San Francisco 49ers: If…And…But for 2015

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) smiles talking to wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Cowboys 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

If

The San Francisco offense gets back to being an efficient unit, which was hardly the case this past season. Now this group is under the guidance of new coordinator Geep Chryst, the team’s quarterbacks coach before being elevated to this new spot.

One year after totaling 406 points and amassing 39 offensive touchdowns, the Niners rolled up 100 fewer points (306) and nine fewer touchdowns (30). It was a rough year for once-promising quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who completed 60.5 percent of his passes for 3,369 yards and 19 scored but committed 15 turnovers (10 interceptions, 5 lost fumbles). He ran the ball 104 times (for 639 yards and 1 touchdown) but was also sacked an astonishing 52 times.

Running back Frank Gore is now with the Indianapolis Colts and wide receiver Michael Crabtree is now a member of the Oakland Raiders. Tight end Vernon Davis will look to rebound from an off-year while Torrey Smith joins the team after four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens – reunited with former teammate Anquan Boldin. And Carlos Hyde takes over for Gore.

There’s still some talent here but getting back on track may be easier said than done. That’s because there’s another part of this unit that must bounce back from a rough year.

Next: Questions in the Trenches