The San Francisco 49ers had a great end to the 2017 season as they won their last five games after quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo took over as the starter. That hype has carried over to the offseason, as they’ve been tipped by many as potential playoff contenders.
Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh admits that the team has felt the positive vibes that late-season run has brought. Although, Saleh acknowledges that based on examples from other teams that broke out like the 49ers plan to do this season, San Francisco could very well struggle during the first half of the season. But once they get through that early storm, he feels they’re bound to get better.
“When a team is trying to make the jump, the first half of the year they make the jump is a beast,” Saleh said per the team's official website. “You’re going to win and lose some crazy games. I feel like in the second half of the year, it’s going to take off again.”
Saleh also goes on to say “there’s no doubt” in his mind that the 49ers have another end-of-season run similar to the one they had last season.
“If we are sitting at 4-4, don’t be surprised. But the run is going to happen,” Saleh said confidently. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the end-of-season run is going to happen. It’s just about how quickly we can get that run started.”
On paper, the 49ers will have a manageable final six-game stretch this season. After their bye in Week 11, they face the Buccaneers, the rebuilding Seahawks twice, the Broncos, Bears, and Rams. Moreover, three of their last four games are at home. That should aid their chances of ending the season strong for a second-straight year as Saleh predicts.
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