0-36: Why Kyle Shanahan's offense can't come from behind

[Auggie]

San Francisco Chronicle / 11-29-23

Kyle Shanahan is 0-36 with the 49ers when they have trailed by at least eight points in the fourth quarter, the second-most games without a win since 2000.

The only coach ahead of him: Jay Gruden (0-41). The coaches directly behind him: Eric Mangini (0-35), Hue Jackson (0-35-1), Pat Shurmur (0-34) and Steve Spagnuolo (0-33).

Shanahan’s offense is stuffed with versatile skill-position players. And that allows him to have limitless formations and play calls without changing personnel, which leaves defenses guessing if a run or pass is coming.

Take away the guesswork and 0-36 suggests much of the production disappears, too.

Link (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-mailbag-0-36-kyle-shanahan-s-offense-18514838.php

Whoa! That's some Achilles heel.

During the Bills@Eagles finale last week we witnessed how Jalen Hurts almost single-handedly kept his OT drive moving and ultimately ran for the winning TD. The 49ers, in comparison, struggle when the QB assumes a heavier burden in late game "hurry-up" mode, aka "predictable passing situations." We've seen it with Jimmy Garoppolo. We've seen it with Brock Purdy.

One would think this is top concern among the 49ers front office and coaching staff, and that work is underway to find solutions.