While reminiscing about the season, I came across something very disturbing. For the first time, the second time, the third time and the fourth time in 96 games the 49ers failed to score an offensive touchdown. Of course, this is not what they were thinking when they hired Mariucci an offensive minded coach. Mariucci did a great job coaching for most of the season, but he came up short on too many occasions.
There are several explanations for this. The first and most obvious is the lack of Jerry Rice. Unfortunately this can't be used as an excuse. The lack of Rice was a contributor, but every other team makes do with out him, and the 9ers proved they have two other capable receivers. Therefore the loss of Rice just can't be the single cause.
For the first time since 1994 the 49ers had a running game. Though they stuck with it for most of the season, when they needed it most it failed them, or was abandoned to quickly. This was mainly a coaching decision which will hopefully be corrected. However there are coaches that still manage to score offensive TDs without a running game. George Seifert for one. That of course means that the running factor wasn't the sole contributor either.
Inexperience. The 49ers are one of the oldest teams in the league, yet I call them inexperienced. Well maybe not the players. However the coaches, well they have quite a bit to learn. Steve Mariucci's play calling, was effective to an extent. However it wont be until he opens up the offense that it will be truly successful. This of course can't be the lone cause, as teams have managed to get by with much more primitive offenses.
As a result I draw this conclusion. There is no single cause for the lack of offensive scores. However all of the aforementioned points contributed to the problem at hand; along with some others. In the up and coming season, the 9ers hopefully will re-establish their dominance by filling the voids left open after this season.