offense this season:
“Kaepernick’s throwing the ball, and he has a lot more options,” Wright said. “Watching film on him (last year), it was, ‘We’re going to run the ball with (Frank) Gore and we’re going to throw the ball to one receiver.’ This year he’s opening it up a little bit. He’s not just attacking one side of the field or just throwing the ball to one person. Boldin was his guy last year who he threw the ball to, and we knew that. On third downs that’s who he wanted to get the ball to.”
New offensive coordinator Geep Chryst is opening up the passing game and relying on Kaepernick to make reads like a true pocket passer - and it remains to be seen if he can be successful in that system.
Shareece Wright likely to win No. 2 cornerback job
San Francisco was looking for depth when they signed cornerback Shareece Wright this offseason, but it now looks like he's going to win the No. 2 cornerback job.
Via Bleacher Report's Grant Cohn:
"Now he seems like a lock to keep it. He’s healthy and has been terrific during training camp practices. Through five days he’s intercepted one pass and given up only a couple of short catches. For the most part, quarterbacks haven’t tested him."
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