49ers victory overshadowed by Purdy’s disastrous performance
The San Francisco 49ers secured a 20-9 victory over the Carolina Panthers, improving their record to 8-4. However, this win felt more like a struggle against an inferior opponent than a statement game. The 49ers’ offense particularly faltered, raising questions about their strategy and execution. Here’s a breakdown of the team’s performance across various positions.
Quarterback struggles
Brock Purdy’s performance has become a major point of contention. His three costly interceptions in the first half highlighted his inability to drive the ball downfield, leading some to wonder if he should have been benched. With throws resembling “balloons,” it’s unclear if lingering effects from his toe injury are impacting his game or if his form has simply regressed. This season, he has thrown multiple interceptions in three of his four starts, which is alarming for a franchise that recently extended him. Instead of acknowledging his struggles, the coaching staff opted to keep him in the game, limiting his play to basic handoffs and short passes—an indication of how far his confidence has plummeted. Defenses have effectively neutralized the middle of the field, exposing Purdy’s inability to throw with the necessary arm strength to reach the sidelines.
Running backs’ performance
Despite Christian McCaffrey averaging less than four yards per carry for the ninth time this season, the 49ers continued to rely heavily on him. He finished with 142 total yards and a touchdown, but his backup, Brian Robinson Jr., performed even better with an average of 5.7 yards per carry. This raises the question of whether the 49ers are truly maximizing their talent.
Wide receivers’ inconsistency
Jauan Jennings showcased toughness by breaking a tackle and scoring a touchdown, displaying a newfound motivation that may coincide with the 49ers’ recent decision to void Brandon Aiyuk’s guarantees. Meanwhile, Kendrick Bourne, who is arguably the most talented receiver on the roster, went unutilized, failing to receive a single target during the game. With Ricky Pearsall managing only six receiving yards, it’s clear that the 49ers need to reevaluate their wide receiver usage.
Tight ends shine
On a more positive note, George Kittle stood out with 78 yards receiving, contributing not only in the passing game but also excelling in blocking. His performance begs for more two-tight-end formations, which could provide a significant boost to the offense.
Offensive line performance
Despite Purdy’s struggles, the offensive line deserves credit for providing him ample protection throughout the game. Colton McKivitz even managed to recover a fumble, marking a noteworthy moment in his career. Their ability to create a clean pocket stands in stark contrast to the quarterback’s erratic decisions.
Defensive line pressure
While the defensive line struggled to contain the run, they consistently pressured rookie quarterback Bryce Young. Their relentless pursuit forced him into mistakes, making an already challenging game for him even tougher.
Linebacker issues
The linebacker corps appeared underwhelming, with Curtis Robinson and Dee Winters each recording just one solo tackle. The absence of Tatum Bethune was felt deeply, and there are calls for the 49ers to consider benching Winters in favor of rookie Nick Martin, whose potential may offer a better option.
Defensive backs step up
The defensive backs had a mixed outing. Renardo Green allowed the only touchdown of the game, but Ji’Ayir Brown’s two interceptions were crucial in keeping the 49ers ahead. Brown’s unexpected rise as the standout performer in the secondary is a welcome development, especially given his struggles from the previous season.
Special teams contributions
Special teams played a reliable role in the victory, with Matt Gay converting both of his field goal attempts and Skyy Moore delivering another impressive kickoff return.
Coaching critique
Coach Robert Saleh managed to keep the defense competitive despite missing key players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner. However, Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling remains a point of contention. For the twelfth consecutive game, he leaned heavily on McCaffrey, neglecting to diversify the offense. His predictable play-action passing scheme has been figured out, and the lack of adjustments shows a concerning rigidity. Shanahan’s reluctance to bench Purdy, whom he wanted to extend, raises questions about the intersection of coaching and personnel decisions. It’s crucial for head coaches to prioritize performance over contracts if the 49ers hope to reach their full potential this season.
