The 49ers returned to work from their off week and are still 1-5. But rather than look back at their worst start in 25 years, they really should look at what awaits them with 10 games to go.
Seven of their final 10 opponents have losing records. Now, the 49ers obviously have a big, fat losing record too. But for a team seeking any optimistic angle, the schedule provides that.
“It’s only going to take a few wins to get out of that pack,” receiver Brandon Lloyd said. “We need to jump ahead with the teams we need to beat.”
If the 49ers can’t do that, they’ll be battling fellow floppers on a seemingly weekly basis for the rights to next spring’s No. 1 overall draft pick.
Of the seven teams with losing records remaining on the 49ers’ schedule, four visit Monster Park– Carolina (1-5), Miami (1-6), Washington (2-4) and Buffalo (1-5)–and three play host to the 49ers: the Bears (1-5), Tampa Bay (2-5) and Arizona (2-4).
The 49ers’ three other games are against playoff contenders–at home against Seattle (3-3), at St. Louis (4-3) and at New England (6-0).
“Regardless of records, we can’t look at that,” quarterback Tim Rattay said. “Every team is good in this league.”
Every team? Yeah, and every player on the 49ers is a Pro Bowler.
Coach Dennis Erickson isn’t salivating at the loser-laden schedule awaiting his team.
“I’m just looking at Chicago, to be honest with you,” he said.