Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 San Francisco 49ers

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San Francisco 49ers

Coaching Staff

Head coach: Chip Kelly
Offensive Coordinator: Curtis Modkins
Defensive Coordinator: Jim O'Neil

Key Additions

• HC Chip Kelly
• DE DeForest Buckner (1st round)
• G Joshua Garnett (1st round)
• QB Christian Ponder
• G Zane Beadles
• WR Jeremy Kerley
• WR Aaron Burbridge (6th round)

Key Departures

• G Alex Boone
• HC Jim Tomsula
• RB Jarryd Hayne
• WR Anquan Boldin
• RB Reggie Bush

Preseason Power Ranking - No. 31

Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick are splitting reps in practice, a sign of further dysfunction from the comically awful 49ers. Let's be honest, when was the last time Chip Kelly inspired confidence? More ...

Projected Starting Lineup

* wide receiver Bruce Ellington (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve

Question to Answer

• How much did Chip Kelly learn from his mistakes in Philly?
• Who will start at quarterback and how long will they last?
• How much of a distraction will Colin Kaepernick's protest be?

Best-case scenario

With little to no talent at virtually every position, the 49ers put all their faith in Chip Kelly's system and find out the NFC West can't handle the lightning-quick pace and vertical concepts. Carlos Hyde has a season for the ages and the combination of former college teammates Arik Armstrong and DeForest Buckner punish opposing quarterbacks. Sadly, in a loaded division with a depleted roster, the 49ers best season may be an 8-8 record, which would be both impressive and still not good enough for a playoff spot.

Worst-case scenario

Neither Gabbert or Kaepernick is capable of leading Kelly's offense and the coach can't make up his mind, regularly flipflopping between options under center. Without a consistent leader, the rest of the offense struggles to get in a rhythm, rendering the system useless. NaVorro Bowman becomes frustrated as the only defender who knows what he's doing and lashes out at teammates. The unforgiving NFC West schedule looks at San Francisco like a confidence game and the 49ers get tuned up all season, finishing with a 2-14 record.