Lack of a consistent receiving option at WR1

Before the season had begun many became skeptical over the lack of a number one receiver in head coach, Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

He’s someone that excels from the talent of a number one guy at receiver in his offense. From his time in Houston with former All-Pro Andre Johnson to his last offensive coordinator stint in Atlanta with Julio Jones. Despite the notion of having the number one guy in the offense analysts dove in deep and looked at what makes Shanahan’s offense work at receiver.

As Andrew Hawkins pointed out on the 49ers Studio Podcast (via Niner Nation):

“[Shanahan] needs a speed guy. He needs a guy who is faster than everybody else on the field. That’s a big part of his offense. A tough guy. He needs a guy who is going to catch the ball over the middle, be tough as nails and be a little versatile. He needs a third down guy, who has great hands and will, under any circumstance, can move the sticks.”

Shanahan has all three of these players in Marquise Goodwin (speed guy), Pierre Garçon (tough guy), and Trent Taylor (third down guy). Garçon is, in a way, the team’s number one receiver. However, he’s not producing the way he should.

Garçon is supposed to be the possession receiver, but he’s been dropping too many crucial catches. Most recently was on the second offensive drive by the 49ers where the ball went through his hands and turned into an interception. He has 16 catches on 33 targets which aren’t numbers for a player that’s supposed to be the most reliable on the team.

And with Goodwin and rookie, Dante Pettis out with injury, the offense needs a number one guy to step up.

Next Page: No. 2