49ers tackle Week 1 win but face kicking woes, Purdy’s risky plays, and offensive line struggles in quest for consistency
The San Francisco 49ers opened their season with a hard-fought win against the Seattle Seahawks, but the victory was marred by several areas of concern that could impact their quest for consistency moving forward.
Kicking Woes Persist
Despite the win, the 49ers’ kicking situation remains a significant issue. Jake Moody, the team’s kicker, struggled throughout the game, missing a straightforward field goal and having another kick blocked. These missteps forced head coach Kyle Shanahan to gamble on fourth down conversions rather than relying on his kicker, even when within field goal range.
Moody did manage to convert two extra points and eventually made a field goal, but his inconsistency raises questions about his reliability under pressure. Fans are left wondering whether he can deliver when the stakes are high, especially in critical moments of the season.
Brock Purdy’s Risky Decisions
Brock Purdy, while effective in certain aspects, showed a tendency towards risky plays that could have jeopardized the game. The quarterback is generally well-suited to Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, demonstrating an ability to execute plays while also showcasing his playmaking skills. However, this same instinct sometimes leads him to overestimate his capabilities.
In the game against the Seahawks, Purdy threw two costly interceptions. One came when he failed to notice a linebacker dropping into coverage, resulting in a pick by Ernest Jones. The second interception was even more alarming, thrown into a congested area where three defenders surrounded his single target. Additionally, his touchdown pass carried its risks, and a near-interception on another play highlighted his tendency to take chances that could backfire.
Despite a decent performance overall, lingering doubts about Purdy’s decision-making remain, echoing concerns from his previous outings.
Offensive Line Struggles
The 49ers’ offensive line has historically been a point of contention, and this season appears no different. Center Jake Brendel’s performance was inconsistent, often struggling to get to the second level and allowing defenders to disrupt runs. His battles against the Seahawks’ Leonard Williams were particularly notable, with Brendel failing to gain a consistent upper hand.
Dominick Puni is still recovering from an injury, and while Ben Bartch was serviceable, he is viewed as merely a replacement-level player at best. Colton McKivitz, who recently signed a contract extension, showed flashes of potential but also faced challenges during the game. Veteran Trent Williams, at 37 years old and coming off an injury-riddled season, appeared to lose his matchup with Boye Mafe and even exited the game for one play.
The line’s performance is crucial for the 49ers’ offensive success. If Williams struggles to maintain his form and Puni’s health remains a concern, the offensive line could become a significant hindrance to the team’s aspirations this season.
As the 49ers look to build on their Week 1 success, addressing these areas of concern will be vital. The blend of kicking inconsistencies, risky quarterback decisions, and a shaky offensive line presents challenges that the team must overcome to achieve their goals this season.
