Detroit Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: San Francisco 49ers
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions will close out the home portion of the 2015 regular season schedule with a game against the San Francisco 49ers in week 16.
To check up on the 49ers as they prepare to report to training camp, I got together with Peter Panacy of Niner Noise. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
1. How would you assess the team’s offseason? Did they do what they needed to do through the draft and free agency?
"San Francisco had one of the most turbulent offseasons in recent memory. The 49ers parted ways with a successful head coach and an effective coaching staff only to replace it with a relatively unknown HC. Then there were the losses of key players like Frank Gore, Mike Iupati, Anthony Davis, Chris Culliver, Justin Smith, Patrick Willis and Chris Borland via free agency or retirement.The 49ers did help themselves through free agency and the draft though. The addition of WR Torrey Smith adds speed to the receiving game, which was a major need this offseason. Early rounds of the draft reinforced the defense, which was also a significant bonus since the defensive side of the ball figures to remain a strength in 2015."
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2. Which rookie are you most excited to see play in 2015 and why?
"OLB Eli Harold was my favorite pick in the draft. A 3-4 defense can never have too many pass-rushers, and Harold fits the mold of what Tomsula wants to do here. The guy won’t be asked to do too much in coverage and should be utilized in specific pass-rushing formations to maximize his current level of talent."
3. What is the biggest question that still needs to be answered heading into training camp?
"The biggest question facing the 49ers is the solidarity/makeup of the offensive line. With Iupati and Davis gone, the 49ers have some major holes that need to be filled amicably enough. Joe Staley and Alex Boone are the only incumbent notable veterans along the line. We’ll be seeing how second-year pros Brandon Thomas and Marcus Martin pan out in an increased role. And how healthy will C Daniel Kilgore be after his knee injury in Week 7 last year?"
4. What are your expectations for the team in 2015?
"Many are predicting the 49ers to be in the cellar of the NFC West this season. I think they have enough on-field talent to be better than that. But I still think the team will finish with an 8-8 record. That’s not bad considering all that transpired this year and the fact that this season is a transition year. I basically want to see a significant boost from the young players who need to be the linchpins of this franchise in coming years. That means emerging guys like RB Carlos Hyde, DE Tank Carradine and others."
5. Right here, right now, are you marking down the game against the Lions as a win, loss or toss-up?
"The contest against the Lions is a toss-up for me right now given that it’s in Week 16. 49ers fans really have no clue how this team is going to pan out this season. There is lots of promise, but there are plenty of major question marks too. We need a few regular-season games in the book to make an accurate prediction."
For more on the 49ers, check out Niner Noise.
Next: Lions 2015 Schedule Preview: Saints