three stats wherein San Francisco would possibly regress in 2021

San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

While not much was going right with the 49ers in 2020, there were some statistical categories that were impressive but likely won’t carry over into 2021.

For those who don’t want to see what negative things could happen to the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, at least statistically, just check out some areas where head coach Kyle Shanahan’s roster is showing some improvement over the coming season.

For some realists, this one is for you.

A 6-10 finish is not a cause for alarm. Especially when you consider that Shanahan has lost three out of four seasons since he became head coach of the Niners, and in all three of those years he has lost 10 or more.

Yes, injuries played a huge role in determining the San Francisco result in 2020. There is no getting around it, and the law of averages suggests that things will be a lot better in 2021, especially after Shanahan and General Manager John Lynch focused this off-season on attracting players with better track records in terms of health and durability.

Even so, despite all the challenges and setbacks, the 49ers performed well in some areas last year. An example of this was then defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was in charge of a defensive that ranked fifth best in the NFL in terms of yards allowed (5,030 yards), which is pretty much despite the loss of many key defensive players, namely EDGE Nick Bosa is impressive, and cornerback, Richard Sherman, for most of the season.

Saleh is gone now, opening the door for DeMeco Ryans, first year coordinator, to leave his mark. Ryans’ learning curve, coupled with the inconsistent nature of defense in today’s NFL, likely indicates that the Niners aren’t quite as good, at least when they keep the opposing defense from moving the ball.

But these three other statistical categories could also experience some regression in 2021.