2015 San Francisco 49ers season

Last updated

2015 San Francisco 49ers season
Owner Jed York
General manager Trent Baalke
Head coach Jim Tomsula
Home field Levi's Stadium
Results
Record5–11
Division place4th NFC West
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro Bowlers ILB NaVorro Bowman
T Joe Staley
AP All-Pros NaVorro Bowman (1st team)
Uniform
49ers uniforms 15.png

The 2015 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 66th in the National Football League (NFL), the 70th overall, second playing their home games at Levi's Stadium, and the only season under head coach Jim Tomsula. They were attempting to make history as the first Super Bowl host team to play the Super Bowl on their own home field, but they failed to improve on their 8–8 record from 2014, and ended with a 5–11 record to miss the playoffs for the second season in a row and suffered their first losing season and last place finish since 2010 and 2005 respectively, and marked the 31st consecutive year in which the Super Bowl did not include the team in whose region the game was being played, a feat that was not achieved since themselves in 1984 until the 2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers broke the streak five years later.

Contents

Offseason

Coaching changes

With their loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15 of the 2014–15 season, the 49ers were mathematically eliminated from the postseason, exacerbating tensions between head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Trent Baalke. After the season ended, the 49ers and Harbaugh mutually agreed to end his contract. [1] On January 14, 2015, Jim Tomsula was promoted to head coach after serving as defensive line coach with the team since 2007; it was his second time at the helm, as he previously served as the 49ers' interim head coach for one game, after Mike Singletary's firing in 2010. [2]

Roster changes

Free Agency

PositionPlayer Free agency
tag		Date signed/released2015 teamNotes
QB Blaine Gabbert UFAMarch 12, 2015San Francisco 49ersSigned 2-year/$2 million [3]
QB Josh Johnson UFAApril 2, 2015 Cincinnati Bengals [4]
RB Frank Gore UFAMarch 10, 2015 Indianapolis Colts Signed 3-year/$12 million [5]
RB Alfonso Smith UFA---
RB Phillip Tanner UFA---
WR Michael Crabtree UFAApril 13, 2015 Oakland Raiders Signed 1 year/$3.2 million [6]
WR Brandon Lloyd UFA---
WR Kassim Osgood UFA---
G Mike Iupati UFAMarch 10, 2015 Arizona Cardinals Signed 5-year/$40 million [7]
LB Dan Skuta UFAMarch 11, 2015 Jacksonville Jaguars Signed 5-year/$20.5 million [8]
LB Desmond Bishop UFAMarch 31, 2015San Francisco 49ersSigned 1 year [9]
CB Chris Culliver UFAMarch 13, 2015 Washington Redskins Signed 4-year/$32 million [10]
CB Perrish Cox UFAMarch 14, 2015 Tennessee Titans Signed 3-year/$15 million [11]
CB Chris Cook UFAMarch 14, 2015San Francisco 49ersSigned 1 year [12]
LS Kyle Nelson RFAMarch 6, 2015San Francisco 49ersSigned 4-year [13]
TE Garrett Celek RFAMarch 12, 2015San Francisco 49ersSigned 1 year [3]
RFA: Restricted free agent, UFA: Unrestricted free agent, ERFA: Exclusive rights free agent
LEGEND
 –  Light green background indicates a player has been re-signed by the 49ers.
 –  Light red background indicates a player has departed the 49ers.

Signings

PositionPlayer2014 TeamDate signedNotes
DE Darnell Dockett Arizona Cardinals March 5, 2015Signed 2-year/$7.5 million [14]
WR Jerome Simpson Minnesota Vikings March 5, 2015Signed 2-year deal [15]
WR Torrey Smith Baltimore Ravens March 11, 2015Signed 5-year/$40 million [16]
RB Reggie Bush Detroit Lions March 14, 2015Signed 1 year/2.5 million [17]
CB Shareece Wright San Diego Chargers March 14, 2015Signed 1 year/$3 million [18]
OT Erik Pears Buffalo Bills March 14, 2015Signed 2-year/$4.7 million [19]
LB Nick Bellore New York Jets April 3, 2015Signed 2-year deal [20]
LB Philip Wheeler Miami Dolphins April 30, 2015 [21]
LB Shawn Lemon August 8, 2015 [22]
LB Steve Beauharnais Washington Redskins August 7, 2015 [23]
Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2014 season.

Departures

PositionPlayerDateNotes
S Bubba Ventrone March 3, 2015Retired [24]
LB Patrick Willis March 10, 2015Retired [25]
WR Stevie Johnson March 12, 2015Released [26]
LB Chris Borland March 16, 2015Retired [27]
OT Jonathan Martin March 26, 2015Released [28]
WR Trindon Holliday April 30, 2015Released [29]
G Fouimalo Fonoti April 30, 2015Waived [29]
WR Lance Lewis April 30, 2015Waived [29]
DE Justin Smith May 18, 2015Retired [30]
OT Anthony Davis June 5, 2015Retired [31]
P Andy Lee June 6, 2015Traded [32]
LB Aldon Smith August 7, 2015Released [33]
CB Chris Cook August 5, 2015Released [34]
TE Vernon Davis November 2, 2015Traded [35]

2015 NFL Draft

San Francisco 49ers 2015 NFL Draft selections
Draft orderPlayer namePositionHeightWeightCollegeNotes
RoundChoiceOverall
1 1515Traded to the San Diego Chargers [a]
1717 Arik Armstead Defensive end 6'7"292 Oregon From Chargers [a]
21446 Jaquiski Tartt Safety 6'1"221 Samford
31579 Eli Harold Defensive end 6'3"247 Virginia
414113Traded to the Buffalo Bills [b]
18117 Blake Bell Tight end 6'6"252 Oklahoma From Chargers [a]
27126 Mike Davis Running back 5'9"217 South Carolina From Broncos [c]
33132 DeAndre Smelter Wide receiver 6'2"226 Georgia Tech Compensatory pick
515151Traded to the Indianapolis Colts [f]
29165 Bradley Pinion Punter 6'5"229 Clemson From Colts [f]
614190 Ian Silberman Guard 6'5"306 Boston College
715232Traded to the Miami Dolphins [d]
27244 Trenton Brown Guard 6'8"355 Florida From Colts [f]
29246Traded to the Dallas Cowboys [g] From Colts [e]
37254 Rory Anderson Tight end South CarolinaCompensatory pick

Notes

^[a] The 49ers traded their first-round selection (No. 15 overall) to the San Diego Chargers in exchange for San Diego's first- and fourth-round selection (Nos. 17 and 117 overall, respectively) as well a fifth-round selection in 2016. [36]
^[b] The 49ers traded a conditional fourth-round selection to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for wide receiver Stevie Johnson; the selection could be upgraded to a third-rounder pending Johnson's statistics in 2014. [37]
^[c] The 49ers acquired an additional fourth-round selection as part of a trade that sent their 2014 second- and seventh-round selections to the Denver Broncos. [38]
^[d] The 49ers traded a seventh-round selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. [39]
^[e] The 49ers acquired an additional seventh-round selection in a trade that sent linebacker Cam Johnson to the Indianapolis Colts. [40]
^[f] The 49ers traded their fifth-round selection (No. 151 overall) to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for Indianapolis's fifth- and seventh-round selection (Nos. 165 and 244 overall, respectively).
^[g] The 49ers acquired a sixth-round selection in 2016 as part of a trade that sent their seventh-round selections (No. 246) to Dallas Cowboys.

Undrafted free agents

PositionPlayerCollegeNotes
RB Jarryd Hayne NonePlayed professional Rugby league from 2006 to 2014 in Australia
QB Dylan Thompson South Carolina
WR Dres Anderson Utah
OLBMarcus Rush Michigan State
WR Issac Blakeney Duke
OTPatrick Miller Auburn
WRDarius Davis Henderson State
WR DeAndrew White Alabama

Staff

2015 San Francisco 49ers staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Director of human performance – Mark Uyeyama
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Brian Johnson
  • Strength and Conditioning/Nutrition Assistant – Kurt Schmidt
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – David Young


Final roster

2015 San Francisco 49ers roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

 Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

 Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad
  • 40 Jamie Childers TE
  • 33 Kyle Sebetic CB

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 13 reserve, 8 practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1August 15at Houston Texans L 10–230–1 NRG Stadium Recap
2August 23 Dallas Cowboys W 23–61–1 Levi's Stadium Recap
3August 29at Denver Broncos L 12–191–2 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
4September 3 San Diego Chargers W 14–122–2Levi's Stadium Recap

Regular season

WeekDateOpponentResultRecordVenueRecap
1September 14 Minnesota Vikings W 20–31–0 Levi's Stadium Recap
2September 20at Pittsburgh Steelers L 18–431–1 Heinz Field Recap
3September 27at Arizona Cardinals L 7–471–2 University of Phoenix Stadium Recap
4October 4 Green Bay Packers L 3–171–3Levi's Stadium Recap
5October 11at New York Giants L 27–301–4 MetLife Stadium Recap
6October 18 Baltimore Ravens W 25–202–4Levi's Stadium Recap
7October 22 Seattle Seahawks L 3–202–5Levi's Stadium Recap
8November 1at St. Louis Rams L 6–272–6 Edward Jones Dome Recap
9November 8 Atlanta Falcons W 17–163–6Levi's Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11November 22at Seattle Seahawks L 13–293–7 CenturyLink Field Recap
12November 29 Arizona Cardinals L 13–193–8Levi's Stadium Recap
13December 6at Chicago Bears W 26–20 (OT)4–8 Soldier Field Recap
14December 13at Cleveland Browns L 10–244–9 FirstEnergy Stadium Recap
15December 20 Cincinnati Bengals L 14–244–10Levi's Stadium Recap
16December 27at Detroit Lions L 17–324–11 Ford Field Recap
17January 3 St. Louis Rams W 19–16 (OT)5–11Levi's Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week One: Minnesota Vikings at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Vikings00033
49ers0731020

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

In the 49ers' first game with new head coach Jim Tomsula, the 49ers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 20–3 on Monday Night Football. In his first career start, Carlos Hyde rushed 26 times for 168 yards and two touchdowns. Hyde's 168 rushing yards were the most by a 49ers player since 2012, when Colin Kaepernick rushed for 181 against the Packers. Colin Kaepernick went 17 for 26 with 165 yards passing. The 49ers defense was stout, holding the Vikings to just three points and sacking Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater five times. Adrian Peterson, returning from suspension, rushed for only 31 yards on 10 carries. This game also marked the return of NaVorro Bowman, who missed all of the 2014 season with an injury. He had seven tackles and a sack in the season opener. In addition, the 49ers introduced black alternate uniforms. [41]

Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Two: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers0301518
Steelers82101443

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Game information

The 49ers' first road game of the year ended in a disaster. The 49ers defense had no answer for Ben Roethlisberger, who went 21 for 27,369 yards and three touchdown passes as the Steelers won 43–18. The Steelers took a commanding 29–3 halftime lead. Despite only scoring 18 points, the 49ers offense opened up in the second half, with Kaepernick leading the 49ers into the Steelers red zone four times, but only able to score one touchdown (along with a field goal and two turnovers on downs). The highlight for the 49ers was Kaepernick hitting wide receiver Torrey Smith for a 75-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. The Steelers defense had a field day on Kaepernick, sacking him 5 times and making him lose a fumble.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 1–1.

Week 3: at Arizona Cardinals

Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers07007
Cardinals14179747

at University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

Game information

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick became the first player since 1925 to throw two interceptions returned for touchdowns (pick sixes) to start a game. He had four interceptions in the game overall and the Cardinals thrashed the 49ers 47–7. This is the most points the Cardinals have ever scored against the 49ers. In the past two weeks, the 49ers were outscored 90–25.

With the loss, the 49ers dropped to 1–2.

Week 4: vs. Green Bay Packers

Week Four: Green Bay Packers at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Packers7010017
49ers03003

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

Despite a good showing by the 49ers defense (holding the Packers to a season-low 17 points and sacking Aaron Rodgers 3 times), the 49ers offense struggled all game. It was another frustrating day for Colin Kaepernick, who consistently missed receivers and threw an interception. Throughout the game, he was sacked six times. In the last two weeks, Kaepernick had no touchdown passes and five interceptions with a quarterback rating of 12.7.

With yet another tough loss, the 49ers dropped to 1–3, and were outscored by a total of 110–48 in their first 4 games. By the end of week 4, the 49ers were last in the league in total points scored.

Week 5: at New York Giants

Week Five: San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers3371427
Giants31071030

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

In one of the wildest games of the year, the 49ers lost a heartbreaker in the final minute. The 49ers offense, which struggled the previous two weeks and had just 6 points at halftime in this game, came alive and scored three-second half touchdowns, including Carlos Hyde's 2-yard go-ahead touchdown run with 1:45 left on the clock to give the 49ers a 27–23 lead. But Giants quarterback Eli Manning led the Giants down the field and threw a 12-yard touchdown to Larry Donnell with 0:17 left in the game. The 49ers defense was shredded for an astonishing 525 yards by the Giants offense. There were five lead changes in the game, three of them in the final 4:29 of the fourth quarter.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 1–4.

Week 6: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week Six: Baltimore Ravens at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Ravens067720
49ers6103625

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

The 49ers met the Ravens for the first time since Super Bowl XLVII, in which the Ravens won 34–31. In the second quarter, Colin Kaepernick threw a 76-yard pass to ex-Raven Torrey Smith to extend San Francisco's lead to 13–3. In the fourth quarter, Kaepernick threw another touchdown, this time to Quinton Patton, for 11 yards to lead the 49ers 25–13. This was Patton's first NFL touchdown. With the win, the 49ers avenged their Super Bowl loss and broke their 4-game losing streak, and they improved to 2–4.

Week 7: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Seven: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Seahawks7100320
49ers00303

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

Much like last year's Thanksgiving Day matchup, the 49ers were unable to stop the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks. Colin Kaepernick struggled all game long and he was sacked six times, much like Week 4 against Green Bay, where the 49ers were also only held to a field goal. With the 20–3 loss, the 49ers dropped to 2–5.

Week 8: at St. Louis Rams

Week Eight: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers33006
Rams2180727

at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, Missouri

Game information

With the loss, San Francisco fell to 2–6.

Week 9: vs. Atlanta Falcons

Week Nine: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Falcons3100316
49ers0170017

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

This was Blaine Gabbert's first game as starting quarterback with the 49ers, replacing Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers were also without tight end Vernon Davis, who was traded to the Denver Broncos, after nine and a half seasons with the team.

With the win, the 49ers improved to 3–6.

Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Eleven: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers076013
Seahawks1373629

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

  • Date: November 22
  • Game time: 1:25 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 68,993
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Blaine Gabbert made his second start and remained starter for the rest of the season with Colin Kaepernick undergoing season-ending surgery on his left non-throwing shoulder.

After the loss, the 49ers fell to 3–7.

Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Cardinals337619
49ers0310013

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 1:05 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 70,799
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (Fox): Chris Myers, Ronde Barber and Jennifer Hale
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 3-8 and were swept by the Cardinals for the first time since 2008.

Week 13: at Chicago Bears

Week Thirteen: San Francisco 49ers at Chicago Bears– Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
49ers6707626
Bears6707020

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 12:00 pm. CST/10:00 am. PST
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 62,088
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (Fox): Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston and Laura Okmin
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The 49ers would trail 20–13 with less than a minute to go. Blaine Gabbert would run in a game-tying 44-yard touchdown to tie the game at 20. However, the Bears appeared to have the game won when they went down the field after a 74-yard kick return by Deonte Thompson. But when Robbie Gould came out to attempt a game-winning 36-yard field goal, the kick was wide left, resulting in overtime. In the overtime period, Gabbert would throw the game-winning 71-yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith to win the game for San Francisco. This was San Francisco's first win in Chicago since the 1988 NFC Championship Game.

With the win, the 49ers went to 4–8.

Week 14: at Cleveland Browns

Week Fourteen: San Francisco 49ers at Cleveland Browns– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers030710
Browns737724

at FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Game information

With the loss, the 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs and became the latest Super Bowl host team to fail to play the championship game on its own home field.

Week 15: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Fifteen: Cincinnati Bengals at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
Bengals0213024
49ers007714

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

Game information

The 49ers played an overall ugly game as they lost 24–14 to the powerful Cincinnati Bengals. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert threw 3 interceptions and receiver Anquan Boldin lost a fumble.

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 4–10.

Week 16: at Detroit Lions

Week Sixteen: San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions– Game summary
Quarter1234Total
49ers7100017
Lions3173932

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 1:00 pm. EST/10:00 am. PST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (dome stadium)
  • Game attendance: 61,313
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis and Tony Siragusa
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the loss, the 49ers fell to 4–11.

Week 17: vs. St. Louis Rams

Week Seventeen: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers– Game summary
Quarter1234OTTotal
Rams31300016
49ers01033319

at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 1:25 pm. PST
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 70,799
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Adam Archuleta
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This was the final game between the San Francisco 49ers and the St. Louis Rams before the Rams' relocation to Los Angeles. With the win, the 49ers ended their season 5–11.

Standings

Division

NFC West
WLTPCTDIVCONFPFPASTK
(2) Arizona Cardinals 1330.8134–210–2489313L1
(6) Seattle Seahawks 1060.6253–37–5423277W1
St. Louis Rams 790.4384–26–6280330L1
San Francisco 49ers 5110.3131–54–8238387W1

Conference

NFC
#TeamDivisionWLTPCTDIVCONFSOSSOVSTK
Division Leaders
1 Carolina Panthers South1510.9385–111–1.441.438W1
2 Arizona Cardinals West1330.8134–210–2.477.457L1
3 Minnesota Vikings North1150.6885–18–4.504.449W3
4 Washington Redskins East970.5634–28–4.465.403W4
Wild Cards
5 [a] Green Bay Packers North1060.6253–37–5.531.450L2
6 [a] Seattle Seahawks West1060.6253–37–5.520.431W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Atlanta Falcons South880.5001–55–7.480.453L1
8 [b] St. Louis Rams West790.4384–26–6.527.482L1
9 [b] Detroit Lions North790.4383–36–6.535.429W3
10 [b] Philadelphia Eagles East790.4383–34–8.508.473W1
11 [b] New Orleans Saints South790.4383–35–7.504.402W2
12 [c] New York Giants East6100.3752–44–8.500.396L3
13 [c] Chicago Bears North6100.3751–53–9.547.469L1
14 [c] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South6100.3753–35–7.484.406L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West5110.3131–54–8.539.463W1
16 Dallas Cowboys East4120.2503–33–9.531.438L4
Tiebreakers [d]
  1. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 3 4 St. Louis and Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on conference record. St. Louis finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory.
    Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on head-to-head sweep, while Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 3 The New York Giants and Chicago each finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory, while the Giants finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record.
  4. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.

Notes

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    The 2016 season was the San Diego Chargers' 47th in the National Football League (NFL), their 57th overall, their 56th and final season in San Diego, California and their fourth and final season under head coach Mike McCoy.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Atlanta Falcons season</span> NFL team season

    The 2016 Atlanta Falcons season was the franchise's 51st season in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Dan Quinn. It also marked the team's 25th and final season playing their home games at the Georgia Dome, as the Falcons moved into the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. The Falcons won the NFC South for the first time since 2012 and improved on their 8–8 record from 2015, going 11–5 and earning the second seed in the NFC playoffs. Quarterback Matt Ryan was named the 2016 NFL MVP. The Falcons scored 540 points, the most in the NFL for 2016 and 8th all-time. The team scored fewer than 23 points only once all season: a 24–15 loss to the Eagles.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 New Orleans Saints season</span> NFL team season

    The 2016 season was the New Orleans Saints' 50th in the National Football League (NFL), their 41st playing home games at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and their 10th under head coach Sean Payton. The Saints matched their 7–9 record from 2014 and 2015, and missed the playoffs for the third year in a row. One highlight from the season includes quarterback Drew Brees' first return to San Diego for the first time since the Chargers released him at the end of the 2005 season, also where Brees played his first five seasons in. This came 10 years after the Chargers released Brees after the Saints' previous regular season meetings with the Chargers were home games for the Saints, and including a 2008 meeting at Wembley Stadium in London, a game which New Orleans was designated as the home team.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

    The 2016 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 67th in the National Football League (NFL), their 71st overall, their third playing their home games at Levi's Stadium and the only season under head coach Chip Kelly. The season saw the 49ers attempting to rebound from their 5–11 record the previous year, but finished 2–14, with their only wins coming against their division rival Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers also nearly became the first team since the 2001 Carolina Panthers to win their opener and lose the remainder of their games, prior to the 49ers' Week 16 win over the Rams. The 49ers' record was their worst since 2004, when they also finished 2–14. The 49ers' 1–7 home record tied the worst home record in franchise history. As a result, the 49ers fired Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2016 Los Angeles Rams season</span> 80th season in franchise history, first in L.A. since 1994

    The 2016 Los Angeles Rams season was the franchise's 79th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fifth and final under head coach Jeff Fisher. It was the franchise's 50th season in the Greater Los Angeles Area and the first since 1994. The team returned to Los Angeles after 21 seasons in St. Louis. The Rams decided from 2016 to 2019 to return to wearing white uniforms at home in Los Angeles as a nod to the Fearsome Foursome era. In Week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks, their NFC West divisional rival, the Rams wore white horns on their helmet just for the one game only, a move which would be repeated for the entire following season.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 San Francisco 49ers season</span> NFL team season

    The 2017 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 68th in the National Football League (NFL), their 72nd overall, their fourth playing their home games at Levi's Stadium and their first under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Los Angeles Rams season</span> 81st season in franchise history, first playoff berth since 2004

    The 2017 season was the Los Angeles Rams' 80th in the National Football League (NFL), their 81st overall, 51st in the Greater Los Angeles Area and their first under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams dramatically improved on their 4–12 record from the previous season. With a win over the Arizona Cardinals, the Rams ended a decade-long drought and clinched their first winning season since 2003 and first playoff appearance since 2004, when the club was based in St. Louis. The team played a game in London, England at Twickenham Stadium against the Cardinals in Week 7 as one of the NFL London Games.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Seattle Seahawks season</span> 42nd season in franchise history

    The 2017 season was the Seattle Seahawks' 42nd in the National Football League (NFL) and their eighth under head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks tried to improve their 10–5–1 record from 2016. However, it did not happen because of injuries to key defensive players and poor offensive performances. After the Atlanta Falcons' Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers, they were eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2011. They also failed to achieve a 10-win season for the first time since that same season. This was Russell Wilson's first season not making the playoffs.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2017 Houston Texans season</span> 16th season in franchise history; last full one under ownership of Bob McNair

    The 2017 Houston Texans season was the franchise's 16th season in the National Football League (NFL) and the fourth under head coach Bill O'Brien. With the Texans' loss at the Titans in Week 13, Houston exceeded their loss total (7) from 2014, 2015 and 2016. The Texans clinched their first losing season since 2013, and finished in last place in the AFC South for the first time since 2013. The Texans also missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 San Francisco 49ers season</span> 76th season in franchise history

    The 2021 season was the San Francisco 49ers' 72nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 76th overall and their fifth under the head coach/general manager tandem of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch. In honor of the 75th anniversary of the team's founding in 1946, the 49ers introduced a commemorative logo to be used during this season.

    References

    1. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (December 28, 2014). "Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers mutually part ways". NFL.com. Retrieved March 12, 2022.
    2. ↑ Patra, Kevin (January 14, 2015). "Niners choose to promote Jim Tomsula to head coach". NFL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
    3. 1 2 "49ers Re-sign QB Blaine Gabbert, TE Garrett Celek". 49ers.com. March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
    4. ↑ Harvey, Coley (April 2, 2015). "Bengals add another former player, sign QB Josh Johnson". ESPN. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
    5. ↑ Wesseling, Chris. "Frank Gore agrees to terms with Indianapolis Colts". NFL.com. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
    6. ↑ Hanzus, Dan. "Michael Crabtree signs one-year deal with Raiders". NFL.com. Retrieved April 15, 2015.
    7. ↑ Odegard, Kyle. "Iupati, Shipley Will Aid Cardinals' Run Game". AZCardinals.com. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
    8. ↑ Wesseling, Chris. "Jacksonville Jaguars give Dan Skuta $20.5M contract". NFL.com. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
    9. ↑ "49ers Re-sign LB Desmond Bishop to One-year Deal". 49ers.com. Retrieved April 2, 2015.
    10. ↑ Orr, Conor. "Redskins agree to four-year deal with Chris Culliver". NFL.com. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
    11. ↑ Wesseling, Chris. "Perrish Cox leaves 49ers for Tennessee Titans". NFL.com. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
    12. ↑ "49ers Re-sign CB Chris Cook to One-year Deal". 49ers.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
    13. ↑ "49ers Re-sign Kyle Nelson to Four-year Contract". 49ers.com. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
    14. ↑ Patra, Kevin. "Darnell Dockett signs with the San Francisco 49ers". NFL.com. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
    15. ↑ "49ers Sign WR Jerome Simpson to Two-year Deal". 49ers.com. Archived from the original on March 8, 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
    16. ↑ Sessler, Marc. "49ers, Torrey Smith strike five-year, $40M deal". NFL.com. Retrieved March 10, 2015.
    17. ↑ Patra, Kevin. "Reggie Bush agrees to join San Francisco 49ers". NFL.com. Retrieved March 15, 2015.
    18. ↑ Wesseling, Chris. "Shareece Wright leaves Chargers for 49ers". NFL.com. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
    19. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (March 17, 2015). "49ers sign vet OL Erik Pears". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
    20. ↑ Alper, Josh (April 3, 2015). "49ers sign Nick Bellore". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
    21. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (April 30, 2015). "49ers sign OLB Philip Wheeler". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
    22. ↑ Clarida, Matt. "Niners sign CFL LB Shawn Lemon to fill Smith vacancy". NFL.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2015. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
    23. ↑ Price, Taylor. "Notes from Jim Tomsula: 49ers Sign LB Steve Beauharnais, Jaquiski Tartt to Return to Practice". 49ers.com. Archived from the original on 8 August 2015. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
    24. ↑ Reiss, Mark (March 3, 2015). "Ray Ventrone added as Patriots assistant". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
    25. ↑ Orr, Conor. "Patrick Willis retiring after eight seasons with 49ers". NFL.com. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
    26. ↑ Price, Taylor. "Stevie Johnson Released by 49ers". 49ers.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2015. Retrieved March 12, 2015.
    27. ↑ "San Francisco 49ers' Chris Borland retiring from NFL". NFL.com. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
    28. ↑ "49ers waive OL Jonathan Martin". ESPN.com. March 26, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
    29. 1 2 3 Krest, Shawn. "49ers release Trindon Holliday, Lance Lewis, Fouimalo Fonoti". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
    30. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg. "Niners defensive tackle Justin Smith to retire". NFL.com. Retrieved May 18, 2015.
    31. ↑ Wesseling, Chris. "Anthony Davis of San Francisco 49ers retires". NFL.com. Retrieved June 5, 2015.
    32. ↑ Sessler, Marc. "Browns acquire 49ers punter Andy Lee for draft pick". NFL.com. Retrieved June 9, 2015.
    33. ↑ Gutierrez, Paul (August 7, 2015). "49ers release Aldon Smith after arrest on DUI, hit-and-run charges". ESPN.com. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
    34. ↑ Sessler, Marc. "49ers release veteran cornerback Chris Cook". NFL.com. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
    35. ↑ Hanzus, Dan. "Broncos acquire 49ers tight end Vernon Davis". NFL.com. Retrieved November 2, 2015.
    36. ↑ Sessler, Marc. "San Diego Chargers trade up for RB Melvin Gordon". NFL.com. Retrieved May 1, 2015.
    37. ↑ Patra, Kevin (May 9, 2014). "Stevie Johnson traded to San Francisco 49ers". Around the League (blog). NFL.com. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
    38. ↑ Renck, Troy E. (May 9, 2014). "Broncos take WR Cody Latimer, RT Michael Schofield on day 2 of draft". The Denver Post . Archived from the original on May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
    39. ↑ "Jonathan Martin headed to 49ers". ESPN. March 11, 2014. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
    40. ↑ Fucillo, David (January 24, 2014). "49ers draft picks 2014: Cam Johnson acquired pick is 2015, not 2014". Niners Nation (blog). SB Nation. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
    41. ↑ "Kawakami: 49ers get physical in winning opener". September 14, 2015.
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