49ers Struggled with Offensive Explosiveness in 2025 Season

The San Francisco 49ers concluded the 2025 NFL season near the lower end of the spectrum regarding offensive explosiveness, as indicated by data from @sfdata9ers. They fell below the league's average in both explosive rushing and passing plays, with around 9% in each category. While this placed them in the middle tier horizontally, they ranked in the bottom half vertically when compared to other teams.

In contrast, franchises like the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, and Green Bay Packers demonstrated significantly better performance in these areas. The statistics reveal a concerning trend for the 49ers as they navigate their offensive strategy moving forward.

One key factor in their offensive struggles was the performance of running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been a pivotal figure in the team's offense. Although McCaffrey, who turned 30 in June, remains one of the NFL's most explosive talents, he exhibited signs of decline this past season. His average of 3.9 rushing yards per carry marked the lowest since 2020, even though he achieved an impressive 17 explosive receptions, leading the league.

As the 49ers prepare for the 2026 season, questions loom about their depth at running back, as there are no clear successors to McCaffrey. While rookies Kaelon Black and Jordan James are potential options, there are concerns regarding their ability to replicate McCaffrey's impact. The receiving corps also lacks standout explosiveness, apart from perhaps 2024 first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall. Newly signed players like Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling are not typically recognized as game-changers, suggesting a potential shift in the team's offensive identity.

Despite these challenges in explosiveness, the 49ers managed to maintain a respectable offensive ranking, placing 10th in points scored and 11th in yards per play. Their performance was sufficient to secure 12 victories and a spot in the Wild Card playoff round.