“I don't know about it.”

The optimism that surrounds the 49 seems to be higher than in some time.

After a miserable season with 6 to 11, followed by a dormant free agency where the team lost nine starting players, the NFL rewarded the 49er with the simplest schedule in the league, at least on paper.

This week Adam Schefter was asked by ESPN whether the 49s are now trending in the right direction thanks to their cheap schedule.

“I don't know about it,” said Schefter. “I would say that the schedule for this team is developing the right way to try to get back on the track to achieve a season with 6 to 11. Note the-6-11 last year and then go out and lose any number of players in the free agency and through injuries.

“Dre Greenlaw signed at Denver. Talanoa Hufanga with Denver. The security that Hufanga, Malik Mustapha was supposed to replace was torn in the regular season finale – the injury only came out after the draft.

“This team has lost a lot more talent than people recognize. And yes, the schedule is cheap and easier, but there are many losses that this team has to overcome this season.”

Remember that Schefter builds a book with Kyle Shanahan's father Mike Shanahan entitled Thinking Think Like a Champion: Success of one victory after the other. Maybe they still communicate. Perhaps Schefter expresses the worries of an affected father. Who knows?

In any case, Schefter is right that the 49s have lost many experienced players this off -season. The rookie replacement could be upgrades, but it probably won't be immediately. And the offensive line was significantly deteriorated with the losses of Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore. The 49s found no upgrades for both players.

Despite a weaker schedule, many things would have to break the 49 paths to make the playoffs.