My first year covering the San Francisco 49ers was in 2019. Expectations were relatively high for a team coming off a 4-win season. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo returned from a season-ending injury, and many expected him to regain the same form he had in the final quarter of the season in 2017. It would be the first time Kyle Shanahan had somebody competent under center for an entire season.
Offseason investments along the defensive line bolstered a non-existent pass rush from the year prior. Nick Bosa was better than advertised, and Dee Ford was fresh off a career year with the Kansas City Chiefs.