tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88219833069584694252024-03-15T14:38:23.694-07:00The House that Fraser BuiltFraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.comBlogger822125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-86933802457656021482024-01-30T23:22:00.000-08:002024-02-02T13:40:56.320-08:00Third Time a Charm - 49ers Back in Super Bowl following Epic Comeback over Lions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6jciDpuXvDQ2ZUgC-FEnfDtpiDCUaRanpMsU34u03naDFbmU5jL9XJhDydRNz6mqtbXBDbUu9mKeJhtrclUq0Qvwb9xGEp5e57RTjhGGZ0tVyY8OR0QdKZtvDhUggswY4tX7pjGOB7RADpWfBUv5UndYVuHukvPSWJHDLJFc-ZvHUgmORUun7WEWIFk/s455/Purdy%20NFC%20Champ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW6jciDpuXvDQ2ZUgC-FEnfDtpiDCUaRanpMsU34u03naDFbmU5jL9XJhDydRNz6mqtbXBDbUu9mKeJhtrclUq0Qvwb9xGEp5e57RTjhGGZ0tVyY8OR0QdKZtvDhUggswY4tX7pjGOB7RADpWfBUv5UndYVuHukvPSWJHDLJFc-ZvHUgmORUun7WEWIFk/s16000/Purdy%20NFC%20Champ.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: red;"><b>Playoffs -</b></span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">For the two teams meeting in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, no two clubs sit on completely opposite spectrums in terms of franchise success more than the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions. While the 49ers own the most title game appearances in NFL history making their 19th appearance on Sunday, the Lions are the only NFC team yet to host or win a conference title game despite being one of the five oldest NFL franchises in all of football. And while it didn't look good for the 49er Faithful through the game's first two quarters, history once again repeated itself on Sunday and proved to be a thorn in the side of the Detroit Lions once more. During the NFL's regular season, quarterback Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers rarely found themselves trailing late in games and because of that, they did not have a single game-winning drive or fourth-quarter comeback under their belt all year. In the playoffs, however, they've had two in just as many games, pulling a rabbit out of their hat against both the Green Bay Packers and now the Detroit Lions.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After erasing their first deficit of five or more points in the fourth quarter under head coach Kyle Shanahan a week ago against Green Bay, the 49ers did the unthinkable again by rallying from being down 17-points in the second half versus Detroit. The comeback would tie a 49ers franchise record for their largest playoff comeback, while also overcoming the largest halftime deficit in conference championship game history as teams were 0-21 all-time entering Sunday when trailing by 17+ at the half. With the Niners winning the coin-toss and electing to defer, it was the Lions offense that came out guns blazing to the tune of a 4-play, 75-yard drive that ended in the end zone following a 42-yard touchdown run by wide-receiver Jameson Williams. Looking to match Detroit's opening-drive score, the 49ers marched across midfield and into field goal range where rookie kicker Jake Moody missed wide-right on a 48-yard field goal attempt. Before you knew it, Detroit suddenly had a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter as many at Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium looked stunned while their team's defense had absolutely no answer for the Lions' rushing attack.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLH7SVS9Fxo2EEVU9IKIejRmBfCKR3l8owcvJ5xhQ6BZZWFq_TPSy34nAiIv6DUV7hVsuUUHAF5WgLZ0HQibEnZsoOE7WKRiCJKXNQ-312zCofkI8UGBf_gApWN3wNIrzvm7i59mMRlaPuGIWFSyIgFV23RHuY_p9TT1SXEX_GV_C1RBQLrp8iP0oHwI/s448/CMC%20Flex.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLH7SVS9Fxo2EEVU9IKIejRmBfCKR3l8owcvJ5xhQ6BZZWFq_TPSy34nAiIv6DUV7hVsuUUHAF5WgLZ0HQibEnZsoOE7WKRiCJKXNQ-312zCofkI8UGBf_gApWN3wNIrzvm7i59mMRlaPuGIWFSyIgFV23RHuY_p9TT1SXEX_GV_C1RBQLrp8iP0oHwI/s16000/CMC%20Flex.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">As soon as the first quarter came to an end, the San Francisco offense finally got rolling. 49ers running back sensation Christian McCaffrey took a short pass 28 yards and into the red zone where he would capitalize just two plays later with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. With the 49ers on the board and now trailing 14-7, their offensive woes in the first half were all but solved as their following possession ended in a third down interception when Purdy was pressured into throwing an errant pass into a sea of defenders. Several plays later, Detroit again found the end zone, this time by way of a 15-yard rushing touchdown by rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs. They would not be done there, however, adding a Mike Badgley field goal to take a commanding 24-7 lead at the half. Racking up 148 yards rushing on 21 carries thru the first two quarters, the Lions torched the 49er defense for the most rushing yards allowed in the first half in the seven seasons under coach Kyle Shanahan.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With world renowned San Francisco-based band Journey performing at halftime, the song "Don't stop believin'" was played and was clearly the motto the 49ers coaching staff went with inside the locker room before the team came out in the second half to the tune of 27 unanswered-points. Despite the early hole the team dug themselves in, coach Shanahan's guys never wavered and took things one drive at a time, chipping away on offense and getting the much-needed stops on defense that eluded them in the first half. After settling for a field goal on their first possession to open the second half, the 49ers scored back-to-back touchdowns to tie the game at 24-all. Taking advantage of a pair of costly mistakes by Detroit on a 4th down gamble by head coach Dan Campbell to go for it instead of settling for a very manageable field goal attempt and a Gibbs fumble on the Lions' first play following San Francisco's first touchdown of the second half, the Niners suddenly found themselves right back in the thick of things.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHuCB_AaERatw-YgUyHncMMgMY_WXi4jw5ic5tVLXiJ8Icu42ZMvTfHwcZNz27N7j5G7Y_rokQTfzRCTxzq_S8pv1RQ7UkC75tq4S9fqSDYtUzLl3Z90jbwahe1M6l3TMrJVoqWCODXlkn-MS3wvy6m4945dRNHIVfDdsE9HLDXjli2bWetXPSHipMH4/s438/Armstead%20recovery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHuCB_AaERatw-YgUyHncMMgMY_WXi4jw5ic5tVLXiJ8Icu42ZMvTfHwcZNz27N7j5G7Y_rokQTfzRCTxzq_S8pv1RQ7UkC75tq4S9fqSDYtUzLl3Z90jbwahe1M6l3TMrJVoqWCODXlkn-MS3wvy6m4945dRNHIVfDdsE9HLDXjli2bWetXPSHipMH4/s16000/Armstead%20recovery.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Before they stole all the momentum, the 49ers got a little luck on a 51-yard pass that Purdy launched towards the end zone that bounced off the helmet of a Lions defender and into the air where a leaping Brandon Aiyuk came down with the unbelievable catch that he would later credit to a ladybug that paid him a visit during pregame warmups. Purdy would award the efforts of his receiver just three plays later with a 6-yard touchdown pass to pull the Niners within seven. Cashing in on the Lions fumble, Purdy helped get his team inside the red zone with a 21-yard run that sparked a big second half for the 49ers QB on the ground. Two plays later, it was McCaffrey again who plowed into the end zone for the game-tying touchdown following Moody's point-after. After forcing a Detroit punt, the Niners took their first lead of the night on a 33-yard field goal.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With another turnover on downs by the Lions offense despite again being in field goal range and trailing by only 3-points, coach Dan Campbell's gambling ways came back to haunt them once more. Seeking the final blow on offense, Purdy and McCaffrey -- two of the league's top MVP candidates, led the way and orchestrated an 8-play, 70-yard drive that ended with a 3-yard rushing touchdown from backup running back Elijah Mitchell who was summoned to fill-in for McCaffrey who needed a breather following a big 25-yard run on the prior play. Purdy also came up big on the play before McCaffrey's big gain, using his legs to pick up another 21-yards and move the chains on a key 3rd down conversion that kept the drive alive.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC9FscJ-Z6SxkrntjXOjLAkUfwkpA1eOw11dKwzutrGWDR6KaREfRsyv2X2Kz-KE2ZpCsfi0QX4blCRNMRcHNhRoRmOSKj45fx0yw0EJCvAxHIyPPcSU-G1wgEkglIt4HCpiW-pwxCopFHzjkTO3mQTU6grKCX5aIMg2A6iWcVrCoCF6DPCiEVqGNhWM/s448/Aiyuk%20grab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkC9FscJ-Z6SxkrntjXOjLAkUfwkpA1eOw11dKwzutrGWDR6KaREfRsyv2X2Kz-KE2ZpCsfi0QX4blCRNMRcHNhRoRmOSKj45fx0yw0EJCvAxHIyPPcSU-G1wgEkglIt4HCpiW-pwxCopFHzjkTO3mQTU6grKCX5aIMg2A6iWcVrCoCF6DPCiEVqGNhWM/s16000/Aiyuk%20grab.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Trailing by 10 with just over 3-minutes remaining, Detroit was in need of a quick score if they wanted to pull off a stunning comeback of their own. Aided by a big play on a 25-yard reception from Lions quarterback Jared Goff to receiver Josh Reynolds, Detroit marched their way to the 1-yard line before a big stop by the duo of San Francisco's Javon Kinlaw and Fred Warner which led to a 2-yard loss. But on 4th down from inside the 5, Goff connected on a pass in the back of the end zone to Jameson Williams, cutting the deficit to a field goal with 1-minute remaining. Lining up for an on-side kick, 49ers tight-end George Kittle scooped up the ball which allowed Purdy and the offense to milk the rest of the clock and seal the 34-31 victory for San Francisco.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In what will go down as a classic game and live forever in 49ers lore, it was certainly a whirlwind of emotions for both sides and from players and fans alike. Before pulling off their epic comeback when trailing by 17-points, one Detroit Lions player went as far as waving goodbye to 49er fans sitting in attendance. That player would be none other than cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson who has had an ongoing beef with Deebo Samuel of the 49ers dating back to last season's NFC title game loss to Philadelphia, who even tried getting in a cheap-shot during Purdy's second quarter interception. Hopefully those same fans stuck around and returned the favor with the waving as it was Deebo and company who got the last laugh on Sunday. In the end, Detroit was left seeking their first road win in San Francisco since 1971 and their first ever Super Bowl appearance, as their road playoff losing streak has now reached an NFL record 11 straight. As for the 49ers, coach Shanahan is now 6-0 at home in his playoff career.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-iVowUaT0io-R-xPOPua81DTrEWoq8fAVg4n4COzGchLqqfZGbo_BCTVxwgzCapFZISFcgFlBAvFsfeI20RUQc8Ioa_dj_1AYbc7nb6gy0sDhtrdKIFDqS8EAF_oOHzaPghuYF1tcWzdRh86xFypl0YEm3AYH_Iq-JhrQWVCG-Vgr3oUiShZb8Yr4uE/s444/NFC%20Champs%20Shanny.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-iVowUaT0io-R-xPOPua81DTrEWoq8fAVg4n4COzGchLqqfZGbo_BCTVxwgzCapFZISFcgFlBAvFsfeI20RUQc8Ioa_dj_1AYbc7nb6gy0sDhtrdKIFDqS8EAF_oOHzaPghuYF1tcWzdRh86xFypl0YEm3AYH_Iq-JhrQWVCG-Vgr3oUiShZb8Yr4uE/s16000/NFC%20Champs%20Shanny.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">49ers quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 267 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception in the win, while also adding another 48 yards rushing on 5 carries, giving him 315 combined yards which are the most ever by a 49ers QB in a conference title game victory. Running back Christian McCaffrey finished with 132 all purpose yards after 90 on the ground and another 42 receiving, as well as another pair of touchdowns to give him 25 on the season, breaking a tie with the great Jerry Rice for the most in team history in a single-season including playoffs. Deebo Samuel who was questionable to even play in Sunday's game with a shoulder injury, finished with a team-high 89-yards receiving on 8 receptions.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Super Bowl Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">After defeating the Lions to punch their ticket to the big game, the San Francisco 49ers logged their 38th playoff win in franchise history, breaking a tie with the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots for the most in NFL history. They will attempt to add one more win to that total in two weeks from now when they face off against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas in what will be a rematch of Super Bowl 54 which took place in Miami just 4 years ago. With a laundry list of storylines, the QB matchup is always one of the biggest headlines and this year is no different. While Mahomes versus Purdy might not be the big sexy QB match-up pundits wanted, the meeting does pin a QB vying to become arguably the greatest of all-time against another QB who has already laid claim to being the greatest Mr. Irrelevant of all-time in only his second season in the league and first full season as a starter. Already the first Mr. Irrelevant to throw a pass in the NFL, Brock Purdy will now become the first player with that title to appear in a Super Bowl. Despite being one of the leading MVP candidates and even being the frontrunner to win the award for a good portion of the season, Purdy doesn't seem to have much of a chance prevailing over Mahomes according to NFL analysts, even with Vegas oddsmakers saying otherwise.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a8OH3Z8v5wO-RAweO_pYwfMAez3Ij-HFtRF6z37HgVTdlwVO3fXEgapb92NCKjeyE7F82qfpUYjrDOFPyj8YeumYIGcx1h0NDuVS_kXV5LrnnmAhXJIVqHAJo93f8Ub2cPxFraQ1Ay393ccPormIGOnkCJco2_b2B3o0DWQxmAlTlZe6UdyJup7MI5s/s464/Super%20Bowl%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7a8OH3Z8v5wO-RAweO_pYwfMAez3Ij-HFtRF6z37HgVTdlwVO3fXEgapb92NCKjeyE7F82qfpUYjrDOFPyj8YeumYIGcx1h0NDuVS_kXV5LrnnmAhXJIVqHAJo93f8Ub2cPxFraQ1Ay393ccPormIGOnkCJco2_b2B3o0DWQxmAlTlZe6UdyJup7MI5s/s16000/Super%20Bowl%20logo.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Other storylines feature the McCaffrey family as Niners running back Christian McCaffrey will be playing in his first career Super Bowl, hoping to become just the second father-son duo to win a Super Bowl title with the same franchise. Before he was a back-to-back Super Bowl champion and a go-to target for the John Elway-led Broncos that won a pair of titles under Kyle's father Mike Shanahan, Christian's father Ed McCaffrey won a Super Bowl as a wide-receiver with the 49ers in 1994, their most recent championship. Kyle Shanahan will also try to join his father Mike by winning his first Super Bowl as head coach. Another is 49ers left-tackle and future Hall of Famer Trent Williams who is heading to his first Super Bowl after 14 seasons in the NFL.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The betting lines opened up with San Francisco touted as 2.5 point favorites, but that spread has since dropped to just 1-point in favor of the 49ers. With Mahomes on the other side and the Chiefs being the reigning Super Bowl champs, it's hard to bet against a team that has proven time and time again that they know how to flip the switch and get things done come playoff time. For San Francisco, the team can ill-afford another slow start like the ones they've had in each of the last two games against the Packers and Lions, especially against a Patrick Mahomes-led offense, which in spite of being less potent than they were in their previous Super Bowl meeting against the Niners, are still very dangerous as proven in their playoff journey this season. The key to success in slowing and stopping Mahomes lies in pressuring the QB and containing his favorite target Travis Kelce. With a lackluster receiving corps in comparison to years past, the future Hall of Fame tight-end is the one guy the San Francisco defense has to keep tabs on and cannot let beat them. The 49ers will also have a tough task against the Kansas City defense which is also much improved since the last time they met in the big game. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After dispatching the No. 1-seeded Ravens on the road in Baltimore to win the AFC and eliminating the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, both on the road, Kansas City will be making their fourth Super Bowl appearance in the last five seasons under head coach Andy Reid. For head coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers, the team hopes to get their revenge after spoiling a 10-point fourth quarter lead against K.C. back in 2020, when the team was oh so close to winning their elusive sixth Super Bowl title.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-62068199313707319012024-01-22T23:38:00.000-08:002024-01-23T15:28:23.992-08:00Purdy leads Offense on 4th Quarter Comeback vs Pack to Inch Niners closer to Super Bowl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6SLmQ0hZKHLgTbUNReXbU-VE3Z_5KaVfs_rtxIsg-CPEBTGjKlcGu_mDx9EpfdZwpPPRNnCSfkWtFAVaqk7FKMFr9OuOibBqZKL-NunVWJtYciu1-JfwwqY5qrX0ie-u2cgtzqAnjvTghqNtR8yegOGoyqx0g517hAgMeiMNQ84CWwewZ9GtGN4bs4g/s448/49ers%20Big%20Play%20Dre%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6SLmQ0hZKHLgTbUNReXbU-VE3Z_5KaVfs_rtxIsg-CPEBTGjKlcGu_mDx9EpfdZwpPPRNnCSfkWtFAVaqk7FKMFr9OuOibBqZKL-NunVWJtYciu1-JfwwqY5qrX0ie-u2cgtzqAnjvTghqNtR8yegOGoyqx0g517hAgMeiMNQ84CWwewZ9GtGN4bs4g/s16000/49ers%20Big%20Play%20Dre%202.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Playoffs -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Continuing their quest for a sixth Super Bowl title and the franchise's first since the 1994 season, the NFC's number 1 seed San Francisco 49ers opened their 2023 Playoff campaign by playing host to the 7 seed Green Bay Packers. With Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan's squad enjoying a Bye week in the NFL's Wild Card round a week earlier, the team watched and prepped from afar as the Packers became the youngest team in NFL history to win a playoff game following their blowout 48-32 win on the road over the 2 seed Dallas Cowboys. With no easy task remaining on the schedule for anyone at this point in the NFL season, San Francisco still opened up at the casinos as double-digit favorites with a trip to the NFC title game on the line. But with inclement weather in the forecast and rain expected to fall virtually all night long, the two teams that have met more than any others in the playoffs, would take centerstage on a wet and soggy field at Santa Clara's Levi's Stadium. With the poor field conditions hindering both teams in all facets, the Niners would see their home field advantage dwindle as the playing field was leveled against an inferior opponent due in large part to the weather.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">As far as streaks go, Green Bay entered Saturday's Divisional round meeting against San Francisco riding a 4-game winning streak. In what would be the 10th postseason meeting all-time between the two franchises, the most in NFL history, the Niners entered the latest chapter of this rivalry with four straight wins in the head-to-head matchup, dating back to 2013. But with how the game started as San Francisco lost one of their best players in Deebo Samuel to a shoulder injury just several plays into their first drive and how things were shaping out even into the final minutes of the fourth quarter, it looked like Green Bay was finally on their way to ending their skid against the team that has ended their season so often over the last decade plus. Winning the coin-toss and electing to receive, the Packers began the game with a long opening-drive that lasted nearly 8-minutes on 16-plays, before having to settle for a field goal. After forcing a punt on San Francisco's opening possession, quarterback Jordan Love and the Packers offense were right back at it, making it to the red zone before stalling out inside the 15-yard line when Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur dialed up a QB sneak that was denied on 4th and 1, resulting in a turnover on downs.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAiP6K5udtkJJzN6UZZ8b7hMVFQxZh5fKl1sPVXqBuJeBVV8iwAygYS7DjVD7Km-KIOK8tDyxLNJZqTfRamX7Do7qwag_zsS_bG36mfAVe7vWFTUpbUz7OX4V0Kncbhlh4pmfQ9f3erdFPsRG6mPszZRCA4aNJatbOc74JDdN6Fqq3MAAkhT4k5Kd5wI/s448/49ers%20blog%20Deebo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAiP6K5udtkJJzN6UZZ8b7hMVFQxZh5fKl1sPVXqBuJeBVV8iwAygYS7DjVD7Km-KIOK8tDyxLNJZqTfRamX7Do7qwag_zsS_bG36mfAVe7vWFTUpbUz7OX4V0Kncbhlh4pmfQ9f3erdFPsRG6mPszZRCA4aNJatbOc74JDdN6Fqq3MAAkhT4k5Kd5wI/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Deebo.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Taking advantage of Green Bay deciding to leave points off the board, Niners quarterback Brock Purdy began to kickstart the offense despite having trouble gripping the ball virtually all game long, showing just how uncomfortable he was throwing the ball in the rain. Even electing to go with a throwing glove in the early going, Purdy soon ditched the glove just one series later. But on one of his better throws of the night, San Francisco's signal-caller stepped up on a 3rd and 5 and launched a deep ball 32-yards into the end zone where he found tight-end George Kittle for the go-ahead touchdown. With the Packers adding another field goal on their next drive to make it a 1-point game, San Francisco had hoped to add to their lead before heading into the half, but a 48-yard field goal attempt by 49ers kicker Jake Moody was blocked to keep it a 7-6 San Francisco advantage thru the first two quarters. Opening the second half just as flat on offense as they did in the first, the 49ers were held to a three and out on their first possession of the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Packers began the half with their best offensive possession yet, aided by a 41-yard defensive pass interference call on 3rd and 15 by Niners cornerback Ambry Thomas who had a forgetful night for the San Francisco secondary.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">One play later, Love found a wide-open receiver in the end zone as rookie Bo Melton hauled in his one and only grab on the night and made it count from 19-yards out for a touchdown. Igniting what would be a series of back-and-forth scores between the two teams, San Francisco answered on the other end with back-to-back big plays, the first of which on a 32-yard reception from Purdy to Kittle. Running back Christian McCaffrey would let his presence be known on the next play, taking a handoff up the middle and breaking a tackle on his way to paydirt as San Francisco retook a 14-13 lead. The Niners' lead would be short-lived, however, as the Packers nearly got it back on the ensuing kickoff as return man Keisean Nixon almost took it to the house before being stopped from behind and fumbling the ball. With Green Bay recovering the fumble, the 73-yard return by Nixon helped his team reclaim the lead with Love finding tight-end Tucker Kraft all alone just a few plays later for a 2-yard touchdown. After a successful two-point conversion on a bubble-screen to a wide-open Aaron Jones, the Packers took a 21-14 lead, their largest of the night.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1EGhGPLT3v_netJ5GwMmbL6y46-VYrffhSyLwtlDKY8poX-qIAdGLO1zwVxnNbKFAR66snsn1F2h_OgVa4oCRVxNRuEpcTmqsxEYdedyJm1BZip1DlJ3GtHqMbSy7AMrCy5zeKIv9YM9v3l06lK2N9pyvV014vy9Mx1gTp3pmsxfKsWBDVA5RuetOmg/s441/GB%20Jordan%20Love.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1EGhGPLT3v_netJ5GwMmbL6y46-VYrffhSyLwtlDKY8poX-qIAdGLO1zwVxnNbKFAR66snsn1F2h_OgVa4oCRVxNRuEpcTmqsxEYdedyJm1BZip1DlJ3GtHqMbSy7AMrCy5zeKIv9YM9v3l06lK2N9pyvV014vy9Mx1gTp3pmsxfKsWBDVA5RuetOmg/s16000/GB%20Jordan%20Love.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Forcing another San Francisco punt, Green Bay appeared to have the Niners right where they wanted them, with a chance to add to their lead and make it a two-score game. But Jordan Love who was red-hot entering Saturday's game having thrown 21 touchdowns to just 1 interception since Week 10, threw two costly interceptions down the stretch in what was the biggest game of his career up to this point. The first of which on an errant pass that was tipped, making for an easy pick by Niners linebacker Dre Greenlaw. Although they would only get a field goal out of it as Jake Moody split the uprights from 52-yards out, the bit into the deficit to make it a 21-17 game to start the fourth quarter. With trips to the red zone on each of their first five possessions, Green Bay was held to their first punt of the night on their first drive of the fourth quarter. Holding San Francisco to a punt of their own, Packers running back Aaron Jones appeared to have dealt the final blow on the first play of their next possession, finding a hole and darting ahead for a 53-yard gain to put him over the 100-yard mark, becoming the first 100+ yard rusher allowed by the 49ers in 51 games, snapping the longest active streak in the NFL.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The big night for Jones would be just another day at the office for the Packers back who eclipsed the century mark for the fifth consecutive game. Unfortunately for Green Bay, their drive would stall out there, settling for an Anders Carlson field goal that he missed wide left from 41-yards out. No kicker had missed more kicks all season than Carlson who's 13th miss of the year would prove to be the most costly, keeping it a 4-point game. Taking over with under 7-minutes remaining in regulation, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy who hadn't played particularly well while battling the elements, would have yet another chance to silence the critics. With a trip to the NFC title game on the line, Purdy would lead his team down the field by orchestrating a 13-play, 69-yard drive, converting on two key third downs before handing the ball off to his running back Christian McCaffrey who plowed forward 6-yards for his second rushing touchdown of the evening. With just 1:07 remaining in the fourth, the 49ers found themselves back on top leading 24-21.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTs0OQErzyMZM0a2QDYjajG5uXhLO0capPxte9Dq32ww69m4tuxCDJ73ds6tVwknurNf-ReGIXDUX7VJ1TYStI1imgAeiqyTZtqjUBYCbYrPn2GMINOK7QkZF40Pr1y_vAcV2Kwj_Gkgct1yx2WYwwyYbwyNfFKJgJI4PkS3Bo_sPoA5b3bBTW29JGIc/s448/49ers%20CMC%20celebration.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTs0OQErzyMZM0a2QDYjajG5uXhLO0capPxte9Dq32ww69m4tuxCDJ73ds6tVwknurNf-ReGIXDUX7VJ1TYStI1imgAeiqyTZtqjUBYCbYrPn2GMINOK7QkZF40Pr1y_vAcV2Kwj_Gkgct1yx2WYwwyYbwyNfFKJgJI4PkS3Bo_sPoA5b3bBTW29JGIc/s16000/49ers%20CMC%20celebration.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Since taking over the 49ers' head coaching job in 2017, no head coach has had a worse record when trailing by more than 5 points entering the fourth quarter than San Francisco's Kyle Shanahan who owned a dismal record of 0-31, including playoffs. But against his good friend and former colleague Matt LaFleur, Shanahan's team would find a way to pull it out and end the streak. Having a knack for trying to play hero-ball in an up and down first half of the season, Love reverted back to his old ways on a last-ditch effort on their ensuing possession. With a 1st & 10 from their own 36-yard line, Love was flushed from the pocket and threw an off-balance pass across the field and into trouble as San Francisco's Dre Greenlaw made a diving grab to secure his second interception of the night and seal the win for the 49ers, but not before stressing out the fans and his coaches alike by running around and breaking a few tackles when all he needed to do was go down. After being questionable to even play in Saturday's game with an Achilles injury, Greenlaw came up with two of the biggest plays of the game on defense and the only two interceptions on the night as San Francisco sent Green Bay home early in the playoffs for a fifth straight time.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In the win, Brock Purdy threw for 252 yards and 1 touchdown on 23 of 39 pass attempts. 49ers tight-end George Kittle caught a touchdown pass and led his team in receiving yards with 81, followed by receiver Jauan Jennings who stepped up in the absence of Deebo Samuel in the opening quarter with 5 receptions for 61 yards. Running back Christian McCaffrey tallied 128 total yards, including 98 on the ground and rushed for 2 touchdowns on 17 carries, tying him with the great Jerry Rice for the most scrimmage TDs in a season (including playoffs) in 49ers franchise history with 23. Meanwhile, Jordan Love who tallied his lowest passer rating since Week 9 (72.4), threw for 194 yards on 21 of 34 attempts, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in the loss for Green Bay. Romeo Doubs finished with a game-high 83-yards receiving on 4 receptions and running back Aaron Jones led all rushers with 108 yards on 18 carries.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHNulMS3tl2lWovTKjdiZrvGFCXSwSAhMbfHgd3wGUPA7A0QzgL2aFb_BubnsKel4rtmywnFTnB1lXGIwp2HaqQnYA6B0eRgIGCvidfz4_NvhxKpIRodCrr2YzC7r7AkfQf6AeaAvG4U_YdHMSPMR67WL0jlxPm6o5yP7-3XmWCwrkedahoqKiE7wNXs/s450/49ers%20Brock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkHNulMS3tl2lWovTKjdiZrvGFCXSwSAhMbfHgd3wGUPA7A0QzgL2aFb_BubnsKel4rtmywnFTnB1lXGIwp2HaqQnYA6B0eRgIGCvidfz4_NvhxKpIRodCrr2YzC7r7AkfQf6AeaAvG4U_YdHMSPMR67WL0jlxPm6o5yP7-3XmWCwrkedahoqKiE7wNXs/s16000/49ers%20Brock.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">NFC Championship Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Making his second trip to the NFC Championship game in as many years as a pro will be 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. As for his team, it'll be San Francisco's third straight title game appearance and their fourth trip to the NFC Championship in the last five seasons. Looking to punch their ticket to the Super Bowl, the 49ers will play host to the No. 3 seed Detroit Lions who stand in their way. Winners of the NFC North, Lions quarterback Jared Goff who is 0-5 in his last five meetings against the Niners, leads an explosive Detroit offense who's list of weapons are second to only that of the 49ers. The Lions advanced to only their second-ever NFC title game in franchise history and the organization's first since 1991 after dispatching the No. 4 seed Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 31-23 on Sunday. Eying their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, Lions QB Jared Goff hopes to make it to a second Super Bowl after losing to the Patriots as a member of the Rams in 2018. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In what is expected to be another hard-fought battle for the 49ers, San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan knows his team can ill-afford another performance like the one his team mustered up against Green Bay. And with no rain projected in the forecast, it's unlikely they'll get another sloppy performance from their QB in what will be the biggest game of his life as last year's Mr. Irrelevant goes toe-to-toe with a former 1st overall pick at quarterback. Another area San Francisco will need to do much better in is getting to the quarterback as the 49ers failed to record a single sack versus the Packers. They'll also need to clean up some of the penalties that hurt them in the Divisional round, specifically on defense in the secondary. One key going into the game will be whether or not Brock Purdy will have Deebo Samuel at his disposal, as the self-proclaimed wide-back will be a game-time decision with a shoulder injury that kept him out of all but the opening-drive against Green Bay.</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">If history repeats itself, the 49ers will at least have that in their favor as the Lions have lost 13 consecutive road playoff games with their last road playoff win taking place on November 22, 1957 against the 49ers in the NFL Championship. However, the 49ers currently own a 13-game home win streak against the Lions dating back to 1975. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-87413053212582228962024-01-07T23:03:00.000-08:002024-01-09T09:39:03.963-08:00Rams Prevail over Niners in Battle of the Benches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwqLRNS8iQVSdLEkA0vmRleFUebqv-RAsxUM9LPlczPso9pWE7yRszaNbiB4gzMw9rYdjs892P_UN55rL9RgyAHIvMVVlZEXIYZJWJS4m39tqr5wYk8TQVQcDmwk8s2QL7FmURE1mJCMYlTQQ-Okdd8D3C3QOlyHWeISxWkfmZKtG7UxBxLlyvTdaN84/s432/49ers%20Darnold%20fumble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwqLRNS8iQVSdLEkA0vmRleFUebqv-RAsxUM9LPlczPso9pWE7yRszaNbiB4gzMw9rYdjs892P_UN55rL9RgyAHIvMVVlZEXIYZJWJS4m39tqr5wYk8TQVQcDmwk8s2QL7FmURE1mJCMYlTQQ-Okdd8D3C3QOlyHWeISxWkfmZKtG7UxBxLlyvTdaN84/s16000/49ers%20Darnold%20fumble.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 18 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Other than a minor tune-up heading into the NFL playoffs, Sunday's game between the (12-4) San Francisco 49ers and (9-7) Los Angeles Rams served little significance with both teams having already clinched playoff spots. But for L.A. who was vying for better playoff seeding with a win and a few rookie records for one of their star receivers, the Rams had a little more to play for in Sunday's regular-season finale. In a rivalry that dates back to 1950, coach Kyle Shanahan and the Niners have had the number of their southern California counterparts, having won nine straight regular-season meetings over the Rams. While that streak was bound to end sooner or later, it probably ended a little sooner than it would have had both teams gone with their starters. Instead, the Rams would prevail in the battle of the backups, logging their first regular-season win over San Francisco in 5 1/2 years.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With both teams electing to sit their starting quarterbacks among a lengthy list of other notable players, the game would be a match-up between two backup QB's who were thought to be franchise-altering players, now looking to show their worth after being drafted near the top of their respective draft boards in San Francisco's Sam Darnold and L.A.'s Carson Wentz. Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick for the New York Jets in 2018 who had 55 career starts under his belt, would make his first in a 49ers uniform on Sunday. Meanwhile, Wentz who was passed on with the No. 1 overall pick by the Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft before sliding to the Philadelphia Eagles with the No. 2 pick, would also make his first start of the season in his first game action since Week 17 of the 2022 regular-season. Entering Sunday with a career record of 3-0 against SF, Wentz would snap the Niners' streak of 12 consecutive wins against NFC West opponents, while also improving his own streak against them.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttahH2y47V4iuY9YJmPOjVjNuLy2Pfg6WRuFLkJiwB9mH7xnNExcNJa-vMyrskD2mlCzFunQg7mX29-Dyy0wF9ssD-JMH1s-Hum4V4FoyLj_U38YcdxMUXKIuz11ytKjGYiHBbjZmmkEKZhe22Uwa5D7Lhu7inL_ZzRag-fgTwTXfFwFyB6JBs-laQuc/s460/49ers%20blog%20Nacua%20grab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttahH2y47V4iuY9YJmPOjVjNuLy2Pfg6WRuFLkJiwB9mH7xnNExcNJa-vMyrskD2mlCzFunQg7mX29-Dyy0wF9ssD-JMH1s-Hum4V4FoyLj_U38YcdxMUXKIuz11ytKjGYiHBbjZmmkEKZhe22Uwa5D7Lhu7inL_ZzRag-fgTwTXfFwFyB6JBs-laQuc/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Nacua%20grab.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Darnold and the Niners offense would get off to a strong start on the game's opening-drive as the former USC Trojan went 5-for-5 on passes for 49-yards, before running back Elijah Mitchell rushed up the middle for a 1-yard score to give San Francisco an early 7-0 advantage. For the 49ers, the opening-drive touchdown would be their 10th of the season, the most in the NFL. Los Angeles rookie receiver Puka Nacua who has dazzled in his first year as a pro and has been a pleasant surprise during his first campaign in the Rams offense, would have a chance to break not one but two rookie receiving records for the most receptions and the most receiving yards in a rookie season. Needing one play less than the Niners' 14-play, 75-yard opening-drive, the Rams offense answered with a 13-play, 75-yard drive of their own, capped off by a 19-yard touchdown pass from Wentz to Nacua. Orchestrating the longest drive of the first half, Darnold and the 49er offense would answer by retaking the lead on a 20-play, 82-yard drive that lasted just shy of 10-minutes, as the running back tandem of Mitchell and Jordan Mason got the Niners to the doorstep before Darnold was able to charge ahead for his 14th career rushing touchdown.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Following up what was the longest drive of the first half, Wentz and the Rams would have the shortest drive as the L.A. QB would be intercepted on the first play of their ensuing possession when receiver Tutu Atwell had a pass skip off of his hands and into the air, allowing for a diving grab by a 49er making his season-debut as Tayler Hawkins made the play just days after being elevated from the team's practice squad. However, the turnover would not prove to be costly by the Rams as the 49ers attempted to add to their lead with a Jake Moody field goal before the rookie kicker missed from 38-yards out by doinking the ball off the right upright for his first missed kick of the season inside 40-yards. The 49ers would manage to add to their lead just before halftime as Darnold connected with receiver Chris Conley on the longest play of the game with a 48-yard pass, setting up a 5-yard touchdown pass to rookie receiver Ronnie Bell just a few plays later. With another miss from Jake Moody, this time on an extra-point for the first time this season, the 49ers took a 20-7 lead at the break.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkZVXx8uDlP7f0XiVgqtgqZ9xUrCxGwM-sPvVLg_7H5aL9rZCx0HvD2ctih76WTWZ8JzI_FhPXsjDlXT-T5Oly3V5Vs4Vo9kUoRzuFTeKQJnU6QtdT9pTfNQNNyGTQlpimC23Okqd1RPybrRMcs6ZjCMBGNUU74FNY_soZJwlO0siUnJ_KPuymCincP4/s456/49ers%20blog%20Wentz%20run.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkZVXx8uDlP7f0XiVgqtgqZ9xUrCxGwM-sPvVLg_7H5aL9rZCx0HvD2ctih76WTWZ8JzI_FhPXsjDlXT-T5Oly3V5Vs4Vo9kUoRzuFTeKQJnU6QtdT9pTfNQNNyGTQlpimC23Okqd1RPybrRMcs6ZjCMBGNUU74FNY_soZJwlO0siUnJ_KPuymCincP4/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Wentz%20run.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Sean McVay's Rams opened the second half with an impressive 20-play, 80-yard drive that lasted 10-minutes and 15-seconds and ended in the end zone with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Wentz to receiver Tyler Johnson for his first score of the season. Like Moody, Rams kicker Brett Maher would also miss on the extra-point attempt, keeping it an 8-point game. After a promising first half on offense, Darnold and the 49ers were shutout in the second half while compiling a measly 26 yards of total offense and were held to just two first downs. San Francisco's 20-13 lead lasted until the 5-minute mark when L.A. benefited from a 48-yard pass-interference penalty. After a few short runs, Wentz took it in himself by plowing forward from 12-yards out for his 11th career rushing touchdown. With momentum suddenly on their side, the Rams would go for the two-point conversion and cashing in on a successful pass from Wentz to Tutu Atwell to take their first lead of the day.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">San Francisco would have one last chance to pull off a comeback following both teams exchanging punts. Taking over possession with no timeouts remaining and just under a minute to go, Darnold connected on an 18-yard pass to Chris Conley for a first down that put them near midfield. Only needing to get into field goal range to give kicker Jake Moody a shot at redemption with a walk-off field goal, Darnold stepped up in the pocket and looked to have a sprinting Jordan Mason all alone for a big gain, but the Niners QB was caught from behind, jarring the ball loose as the Rams came up with the fumble recovery to seal the 21-20 victory for L.A. In the loss, Darnold threw for 189 yards and 1 touchdown and rushed for another score on 7 carries for 19 yards, but was haunted by the game-ending fumble. Wentz also did damage with his legs, leading all rushers with 56 yards and a touchdown on a game-high 17 carries, while throwing for 163 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception in the win.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVUPYQAMYyM-zzaHKC-4azMuAXX7HehVnNlayNkwdSFqCRQMt4TG0zClmcTFsWIC7CLZPHI5g2PyMIK0StUsyjE1sqCZicmy1JM81jpo_LN9KppHoCD3WBF7MDLGyrPqRwYJ3KGjNN3fTBiHtX1_o52zNGnZOjVzmOmMfBVaKEjXm3do2odVVn7DpRQ/s446/49ers%20blog%20Darnold%20Wentz%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nVUPYQAMYyM-zzaHKC-4azMuAXX7HehVnNlayNkwdSFqCRQMt4TG0zClmcTFsWIC7CLZPHI5g2PyMIK0StUsyjE1sqCZicmy1JM81jpo_LN9KppHoCD3WBF7MDLGyrPqRwYJ3KGjNN3fTBiHtX1_o52zNGnZOjVzmOmMfBVaKEjXm3do2odVVn7DpRQ/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Darnold%20Wentz%202.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Playoff Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">While the No. 1 seeded 49ers sit back and enjoy their extended rest with the first-round Bye, San Francisco whom owns homefield advantage throughout the playoffs, will await the outcomes of the NFC's Wild Card Round before playing host to the lowest-seeded winner. This weekend's match-ups include: Green Bay @ Dallas, Los Angeles @ Detroit, and Philadelphia @ Tampa Bay. When 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy retakes the field in the NFC's Divisional Round, he'll try to improve the record of starting QB's that have sat out of the final regular season game since 2005 as rested QB's own a record of 10-16 for a winning percentage of .385 in their first playoff game. In comparison, QB's that played in the regular season finale own a record of 112-84 in their first playoff game during that span, a winning percentage of .571. Looking to throw that nonsense out the same window that he has used to throw out all the criticisms he's received this season for being a "game manager", a "system QB" and for being a long shot to even be considered in the NFL's MVP race, Brock Purdy was named to the Pro Bowl earlier in the week, becoming the first 49ers QB selected since Jeff Garcia in 2002. Purdy also surpassed Garcia's franchise-record for the most passing yards in a season by a Niners QB just a week earlier.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-27321964868340147322024-01-01T10:07:00.000-08:002024-01-03T17:46:42.068-08:0049ers Right Ship vs Washington, Lock up Top Seed <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFUFQCLWUSM3fATpw_b7swUsFpeJUxpbWXU3kYkgTS8241l31irODk_Fmb_YmADh9kkhsV46l2UptPM6kEzs1SgFbmHsnjVs070Ske9lx-5Z27nzQoDn4PqZNLZzv1Nnlupy61xiK5Z08pjZs4XSVEjIRI19NPYrsGtFxN7s6Gw8NZoBTnq-qKNh0T30/s448/49ers%20blog%20Purdy%20to%20Aiyuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFUFQCLWUSM3fATpw_b7swUsFpeJUxpbWXU3kYkgTS8241l31irODk_Fmb_YmADh9kkhsV46l2UptPM6kEzs1SgFbmHsnjVs070Ske9lx-5Z27nzQoDn4PqZNLZzv1Nnlupy61xiK5Z08pjZs4XSVEjIRI19NPYrsGtFxN7s6Gw8NZoBTnq-qKNh0T30/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Purdy%20to%20Aiyuk.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 17 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Looking to bounce back from a blowout loss at home on Christmas night to the Baltimore Ravens, Brock Purdy and the (11-4) San Francisco 49ers set their sights on the (4-11) Washington Commanders in hopes of finishing 2023 by getting back on track with a win. Heading to the nation's capital to face a struggling Commanders team on New Years Eve, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers would aim to make Sunday's game their last of the season as members of the road team as a win coupled with a loss from the Philadelphia Eagles would lock up the NFC's No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. But before San Francisco could look ahead to the postseason, the meeting against Washington would be especially important for two current members of the 49ers in left-tackle Trent Williams and defensive-end Chase Young, both of whom are former Washington players. Facing off against their former team, Sunday's bout with Washington marked the first time for Williams at FedEx Field as a visitor and Young for the first time of his career at home or away.</span> <div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">For others, most notably Niners quarterback Brock Purdy, the game would serve as a chance to bounce back as many around the league have written off San Francisco's signal-caller after his putrid 4-interception performance less than a week earlier on Christmas night. By game's end, Purdy would indeed bounce back in a big way with a 124.7 passer rating, on his way to recording the most passing yards in a single season by a 49ers quarterback with 4,280 in just his first year as the starting QB, eclipsing the previous mark of 4,278 passing yards set in 2000 by Jeff Garcia. With Purdy in a three-way race for the league's MVP Award alongside Baltimore's Lamar Jackson and teammate Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers QB would also witness history being made by McCaffrey and a few other of his teammates on Sunday.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C9vWDhGONrkrQaR7sP_yOr_p9y076xLjS8D8MknRzo_S3A410zXI_vRHx5ZQDidGJGCnnE4QcBardVwwe_ZKJhwOxnJ51s_z3cfRQCNKLZzrsRR_RGBJMhZ-fznQF0wy-SfmqroAqiKY72mUExEu9h5r4vNsQ7JDguhS18UHcyOEc3iZEijHyewXxy4/s451/49ers%20blog%20Deebo%20TD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_C9vWDhGONrkrQaR7sP_yOr_p9y076xLjS8D8MknRzo_S3A410zXI_vRHx5ZQDidGJGCnnE4QcBardVwwe_ZKJhwOxnJ51s_z3cfRQCNKLZzrsRR_RGBJMhZ-fznQF0wy-SfmqroAqiKY72mUExEu9h5r4vNsQ7JDguhS18UHcyOEc3iZEijHyewXxy4/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Deebo%20TD.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">Opening the game on offense, the 49ers were able to march into Washington territory with a busy first drive from McCaffrey who entered the game leading the league in rushing. Making their way to the red zone rather easily, it was there where the Niner offense fizzled out and was forced to settle for a Jake Moody field goal, giving San Francisco an early 3-0 lead. Forcing a three and out at the other end on defense as Washington held the ball for less than a minute in time of possession, the 49ers had a much more successful drive on their second possession. With more touches to McCaffrey, Purdy was able to distribute the ball to both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, as the tandem of receivers helped the offense setup shop at the 2-yard line where Purdy flipped a pass to Deebo who was able to score with a walk-in touchdown. Taking a 10-0 first quarter lead, Washington would flip the script as soon as they started quarter no. 2, answering back with a Joey Slye field goal and a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver Terry McLaurin. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell who was benched earlier in the week by head coach Ron Rivera for backup QB Jacoby Brissett, suddenly found himself at the forefront of a tie game against the NFC's No. 1 team after being reinserted as the starter with Brissett ruled out a day earlier due to a hamstring injury suffered in Thursday's practice.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">Looking to stave off a late season upset against one of the NFC's worst teams, the 49ers were able to march to Washington's goal-line where they struggled to find the end zone on three straight plays from the 1-yard line. Settling for a field goal, San Francisco took a 13-10 lead into the half with work to do. Making the needed adjustments at halftime, the 49ers defense forced a Washington three and out to open the third quarter. Adding to their lead, Brock Purdy and company put together the longest drive of the afternoon for either team with a 14-play, 68-yard drive that chewed up over 7-minutes of clock. Backup running back Elijah Mitchell who has had a roller coaster season with nagging knee injuries, recorded his best game of the season after filling in for McCaffrey who would leave early in the third quarter with a lower leg injury that was later described as a mild calf strain. Toting the rock for seven carries on the drive, Mitchell punched in his first touchdown of the season with a 2-yard score.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwUZ-TCNZzFnFtjNIcp4CTrNes3pb-uCVyXG20CoUOoYC1kthusXeUwVV2NYZF3mYFzzEIGneTSJ1wlEo0hK51YsK1uEC_frXG_OzQqq2-LdbSFRNnLI5SEW-i34ElG9R3hoPr0vWMJUZXCG90BczotH2Ii_56uR0hf1XaFhs6KzRPMj6nq8BeWxfSLU/s441/ward%20pick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwUZ-TCNZzFnFtjNIcp4CTrNes3pb-uCVyXG20CoUOoYC1kthusXeUwVV2NYZF3mYFzzEIGneTSJ1wlEo0hK51YsK1uEC_frXG_OzQqq2-LdbSFRNnLI5SEW-i34ElG9R3hoPr0vWMJUZXCG90BczotH2Ii_56uR0hf1XaFhs6KzRPMj6nq8BeWxfSLU/s16000/ward%20pick.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">Putting their clamps down on defense, San Francisco forced back-to-back turnovers with interceptions from Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir on consecutive drives. Turning one of those turnovers into points, Purdy was able to find Aiyuk with a pair of big plays, including a 38-yard connection that put the Niners inside the red zone. Several plays later, Purdy would work a bit of his magic by scrambling out of the pocket to avoid a sack and slinging the ball across the field to find Aiyuk all alone on the left side of the end zone. San Francisco would again make their way to the goal-line, but were unable to punch thru on fourth and goal as Elijah Mitchell was denied a second touchdown on the day. After exchanging punts, the 49ers forced a turnover on downs of their own to seal the 27-10 victory. Making their way to the locker room, several members of the 49ers joined members of the media to catch the ending of the Philadelphia Eagles-Arizona Cardinals game where they witnessed a remarkable comeback win by their division rivals which helped lock up the NFC's top seed for San Francisco.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">In the win, Brock Purdy threw for 230 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while also avoiding the turnover bug that plagued him a week earlier. His counterpart Sam Howell was held to just 169 yards passing, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions. Elijah Mitchell led all rushers with 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, followed by 64 yards on 14 carries by McCaffrey before the injury. McCaffrey also added 27 yards on 4 receptions, becoming the first 49ers player with 2,000+ scrimmage yards since 2006 (Frank Gore), while also posting a new career-high in rushing yards with 1,459. Receiver Brandon Aiyuk had another big day at the office, recording his 6th game of the season with over 100 receiving yards, tallying 114 and a receiving touchdown on 7 receptions. Tight-end George Kittle had only 3 receptions for 29 yards receiving in the win, but did surpass 1,000 yards receiving for the third time in his career as the 49ers became the first team in NFL history with a running back, two wide receivers and a tight-end to each have 1,000-plus scrimmage yards in the same season (McCaffrey, Aiyuk, Deebo and Kittle). They're also just the 4th team in NFL history with a 4,000+ yard passer and 4 players with 1,000+ yards from scrimmage in a season. With the 17-point win, the Niners added to their dominance over the NFC Eastern Division, increasing their point differential to +90, the highest of any team versus an opposing division this season.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wgPSm5qFq-B-k2ZOtQsjuKsF3lRamElN_vzXssGSHcfzHYbsF49eOtjzsGfYz_JODbWCRajbogUFQRxYEW29xSRr8snDXuXnnOTUFQCs2DdetXrxcsozGRFn4qe5EKNoAA3RwtNKSKxTb8rQZ5OwTdeWaLY1fElasOhQf17vToWgdVXwAnJy-wkTHDE/s450/Aiyuk%20dancing%20TD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wgPSm5qFq-B-k2ZOtQsjuKsF3lRamElN_vzXssGSHcfzHYbsF49eOtjzsGfYz_JODbWCRajbogUFQRxYEW29xSRr8snDXuXnnOTUFQCs2DdetXrxcsozGRFn4qe5EKNoAA3RwtNKSKxTb8rQZ5OwTdeWaLY1fElasOhQf17vToWgdVXwAnJy-wkTHDE/s16000/Aiyuk%20dancing%20TD.jpg" /></a></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 18 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Having already clinched the NFC's top seed, (12-4) San Francisco's regular season dominance over the rival (9-4) L.A. Rams could very well finally come to an end in the team's regular-season finale as head coach Kyle Shanahan will likely sit a majority of his starters in a game with little significance. With nine straight regular season wins over Sean McVay and the Rams, the 49ers are on the cusp of hitting double-digits in consecutive wins against their southern California rivals. Other than a slight tune-up leading up to the 49ers' Playoffs Bye Week in the first round of next week's Wild Card round, I'd be very surprised to see San Francisco's starters out on the field longer than the opening quarter, if at all. The Rams who have also clinched a playoff spot as a Wild Card team after a close call on the road against the Giants, coming off a 26-25 win, are also expected to sit a number of starters. Among those sitting out for L.A. will be QB Matthew Stafford who will be benched in favor of Carson Wentz who will face off against Niners backup Sam Darnold. Sunday's game won't be completely meaningless for the Rams who can seal the NFC's No. 6 seed with a win over the Niners, or they could fall to the 7 seed with a loss and a Green Bay Packers win over the Chicago Bears.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </div>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-12783919066087931472023-12-26T11:39:00.000-08:002024-01-01T21:25:07.534-08:00Niners, Purdy Struggle in Christmas Bout vs Ravens<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_U1IFfmrGVO9RCF1BRERr2DW8LUyxcLGQh-Ih1csTvNm2t9Xc5yqKFI0D_aMn6YrvBQqcZN2N9J0APX0EO6cLdCKlGqJW2vMJqB16F0WKKk-1USplkAxS3dcKZm7diGbRgeEm2-eAMXSylUH8oKpA9bVuTVuXv2QGQiBkJF9UH_mmtrWZ1bpthv3_mY/s436/49ers%20INT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_U1IFfmrGVO9RCF1BRERr2DW8LUyxcLGQh-Ih1csTvNm2t9Xc5yqKFI0D_aMn6YrvBQqcZN2N9J0APX0EO6cLdCKlGqJW2vMJqB16F0WKKk-1USplkAxS3dcKZm7diGbRgeEm2-eAMXSylUH8oKpA9bVuTVuXv2QGQiBkJF9UH_mmtrWZ1bpthv3_mY/s16000/49ers%20INT.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 16 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">In a match-up between the top two teams in their respective conferences at 11-3 on the season, the San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens met on Christmas evening for a heavyweight showdown on Monday Night Football, showcasing the NFC's best ranked offense versus the AFC's best ranked defense. After the Christmas feast concluded and all gifts were opened, all eyes were set on the star-studded meeting that also featured a trio of MVP candidates in San Francisco's Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey and Baltimore's Lamar Jackson. While McCaffrey had another solid performance and continued to make his case for an award that has been none too kind for any position outside of quarterback, one QB improved his candidacy in the NFL's MVP race while the other witnessed his stock take a hit. With both teams struggling early on while on offense, it was the defense that took centerstage through the game's opening quarter.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After the 49er defense forced a three and out punt on Baltimore's opening-drive, the offense got rolling with a big play on third down as QB Brock Purdy hit tight-end George Kittle for a 58-yard gain. Able to cross midfield and threatening to score, the 49ers found themselves in the red zone before disaster struck when Purdy thought he had a wide-open Deebo Samuel in the end zone before Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton flashed in front of the intended target to make the interception. Dealing a blow to the momentum the 49ers appeared to capture out of the gates, the interception marked the first of Purdy's career on an opening-drive. Unfortunately, it would be the first of many miscues on the night by the 49ers' signal-caller who followed up one of the best games of his young career with what was undoubtedly his worst. Despite the early mistake, the San Francisco defense would pick up their QB by forcing the first 49ers safety in 88-games on the other end when Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson scrambled and drifted too far into the end zone before being brought down for a sack with a little help from an official who lost his footing and got in the way of the Ravens QB. Receiving the ball following the safety, the 49ers were able to add a field goal to take a 5-0 lead.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1Tb8KG-PoP91DFfgErZSL1IcTnlq40FLY7SbAvMsrRGqhvr7wRbFFxY-NoraSCO9pHnYCe6PvIuzdUQi2ie2DQTWJhJzpJyZMOvL6x08Dh3x_s_LNpF8K96XSXJMkwmxTu1s7fhbgKdt9C8YLPshWl7a_iECHS_xbEEeaHSfJOvxEDRcTc-hPCSfPCg/s458/49ers%20Kittle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr1Tb8KG-PoP91DFfgErZSL1IcTnlq40FLY7SbAvMsrRGqhvr7wRbFFxY-NoraSCO9pHnYCe6PvIuzdUQi2ie2DQTWJhJzpJyZMOvL6x08Dh3x_s_LNpF8K96XSXJMkwmxTu1s7fhbgKdt9C8YLPshWl7a_iECHS_xbEEeaHSfJOvxEDRcTc-hPCSfPCg/s16000/49ers%20Kittle.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The Ravens answered by getting on the scoreboard via a Justin Tucker field goal on their ensuing possession, igniting a flame within the Baltimore offense that went on to score on seven consecutive drives, the most consecutive scoring drives against a 49ers team since 2005. San Francisco had appeared to be headed for a score of their own before Purdy had a pass batted into the air by one defender and into the lap of another. It would mark the first game of Purdy's career with multiple interceptions in the first half. Sadly, for him the nightmare and interception woes were only just beginning. Turning the turnover into points as Baltimore running back Gus Edwards ran in a touchdown from a yard out at the other end, Purdy was again intercepted on San Francisco's next possession as a pass intended for George Kittle was again batted into the air, allowing for an easy interception by Kyle Hamilton who came down with his second pick in as many quarters. This time holding Baltimore to just a field goal, the 49er offense was finally able to stop the bleeding with a touchdown of their own for the first time of the evening. After nearly taking a 39-yard carry to the house, Niners running back Christian McCaffrey punched it in one play later for the 9-yard touchdown to make it a 1-point game at 13-12.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Adding to their lead just before halftime, the 49ers were unable to contain Lamar Jackson who helped arguably the greatest field goal kicker of all-time with a 30-yard run to setup another Baltimore field goal. Though the 49ers had the Ravens right where they wanted them, opening the second half with possession of the ball and trailing by only 4-points, the offense was unable to do anything on their first four possessions of the second half. Following San Francisco's three and out punt to begin the third quarter, the Ravens struck fast with a 39-yard gain on a pass from Jackson to Edwards who finished the drive two plays later with a 1-yard score. Purdy who had never thrown more than two interceptions in a game in his professional career, would throw his fourth pick of the night just one play later. Making quick work of the turnover, Jackson would find rookie receiver Zay Flowers in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown. Adding another field goal one possession later, the Ravens' lead ballooned to 30-12 as San Francisco suddenly found themselves staring down their largest deficit of the season (18-points).</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_linbKAsPyMk9Nnx4ODX3PywpPuCAJYrFCrwYVpu66x8-CZGBwLxzEaYjriKYfoch7ZhL5A8ttJ7bUO61Me5ez90nl9nS9fnwGs8gwSMNXrC5mZZnsCUydrJnLA3a6O9IZqXOs6fU5q0de4nIzO1DzxUkj_qUvJdFKd1I_YcxhMhLkoQjUWEzFEPD_yU/s444/49ers%20Lamar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_linbKAsPyMk9Nnx4ODX3PywpPuCAJYrFCrwYVpu66x8-CZGBwLxzEaYjriKYfoch7ZhL5A8ttJ7bUO61Me5ez90nl9nS9fnwGs8gwSMNXrC5mZZnsCUydrJnLA3a6O9IZqXOs6fU5q0de4nIzO1DzxUkj_qUvJdFKd1I_YcxhMhLkoQjUWEzFEPD_yU/s16000/49ers%20Lamar.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Purdy and the Niner offense would finally string together their first successful drive of the second half as receiver Brandon Aiyuk hauled in a pair of big receptions for 22 and 33 yards to move the chains. However, Purdy would have to leave the game after taking a hit from Baltimore's Jadeveon Clowney on a sack that left the Niners QB with the same stinger he felt a week ago against the Cardinals. Checking into the game to replace Purdy was backup QB Sam Darnold who connected with three different receivers on a trio of short passes before throwing a strike to rookie receiver Ronnie Bell who came down with the touchdown. Inching closer and making it a two-score game with 6:23 remaining in regulation, the 49ers were able to force the much-needed punt and began to march down the field before things stalled out inside the red zone. After marching to the 1-yard line and on the doorstep of scoring, an 11-yard sack and a false start penalty suddenly found the 49ers at the 17-yard line. It was there that the 49ers would throw their fifth and final interception on the night as Darnold chucked a pass into traffic inside the end zone as the Ravens came away with the football as well as the 33-19 victory.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Electing to sit his starting quarterback for the remainder of the night despite Purdy's willingness to reenter the game, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan witnessed his team struggle to the tune of a season-high 5 turnovers which led to 17-points off turnovers for the opposition which was clearly the difference. In the loss, Purdy finished with a game-high 255 passing yards, 0 touchdowns and 4 interceptions and a dismal 42.6 QB rating, a far cry from his NFL leading 119.0 rating that he entered the game with. On a Christmas night that he would much rather forget, Purdy is the first 49er quarterback with a 4 interception game since Colin Kaepernick in 2015. Tight-end George Kittle led all receivers with a game-high 126 yards receiving on a team-high 7 receptions. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey added yet another game with over 100 scrimmage yards, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries to go along with 6 receptions for 28 receiving yards, his 8th straight game with 100+ scrimmage yards which set a new team record and his 12th such game this season, the most in a season in 49ers franchise history, surpassing Roger Craig's 11 games in 1985 and 1988.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8EzWZfIDkS7ceoCZOnIYzqjBhlXlTOQm9oMQNH2D-jyS0jPwMjzb2RmSi5G2R9ZoTA-wpfG0WD-s9su8DW-7BwiPQCWho6-Z8LlXfB-n0S7wuZM5zBhgz4RDy-55N-MjKJpv9mwE-5HHJcCu5xhzx8coLiPAkKhBcaWrGfy-5ag081Ts9rDxxQv2Ffw/s456/49ers%20Brock%20Purdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8EzWZfIDkS7ceoCZOnIYzqjBhlXlTOQm9oMQNH2D-jyS0jPwMjzb2RmSi5G2R9ZoTA-wpfG0WD-s9su8DW-7BwiPQCWho6-Z8LlXfB-n0S7wuZM5zBhgz4RDy-55N-MjKJpv9mwE-5HHJcCu5xhzx8coLiPAkKhBcaWrGfy-5ag081Ts9rDxxQv2Ffw/s16000/49ers%20Brock%20Purdy.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">For the Ravens, QB Lamar Jackson tossed for 252 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while adding another 45 yards rushing to lead his team on 7 carries. With the win, Baltimore recorded their first 5 game winning-streak since 2021, while also snapping San Francisco's 6-game winning-streak on the other end. Leading the league in sacks, Baltimore was able to record 4 sacks compared to San Francisco's 2, recording all four when they needed them most in the fourth quarter. The 49ers' turnover woes coupled with their inability to get the Ravens off the field as they forced a punt on Baltimore's opening-drive but not another until the 10:30 mark of the 4th quarter, did them in as they were unable to dig themselves out of a three-score hole.</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">In what was touted as a potential Super Bowl preview, the Niners hope to see Baltimore down the road again with a different outcome in mind and a chance to redeem themselves in what would also be a rematch from Super Bowl XLVII when then Niners head coach Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers were edged by brother and current Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh and the Ravens, 34-31.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 17 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Now at 11-4 on the season and tied with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions for the best record in the NFC, the 49ers still own the top seed and currently hold a tie-breaker over both clubs. Looking to maintain that top spot, San Francisco will look to bounce back in their final road game of the regular season when they make a stop in our nation's capital to take on the (4-11) Washington Commanders. Losers of six straight, the Commanders are jockeying for position near the top of the 2024 Draft board, and currently sit in the No. 3 spot if the season were to end today. However, despite their poor record and ongoing losing-streak, Washington has lost back-to-back games by one-score and have shown some improvement on offense with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett under-center, having come off the bench in each of the last two games and nearly leading the Commanders to a comeback victory a week ago against the Jets, erasing a 27-7 halftime deficit and tying the game before eventually falling 30-27 on a last-second field goal. Brissett will get start on Sunday per Washington head coach Ron Rivera, taking over for the struggling Sam Howell. Former Commander and current 49er Chase Young will get a crack at his old team after being traded from Washington to San Francisco during the October 31 trade deadline. For the 49ers who can lock up the NFC's No. 1 seed and a first-round Bye by winning out the final two games of the regular season, the team is primed for a win to get back on track as QB Brock Purdy looks to redeem himself against the NFL's worst defense in hopes of salvaging his dwindling MVP chances.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-53711995158015520962023-12-18T15:42:00.000-08:002023-12-22T13:42:41.204-08:00Purdy Shines in Homecoming as 49ers Sweep Cards <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBst-UK011_aRQR3dlUYVs54-BrQBxs_FsYLPHg1cOYUMSyl0powZQQXfiwXro0grUM_WuDALEW1RdW1ACmoUfvWWTRtNa3C5ZsdvCGAMrvnX8KNM8MdKQgLYZAvIClLJp1HSymp1KRt5Dfp99WA5z0k6y6k_MIuKb_UXlYCdVxHXf9jc1wl37QN-GCcA/s456/49ers%20Brock%20pass%20AZ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBst-UK011_aRQR3dlUYVs54-BrQBxs_FsYLPHg1cOYUMSyl0powZQQXfiwXro0grUM_WuDALEW1RdW1ACmoUfvWWTRtNa3C5ZsdvCGAMrvnX8KNM8MdKQgLYZAvIClLJp1HSymp1KRt5Dfp99WA5z0k6y6k_MIuKb_UXlYCdVxHXf9jc1wl37QN-GCcA/s16000/49ers%20Brock%20pass%20AZ.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 15 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">A week after clinching the first playoff spot in the NFL this season following a win over rival Seattle coupled with a loss from the Green Bay Packers, the (10-3) San Francisco 49ers would have the opportunity to secure the NFC Western Division with a win on the road against the (3-9) Arizona Cardinals. With a chance to sweep the season series over the Cardinals, Sunday's game would also serve as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's homecoming, facing the team in his home state of Arizona for the first time of his career. Honored by the Cardinals in 2017 for being named the Arizona Football Player of the Year out of High School, and with his family and friends in attendance, Purdy would add to his MVP resume with another strong outing on Sunday. But before the Niners would go on to put up a season-high in points scored, it was the Cardinals offense that opened the game with the ball and dealt the first blow.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With QB Kyler Murray under-center against the 49ers for the first time this season, San Francisco would match-up against the former No. 1 overall pick in 2019 for the first time in over two years. Happy to have their signal-caller back, the Cardinals offense marched with ease on their opening-drive as Murray found his tight-end Trey McBride early and often as the two connected on a 38-yard gain that set a single-season franchise record for the most receptions by a Cardinals tight-end (57). Several plays later, running back James Conner gave Arizona an early lead by finding the end zone from 2-yards out. With San Francisco's defense leading the league in rushing yards allowed per game entering Sunday at 78.3, Arizona would eclipse that mark in the first half alone as the 49ers were without their top two defensive-tackles in Arik Armstead (foot/knee) and Javon Hargrave (hamstring). Wasting little time to answer back, the 49er offense got some big runs from running back Christian McCaffrey who had another big day at the office, before Purdy found a wide-open Deebo Samuel who was able to tip-toe his way into the end zone from 12-yards out.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw04Gm3ZS0xTFW3UVG5VuYqacz5XLq2tza8UoEhatfhcyX8Mc2Eu0Qc1hk5DLFyAfvrOrUXcauQlprIUkrSZfzu7QtAn-jFSqPDmHprUiN9Lk4gBH-FLx5zrUlBfzUDPoWp-PA1x_Z1l0pQyvqc1sYra07kr3NGYb68gg4XGg7XFfmQr3msCdW5yAWIY/s446/Ward%20pick%20six%20TD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifw04Gm3ZS0xTFW3UVG5VuYqacz5XLq2tza8UoEhatfhcyX8Mc2Eu0Qc1hk5DLFyAfvrOrUXcauQlprIUkrSZfzu7QtAn-jFSqPDmHprUiN9Lk4gBH-FLx5zrUlBfzUDPoWp-PA1x_Z1l0pQyvqc1sYra07kr3NGYb68gg4XGg7XFfmQr3msCdW5yAWIY/s16000/Ward%20pick%20six%20TD.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Making it across mid-field on their second possession, the Cardinals showed some aggressiveness early on by electing to go for it on a 4th and 3 call from the San Francisco 42-yard line. Stepping back to pass, Murray was intercepted by 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward who made a house-call and returned the pick-six 66-yards the other way for the go-ahead touchdown. Ward who was questionable coming into Sunday's game with a groin injury suffered on the first drive of last week's game against the Seahawks that kept him sidelined for 3+ quarters, showed that he was feeling just fine on Sunday, giving San Francisco their first defensive touchdown of the season. With a pair of Matt Prater field goals on their next two possessions, the Cardinals inched closer by making it a 14-13 ballgame. Looking to add to their lead before the half, the 49ers began to march, but endured a scare when Brock Purdy made a brief visit to the medical tent following a collision with a member of the Cardinals that led to a roughing the passer penalty. Backup QB Sam Darnold came in for three plays before Purdy reentered the game and was welcomed by a roar from the many 49er fans in attendance. Picking up right where he left off, Purdy hit tight-end George Kittle on a big third down conversion before finding McCaffrey in the end zone for a 5-yard touchdown grab.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Receiving the ball to start the second half, the 49er offense continued to roll as Purdy and Kittle connected again on third down, picking up 35-yards on a 3rd and 11. One play later, Purdy found a wide-open McCaffrey who leaked free and back-peddled his way to make a leaping grab that caused him to fall, get back and up dart free for the 41-yard score. After exchanging punts, the Cardinals added another field goal, but could not slow San Francisco on defense as McCaffrey struck pay dirt for his third time on the afternoon. In what would be a lackluster afternoon by the 49er defense in terms of tackling as a number of San Francisco's better defenders were struggling to wrap up on Sunday, the Cardinals took advantage and were able to keep it a two-score game early in the fourth quarter when running back Emari Demercado broke free from a tackle and rushed for a 49-yard touchdown. The Niner offense would answer back with Brock Purdy's fourth and final touchdown of the afternoon on a dime into the end zone that Deebo Samuel laid out to get, giving Deebo his third straight multi-touchdown game.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59hoIOgXzb8H4D36Et1wqsWPWT4JNIkb4ToXLPRBZ5-88Pni8sdg4S-GywiAXBEjaK9KO1d00j6QTUTgd9Xb2-rYRhOG59X9B7nFHGnIDckISfeMfUym4Zg8A9QxklSM_DPZLz72HM8baP_kLhPzZJ2PkI2T4XRsbZLnesQ_9NzuY439Sgoi9hw1T8mQ/s456/49ers%20Cardinals%20CMC%20TD.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59hoIOgXzb8H4D36Et1wqsWPWT4JNIkb4ToXLPRBZ5-88Pni8sdg4S-GywiAXBEjaK9KO1d00j6QTUTgd9Xb2-rYRhOG59X9B7nFHGnIDckISfeMfUym4Zg8A9QxklSM_DPZLz72HM8baP_kLhPzZJ2PkI2T4XRsbZLnesQ_9NzuY439Sgoi9hw1T8mQ/s16000/49ers%20Cardinals%20CMC%20TD.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With the game now out of reach and San Francisco leading 42-22 in the fourth quarter, Mooney Ward picked off Kyler Murray for a second time, making way for Sam Darnold to finish the game under-center in place of Brock Purdy with just over six-minutes remaining in regulation. Kicker Jake Moody added a 43-yard field goal to increase San Francisco's lead before a garbage-time touchdown pass from Kyler Murray to rookie tight-end Elijah Higgins who hauled in his first career score. Leaving the desert with a 45-29 win, the 49ers completed the season sweep of the Cardinals with their sixth straight win of the season and 12th consecutive victory within the division. Two of San Francisco's leading MVP candidates led the way as quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 242 yards and 4 touchdowns without being sacked all afternoon, and running back Christian McCaffrey finished with 187 total yards and 3 total TD's, giving him a total of 20 touchdowns on the season and his 6th game with 100+ rush yards this season (the most in the NFL). With four touchdowns against Arizona in their earlier meeting this season, McCaffrey tied an NFL record for the most TD's versus one team in a season in the Super Bowl era with 7 against the Cardinals. He would tie another NFL record for the most career games with a rushing and receiving touchdown with 15.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In the losing effort, Murray threw for 211 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions and ran for another 49 yards on 6 carries for Arizona, with 10 receptions and 102 of those yards going to tight-end Trey McBride who had a solid outing and led all receivers in both categories despite the loss. However, the Cardinals did excel with their running game on Sunday, rushing for 234 total yards compared to San Francisco's 144. Keeping Purdy on his feet throughout the entire contest, the 49ers were able to get to Murray three times, including a sack from Nick Bosa who hit double-digits this season and increased his mark for the most sacks since 2021 with 44.5. In the locker room after the game, the 49ers were given new hats and t-shirts as they celebrated the team's second straight division title and third NFC West title overall since Kyle Shanahan took over the head coaching job back in 2017.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 16 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The (11-3) 49ers will play host to the (11-3) Baltimore Ravens as the first two teams to punch a playoff ticket in each conference meet on Christmas Day for Monday Night Football. With both teams currently sitting atop their respective conference slotted as the No. 1 seed, both squads will look to come out with a win to stay on top in hopes of securing a first-round Bye in the playoffs. With the 49ers having already clinched the NFC West, the Ravens are looking to fend off the (9-5) Cleveland Browns for the AFC North crown. Where the 49ers will need to improve if they want to keep Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson at bey is keeping him in check with his legs as he is just as dangerous if not more when escaping the pocket and running the ball. The Ravens defense also ranks 2nd in the NFL in average yards allowed at 284.4, which will be a challenge the 49er offense will gladly welcome, serving as a tune up before the start of the playoffs. The last time these two teams met was in December of 2019 in Baltimore, a back and forth game in which the Ravens kicked a late field goal to win it in wet conditions by a final of 20-17.</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The 49ers will try to flip the script on Baltimore in the rematch in hopes of spreading some holiday cheer in front of the 49er Faithful of Levi's Stadium.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-46163311722072094162023-12-12T15:43:00.000-08:002023-12-15T08:31:11.270-08:0049ers Complete Sweep of rival Seahawks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGKvdyJKmp64EBLQ8glxHjMeChjLj3aQctxhtTSchU4YgRz_OczE0g24B17CHXKqQ39ud6ax9Kq5kL4amTZoOSPvDbdsqpKPI8Yn0n4p2eQAo2Ty2KHpTikUeq7DUyo0d4aeECSEXcc346Gxgq7YN1IbuU90m7chrsBtN21bLu8fUA-i68Hkouy4KdL0/s450/49ers%20blog%20Deebo%20score.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQGKvdyJKmp64EBLQ8glxHjMeChjLj3aQctxhtTSchU4YgRz_OczE0g24B17CHXKqQ39ud6ax9Kq5kL4amTZoOSPvDbdsqpKPI8Yn0n4p2eQAo2Ty2KHpTikUeq7DUyo0d4aeECSEXcc346Gxgq7YN1IbuU90m7chrsBtN21bLu8fUA-i68Hkouy4KdL0/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Deebo%20score.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 14 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">A week after showing that they can beat just about anybody after handing the Philadelphia Eagles a 23-point beatdown in Philly, the (9-3) San Francisco 49ers turned their attention to the rival (6-6) Seahawks whom they've beaten in four straight meetings dating back to last season and as recent as Thanksgiving night. Returning home to Levi's Stadium, Brock Purdy and the 49ers would look to make it five straight wins over the Seahawks on Sunday, who've been on a bit of a tailspin having lost three straight games and could ill-afford another loss within the division as their chances of making the playoffs continue to plummet. Hoping for a saving grace, backup quarterback Drew Lock would make his first start in a Seahawks uniform in place of Geno Smith who was ruled out with a groin injury just hours before kickoff.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Seeing his first NFL action since 2021 while a member of the Denver Broncos, Lock would keep Seattle in the game virtually all afternoon long before succumbing late to the stout Niner defense that tagged him for two interceptions and brought him down for four sacks on the day. While the defense of San Francisco came thru late in the game to shutout the Seattle offense in the fourth quarter, it was the offense that stole the show in the first quarter. On the first play from scrimmage, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey charged for a 72-yard run that immediately put the San Francisco offense on the door step before Jordan Mason walked in a touchdown from 3-yards out one play later. Taking a much different approach, Seattle would answer back on their ensuing drive with a 10-play, 70-yard drive capped off by a 31-yard touchdown pass to receiver D.K. Metcalf as Lock threaded the needle with a pass that zipped by the outstretched arms of San Francisco's Ambry Thomas. With two receptions for 52-yards on Seattle's opening-drive, Metcalf would be held catch-less the rest of the way despite the Niners' top cornerback Charvarius Ward being sidelined with a groin injury just a few plays into the game.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIknftYHm_NZIeH19djTzw2mNK617mfVsfvYkXdQutd2EZ5a8uYCaZ2vmg8JNVZSHjQT0kocRk_vLsqQK_DG2OtZ410P3FHcjASZPEiAO7uMVzo8dezorIf2Fbu8DCDqp8QEe-7LMHZtaTfbPe1EIfuqg6leXhFgcSdFYmoN0ZxDdDeOlatNG95aDXmIA/s447/49ers%20blog%20Kittle%20CMC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIknftYHm_NZIeH19djTzw2mNK617mfVsfvYkXdQutd2EZ5a8uYCaZ2vmg8JNVZSHjQT0kocRk_vLsqQK_DG2OtZ410P3FHcjASZPEiAO7uMVzo8dezorIf2Fbu8DCDqp8QEe-7LMHZtaTfbPe1EIfuqg6leXhFgcSdFYmoN0ZxDdDeOlatNG95aDXmIA/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Kittle%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After their blazing start on their first drive, the 49er offense began to lull as they were held to back to back three and out punts before finally showing life again. But just when the offense was starting to march, a bit of miscommunication by Purdy and receiver Brandon Aiyuk began to transpire as the two were not on the same page which led to an interception on a tipped-pass. Trailing 10-7, San Francisco got a big play from their most versatile weapon on offense in receiver Deebo Samuel who hauled in a 54-yard reception over the top for the go-ahead touchdown. With a 14-10 lead at the half, the 49ers added another Deebo Samuel touchdown to the scoreboard, this time on a 1-yard carry. Refusing to go down quietly, Seattle answered with a touchdown of their own after a pair of big plays through the air by running back Kenneth Walker III and tight-end Noah Fant who marched 53-yards on two plays before Lock hit his other tight-end Colby Parkinson for a 25-yard touchdown pass on the same exact play Brock Purdy and the 49ers successfully ran against the Seahawks in Seattle a season ago.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With the game much closer than 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan would've liked, San Francisco opened the fourth quarter with another quick score that put the game out of reach for good. Needing only three plays, Purdy got his own tight-end involved with a 44-yard touchdown grab that gave the 49ers a 28-16 lead. Rookie cornerback Ji'Ayir Brown would record his second career interception on Seattle's ensuing drive, but just when it appeared that the 49ers would turn the turnover into points, Brandon Aiyuk was stripped from behind after collecting 30-yards on a play that would've put his team in the red zone. It would be no harm, no foul for the Niners as Seattle was held to a punt. Putting the finishing touches on the afternoon would be All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner who came down with the Niners' second interception of the contest on a Drew Lock heave on 4th and 13 that led to a little fisticuffs between Warner and Seattle's D.K. Metcalf who was shutout in the second half. Metcalf and 49ers corner Deommodore Lenoir were both ejected for for unsportsmanlike conduct.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdPrd1DJg68ok2ayDOkF1_HdSTfzd_eTGWsdBE9UeNZWKktL-5A3xcSDnalVlXip5-lNljMDNc6gUHb3uhpC6DQXu7axATibyDt8sdrUxkTa7rAJ0keTVKUQnTawzRukNC-PNHNpxTdxAwjH0qVKCdmkCjsI8rUz7H2U15NpDp9eq6M8kZv3CDKWNQK8/s441/49ers%20Fred%20DK%20scuffle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdPrd1DJg68ok2ayDOkF1_HdSTfzd_eTGWsdBE9UeNZWKktL-5A3xcSDnalVlXip5-lNljMDNc6gUHb3uhpC6DQXu7axATibyDt8sdrUxkTa7rAJ0keTVKUQnTawzRukNC-PNHNpxTdxAwjH0qVKCdmkCjsI8rUz7H2U15NpDp9eq6M8kZv3CDKWNQK8/s16000/49ers%20Fred%20DK%20scuffle.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">49ers QB Brock Purdy would record a career-high in passing yards in the win with 368 to go along with his 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. Running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 145 yards on 16 carries, while Deebo Samuel (7 receptions, 149 receiving yards and 2 total touchdowns) and Brandon Aiyuk who surpassed the 1,000 receiving yards mark for the season (6 receptions, 126 receiving yards) led all players through the air. As for San Francisco's defense which has generated 29 sacks in their last 5 games played (1st in the NFL), which is seven more than the next-closest team, defensive-end Nick Bosa was the cause of 1.5 of those four sacks on Sunday which moved him to 3rd all-time in 49ers franchise history with 52.5 career sacks. While Drew Lock threw for a respectable 269 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in a losing effort, and showed that he can be a capable backup when needed, even against the formidable 49er defense, it wasn't enough to prevent San Francisco from pulling off a season sweep of the Seahawks for a second straight season.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 15 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">With their fifth straight win coupled with a loss from the Green Bay Packers on Monday night, the (10-3) 49ers became the first team in the NFL this season to clinch a playoff berth with four games remaining on the regular season schedule. Next on their list will be the (3-10) Arizona Cardinals whom the 49ers defeated at home back on October 1, but are coming off the Bye Week and an impressive 24-10 road win before that over the Pittsburgh Steelers. </span><span style="color: #f1c232;">Tempers flared at the end of the game the last time these two teams met between 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and Cards running back James Connor, as both players needed to be separated following San Francisco's 35-16 win.</span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">With quarterback Kyler Murray back under center, the 49ers will face Murray for the first time this season and for the first time since Week 5 of the 2021 regular season as he's dealt with multiple injuries including a torn ACL during Week 14 of the 2022 NFL season. In the running for the 1st overall pick, only the (1-12) Carolina Panthers have a worse record than Arizona, with the New England Patriots also sitting at 3-10 on the year. As for San Francisco, the 49ers will need to keep their foot on the gas if they want to maintain the NFC's No. 1 overall seed as they can control their own destiny and currently hold a tie-breaker over the Eagles & Cowboys who both also sit at 10-3 on the season, but both have a division loss under their belt.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-33547450121503508952023-12-04T22:47:00.000-08:002023-12-07T15:55:17.187-08:0049ers Handle Eagles in Landslide Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbkmrTOagRtfa_FLmp05EnS6WLhhbz8908qBgk8NcZ9klpqYi9fXNo0Fgx8ar-2TFbhQTCDO29YZuP5rpCQIQoJVtXCT1GLlvsZ4UeUwPf3ByRjLqE_116C8HKvtlqRJ63xuqpyxWtS3h9CryptoHd7ENrASfncgbdv4i_1fDzVjUOCYv4CPoEwhi1RE/s450/49ers%20sack%20Hurts.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPbkmrTOagRtfa_FLmp05EnS6WLhhbz8908qBgk8NcZ9klpqYi9fXNo0Fgx8ar-2TFbhQTCDO29YZuP5rpCQIQoJVtXCT1GLlvsZ4UeUwPf3ByRjLqE_116C8HKvtlqRJ63xuqpyxWtS3h9CryptoHd7ENrASfncgbdv4i_1fDzVjUOCYv4CPoEwhi1RE/s16000/49ers%20sack%20Hurts.heic" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 13 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Looking to continue their winning-streak and gain ground in the race for the NFC's No. 1 seed, the (8-3) San Francisco 49ers would have a date against the (10-1) Philadelphia Eagles, a team 49er fans and players alike have had circled on their calendar since the release of the NFL's regular season schedule. Despite the reputation of Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field for being one of the tougher venues in the NFL to play in for opposing teams and the Eagles being the NFC's top seed, the San Francisco 49ers opened as 3-point favorites on the road in Philly, much to the surprise of many around the football world. But by game's end, some might have been left thinking why only 3-points? After all, the Eagles as good as their record is, have made a habit out of pulling a rabbit out of their hat this season by staging second half comebacks and sneaking by with wins in games they probably should've lost. Sunday's heavyweight bout with the 49ers appeared to be just the latest chapter to that story, but San Francisco's suffocating defense would have other plans once they got settled in, coupled with the Niners offense which was unstoppable once they got things rolling.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">There had been a lot of chatter between these two teams dating back to the last time they met 10 months earlier in the NFC Championship which led to a blowout win for Philly after the 49ers were virtually handicapped by losing their third-string quarterback Brock Purdy at the time, one drive into the game. One member of the 49ers who didn't shy away with his comments was none other than receiver Deebo Samuel who had some choice words for a specific Eagles DB, and was also quoted as saying, "If Brock was in, I don't think it would've been close." With QB Brock Purdy indeed healthy and on the field Sunday for the rematch, Deebo's words would prove to ring true in this one, giving even further reason to ask what really would've happened had the 49ers not lost their quarterback in that game? 10 months after tearing his UCL several plays into the biggest game of his career and missing out on a trip to the Super Bowl, Purdy once again stuck it to his critics and bolstered his case for the MVP Award. But not before a pair of ugly drives that left the 49ers with negative yardage on offense through the first quarter.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81oMAwtLFS1vgGQceXMlwhPCYbV7Yvg1YaQ94Fu12KLRAQ2UQmLqNr4Y9IIHLA3Zc0ZJDYmpWi-9Yrt7JA5HMdPjNq15f4o6iaCyJxizfvmHRydm53ElFQ2PBtZ8v5bpWVlN2JeqWuIKj1JYCuoMV4D8i2M9rlg3Vhy2Goi3bAEJ-ydp2W2iAEM8mqoE/s446/49ers%20Deebo%20TD.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81oMAwtLFS1vgGQceXMlwhPCYbV7Yvg1YaQ94Fu12KLRAQ2UQmLqNr4Y9IIHLA3Zc0ZJDYmpWi-9Yrt7JA5HMdPjNq15f4o6iaCyJxizfvmHRydm53ElFQ2PBtZ8v5bpWVlN2JeqWuIKj1JYCuoMV4D8i2M9rlg3Vhy2Goi3bAEJ-ydp2W2iAEM8mqoE/s16000/49ers%20Deebo%20TD.heic" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With San Francisco winning the coin-toss and electing to differ, the Eagles put together back-to-back impressive drives of 13-plays for 67 yards and 12-plays for 53 yards, respectively, spanning 5:09 and 6:48 of game time, but were held to field goals on both possessions. That bend but don't break mentality by the Niner defense proved to be huge and allowed San Francisco to keep the game within striking distance and prevented things from getting out of hand, while also snapping Philadelphia's streak of 12 straight red zone drives with a touchdown scored, the longest streak of its kind in the NFL entering Sunday. Meanwhile, the 49er offense was held to three and outs on each of their first two possessions. By the end of the first quarter, San Francisco found themselves outgained by Philly: 124 total yards to San Francisco's -6 yards, the fewest in a quarter under coach Kyle Shanahan. But as soon as the second quarter started, it was almost as if someone on the 49ers flipped a switch as the team began to turn things around and never looked back, going back to basics by running the ball and finding success doing so. Embarking on an 11-play, 88-yard drive, San Francisco began their scoring barrage which was setup by a big gain from tight-end George Kittle, capped off with a 2-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to receiver Brandon Aiyuk to take a 7-6 lead.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Kittle would help setup another 49ers touchdown with another big gain before running back Christian McCaffrey struck pay dirt with a 2-yard rushing touchdown just before the half, giving San Francisco a 14-6 halftime lead. Despite trailing at the half, the Eagles found themselves in familiar territory, boasting an NFL-best 5-0 record when trailing at home this season. However, the 49ers would pick up right where they left off to open the second half as the game soon turned into the Deebo Samuel Show. Following a 33-yard gain on a short pass from Purdy to McCaffrey, Deebo took a handoff 12-yards to the house for a touchdown. The trash-talk and animosity between both teams that ignited after last season's NFC Championship would boil over onto the field during the Eagles' first drive of the second half when 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw got into an altercation along the Philadelphia sideline with the Eagles' director of security. After an unnecessary roughness penalty on Greenlaw for a late hit on Philly receiver DeVonta Smith, the Eagles' team security guard stepped in and attempted to separate the two players, something Greenlaw and his fellow teammates took exception to, with the 49ers linebacker making contact with the staffer's face that ultimately resulted in automatic ejections for both parties. Philly would use the ejection to their advantage, finding the end zone several plays later with a 1-yard touchdown by quarterback Jalen Hurts by way of their famous "Brotherly Shove" play.</span> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7HAD23YTKsN0xA9YF7My0IScv3Y7MdsJY6py3oZqOx9sM_txUcFosaBO6VQxrNHenYhwEQnBGtAzYb5qjOVAElZku85DZmCdC9sAd2GnXKf-L2EcVn4BLErT12wTXsWOMly00HR_Gr3-7gkhewsn5huB_tGcm2fTYfT9VN_am-jhQ5sTnOt_kLTdI0Q/s461/Dre%20Greenlaw%20fracas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7HAD23YTKsN0xA9YF7My0IScv3Y7MdsJY6py3oZqOx9sM_txUcFosaBO6VQxrNHenYhwEQnBGtAzYb5qjOVAElZku85DZmCdC9sAd2GnXKf-L2EcVn4BLErT12wTXsWOMly00HR_Gr3-7gkhewsn5huB_tGcm2fTYfT9VN_am-jhQ5sTnOt_kLTdI0Q/s16000/Dre%20Greenlaw%20fracas.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Finding the end zone for the first time of the day, Philadelphia crept up to make it an 8-point game midway thru the third quarter. Just when the Eagles had the 49ers right where they wanted them, Deebo Samuel struck for 48-yard touchdown, breaking a tackle on a quick pass and darting through the middle to find pay dirt. After a three and out punt by the Eagles, San Francisco orchestrated another long drive that lasted nearly 7-minutes on 13-plays for 75-yards and ended with a touchdown pass from Purdy to receiver Jauan Jennings who shook off a tackle and rushed in for an 18-yard score. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts who entered Sunday with 5 straight wins when facing a 10+ point deficit which was tied for the longest streak since 1950 with Joe Montana & Steve Bartkowski, did what he could to keep that streak alive, but San Francisco's offensive firepower was too much for the Eagles defense. Even after Hurts returned from a brief visit to the locker room after being shaken up and marched his offense into the end zone on a 17-play drive that resulted in a touchdown, Deebo Samuel provided the dagger a few plays later with a 46-yard receiving touchdown to put the game out of reach as San Francisco held on for the 42-19 win.</span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Returning to the same field he was injured on 10 months earlier, quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns and was named the FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week. Meanwhile, Deebo was awarded NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his 3 touchdown performance, finishing with 22 yards rushing on 3 attempts and 116 yards receiving on 4 receptions. Running back Christian McCaffrey again topped 100 scrimmage yards on his way to becoming the first 49ers rusher to top the 1,000 yard rushing mark since Frank Gore in 2014. With his single-season franchise record 12th rushing touchdown on the season, McCaffrey also joined Marshall Faulk and Lenny Moore as the only players in NFL history with at least 50 rushing touchdowns and 25 touchdown receptions in their career. In the loss, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts tallied 298 yards, 1 rushing touchdown and 1 passing touchdown, snapping his streak of 14 straight wins versus teams with a winning record, the longest such streak since 1950 as the 49er defense got to him for three sacks on the day. After a slow start, the San Francisco offense torched Philly for 456 total yards of offense compared to the Eagles' 333 yards, this after -6 total yards thru the first quarter for the 49ers.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HkbrhashwmtKjFDXrMsMDCicbq6aowcY1mevIji6DIfANU7vqrBqnEUVmzH9ctIF7vQAckZgicf44PAIxMSoSHOQr35XKFAWhjJgJfJUJ-C7rKm0ulG8Etv4Lm2k5MNbhKGG-suUKyHvCRMmg9PvnZpDD9hf_OxzQRiKc7q-jwWk5vvsPf3X26ZA35A/s450/49ers%20Brock%20win.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HkbrhashwmtKjFDXrMsMDCicbq6aowcY1mevIji6DIfANU7vqrBqnEUVmzH9ctIF7vQAckZgicf44PAIxMSoSHOQr35XKFAWhjJgJfJUJ-C7rKm0ulG8Etv4Lm2k5MNbhKGG-suUKyHvCRMmg9PvnZpDD9hf_OxzQRiKc7q-jwWk5vvsPf3X26ZA35A/s16000/49ers%20Brock%20win.heic" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 14 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The (9-3) 49ers will return to their home digs of Levis Stadium in Week 14 to host the rival Seattle Seahawks whom they'll face off against for the second time in three weeks. Looking to add to their lead in the NFC Western Division standings which currently sits at 3 games above the Seahawks and L.A. Rams who both sit at 6-6 on the year, Seattle comes in riding a 3-game losing streak after suffering losses to the aforementioned Rams, Niners and Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers can deal a another blow to Seattle's playoff hopes as Geno Smith and company will need to right the ship fast if they plan to vie for an NFC wild card spot. The 49ers meanwhile will look to win their fifth straight game of the season and their fifth straight over Seattle. With 8 games of 30+ points scored for the 49ers offense this season, quarterback Brock Purdy is now the new MVP favorite in Vegas at +300, owning a slight edge over Jalen Hurts of the Eagles and Dak Prescott of the Cowboys, with both at +350.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-72600900502604550052023-11-27T00:30:00.000-08:002023-11-27T00:30:51.763-08:0049ers Feast on Seahawks in Thanksgiving Win <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDPWmFrHP3mMEguWIQ7lBLQia1Ulnzl5dm2_LJ0V3o9PUFcpkap9kofzvpq72M5JqDxxrXXOsNGzLBIqcy5RN04DcX4oUsdvS3dG3jiN41vXVwp_6APBp7fm3u4ez2iQDLJxmvoMy7oNndiumrnEoXOVB0ZMjwP5FBqP47lQwqiH5Ds6Tw2Ggzv2aVsk/s459/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20feast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDPWmFrHP3mMEguWIQ7lBLQia1Ulnzl5dm2_LJ0V3o9PUFcpkap9kofzvpq72M5JqDxxrXXOsNGzLBIqcy5RN04DcX4oUsdvS3dG3jiN41vXVwp_6APBp7fm3u4ez2iQDLJxmvoMy7oNndiumrnEoXOVB0ZMjwP5FBqP47lQwqiH5Ds6Tw2Ggzv2aVsk/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20feast.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 12 -</span></b><span style="color: #f1c232;"> Facing off with their hated rivals from the pacific northwest for the first time this season, the (7-3) San Francisco 49ers would look to continue their recent success against the (6-4) Seattle Seahawks in a Thursday night showdown on Thanksgiving. Rallying around the gridiron together instead of the dinner table, there would be no such thing as sharing between these two bitter foes come kickoff. Looking to distance themselves from Seattle in the NFC Western Division standings, San Francisco, donning their throwback white uniforms, would try to make it four straight wins over Pete Carroll's Seahawks following a sweep in all three meetings a season ago, including a playoff win in the NFC's Wild Card round.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Things would get off to a great start for quarterback Brock Purdy, the reigning NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his Week 11 performance against Tampa Bay, and the 49ers who opened the game with the ball and marched it 71-yards on 11-plays, ending in a 2-yard touchdown run by Deebo Samuel. Although the Seahawks would answer on their ensuing possession with a field goal thanks to a 64-yard kick return by D'Wayne Eskridge, the Seattle offense was virtually shutout by the 49er defense throughout the first half. San Francisco jumped out to a 14-3 lead to start the second quarter when running back and scoring machine Christian McCaffrey punched in a 1-yard rushing touchdown, kickstarting a busy night for the all-time record holder for the most consecutive games with a touchdown. The San Francisco defense would put their first stamp on the game by forcing the first turnover of the night when cornerback Ambry Thomas jumped in front of Geno Smith's pass intended for receiver Tyler Lockett. The 49ers would not be able to do anything with the takeaway and were instead held to a three and out punt, but they would redeem themselves one possession later.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mo4FDprHZb92g5SDIQPDWXaFU5JwCPBayXBU67GeH7StYmOI15gX4ziPHQYh4DUri3nkXGRsAjaCIOaQ9o7OJAmjYqX3T6MnSnlek0p3hvYANanABncyhcfbxHXDkd0ElG5zCnF_f6MwpHsVWZWP-7xlDhWXR9yHapy4uFeeuVhg_ru6N-1i1RSPuTU/s456/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20Deebo%20TD.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Mo4FDprHZb92g5SDIQPDWXaFU5JwCPBayXBU67GeH7StYmOI15gX4ziPHQYh4DUri3nkXGRsAjaCIOaQ9o7OJAmjYqX3T6MnSnlek0p3hvYANanABncyhcfbxHXDkd0ElG5zCnF_f6MwpHsVWZWP-7xlDhWXR9yHapy4uFeeuVhg_ru6N-1i1RSPuTU/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20Deebo%20TD.png" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">McCaffrey would continue to make history and etch his name into the record books, this time setting a 49ers franchise single-season record with his 11th rushing touchdown on the season after an 8-yard score. Previously, six players shared the team record of 10 rushing touchdowns in a season: Frank Gore (2009), Derek Loville (1995), Ricky Waters (1993), Billy Kilmer (1961), J.D. Smith (1959) and Joe Perry (1953). McCaffrey's second touchdown of the night would also give him 16 total TD's on the year, the most by a running back in a single season in franchise history. The 49ers would add to their lead again with a Jake Moody field goal thanks to another Seattle turnover, this time forced by San Francisco's special-teams unit, capitalizing on a muffed punt that resulted in a fumble recovery by the Niners and special-teams stud Oren Burks. Unfortunately, Burks who would be injured on the play with what was later confirmed to be a torn biceps that will require surgery and likely cause him to miss the rest of the season. Seattle would attempt to inch closer before the end of the half with a 53-yard field goal attempt by kicker Jason Myers who missed wide right as time expired.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In no way did the 49ers play a perfect game in any facet, but the defense came pretty darn close as Seattle's offense was held out of the end zone all night long. The Seahawks did receive a sliver of hope early in the second half when their defense forced a turnover. Following a punt by Seattle on the opening-drive to start the second half, Purdy and the 49ers found themselves pinned deep inside their own territory at the 4 yard line. After an incomplete pass on first down, Purdy was picked off for his first career pick-six after an errant pass skipped off the hands of McCaffrey and into a defender as linebacker Jordyn Brooks recorded his first career interception and took it in for an easy score. Appearing to take their foot off the gas pedal, the 49ers were forced to punt on each of their next two possessions, but Seattle would only manage a field goal out of it, cutting San Francisco's lead to 24-13. Allowing Seattle to hang around until midway into the fourth quarter, the 49ers would end any chance of a rally by the Seahawks as Purdy barreled down and put the game out of reach with an absolute dime of a touchdown pass to receiver Brandon Aiyuk who made the grab in between four defenders for the 28-yard score.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf606x7adddMQqjSHxZRF0p4DiVS9RQLT1P6qdJaIX04bvkvcuIYktH9h6olFnSdlSEZONvvtGWVvT2PwGH__BqKLZ5VB1Yz3kJTKlQ3ujTz8uO2VHzAvGJiyMb8qqT4BKfjjXSVuTo1aPE9IoHWUHcaYU5DQFDqN_GZC26irsCZIWWsB4_u_064PetQ/s456/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20hit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf606x7adddMQqjSHxZRF0p4DiVS9RQLT1P6qdJaIX04bvkvcuIYktH9h6olFnSdlSEZONvvtGWVvT2PwGH__BqKLZ5VB1Yz3kJTKlQ3ujTz8uO2VHzAvGJiyMb8qqT4BKfjjXSVuTo1aPE9IoHWUHcaYU5DQFDqN_GZC26irsCZIWWsB4_u_064PetQ/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20hit.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Trailing 31-13 with under 8-minutes remaining, Seattle's last-ditch effort at a comeback would end on a turnover on downs as the Niners shutdown the Seahawks offense on three consecutive plays when they needed only 1-yard. From there, San Francisco was able to milk the clock on a pair of big first down plays by backup running back Elijah Mitchell and receiver Ray-Ray McCloud who sealed the win with a dagger 23-yard reception on 3rd and 3 after the two-minute warning, as the 49ers celebrated at midfield with a Thanksgiving feast supplied by the NBC crew. San Francisco's defense tallied a season-high six sacks on the night, creating pressure virtually all night long and making things difficult for Seattle QB Geno Smith who was questionable throughout the week to even start in Thursday's game with a bruised triceps suffered in the Seahawks' Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Rams a week earlier. 49ers QB Brock Purdy won't be taking home NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for a second consecutive week, but he did manage to record a solid road outing under the bright lights in a hostile environment, completing 21 of 30 passes for 209 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception, compared to Geno Smith's 180 yards passing, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception on 18 of 27 passes.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Niners running back Christian McCaffrey was once again the team's bell cow on offense, rushing for 114 yards and 2 TD's on 19 carries to go along with another 25 yards receiving on 5 receptions. Deebo Samuel led all receivers with 7 receptions for a game-high 79 receiving yards and a rushing touchdown. Right behind him was Brandon Aiyuk who hauled in two receptions for 50 yards and a score, giving him 5 touchdowns on the season, making him the first 49ers receiver to achieve 5+ TDs in each of his first four NFL seasons. Aiyuk joined Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens as the only 49ers wide receivers in the past 40 seasons to have five or more receiving TDs in four straight seasons. Back to the defense, defensive-end Nick Bosa recorded another pair of sacks in the win, giving him three straight games with 1.5+ sacks, the longest streak for a 49er since 2012 (Aldon Smith, 4). Enjoying their latest acquisition, the San Francisco defense has now feasted on the opposing quarterbacks to the tune of 15 sacks in their last 3 games since acquiring defensive-end Chase Young at the trade deadline from Washington. The 49ers have now won four straight against their rivals from up north dating back to last season, outscoring them by a combined score of 120-56.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEX36whIPknbqwvAN6rUddCaKbfWG4ayvRACmUpy1VHdtp3NbJdWs205dFkoaqsEIuHsOS0nrFXgqYPysBQUVf9nzz-KRn8NYLw44ec4ec1kRcLkBx4ZoGqIps_5HRO0bwH-vmrV9BLexG-ZRWFloCzqH48rmS2AG8QACQ-0XNX03PFzCwagQeOTrYms/s456/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20CMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEX36whIPknbqwvAN6rUddCaKbfWG4ayvRACmUpy1VHdtp3NbJdWs205dFkoaqsEIuHsOS0nrFXgqYPysBQUVf9nzz-KRn8NYLw44ec4ec1kRcLkBx4ZoGqIps_5HRO0bwH-vmrV9BLexG-ZRWFloCzqH48rmS2AG8QACQ-0XNX03PFzCwagQeOTrYms/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Thanksgiving%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 13 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Pulling 2 full games ahead of Seattle in the division standings and into the NFC's No. 2 spot after their win coupled with a Detroit loss earlier on Thanksgiving morning to open the busy slate of games, the 49ers will have a chance to pull closer to the NFC's top seed in their next bout. With a few extra days of rest following the Thursday night game and the holiday, the (8-3) 49ers will now direct their attention to the (10-1) Philadelphia Eagles in one of the most highly anticipated match-ups on the NFL's 2023 calendar. In what will be a rematch of last year's NFC Championship, the meeting will signify a chance at redemption for one Brock Purdy, as the 49ers QB suffered a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm on San Francisco's first drive, kicking him out of the game and into a six month recovery that required surgery. The 49ers eventually lost 31-7 to the Eagles who punched their ticket to the Super Bowl where they would go on to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-35. Proving to be a force again this year and likely to be in the thick of it again come playoff time, the Eagles exacted revenge against the Chiefs just a week ago on the road at Arrowhead, and are coming off a thrilling 37-34 overtime win against the Buffalo Bills at home in the rain. Philly QB Jalen Hurts threw for 200 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the win, adding another 65 yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, including the walk-off score in OT. Hopefully both the football and weather gods are on the side of San Francisco this time around in what should be a tough blow for blow match-up between NFC heavyweights.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-6632448278658221502023-11-21T00:16:00.000-08:002023-11-21T00:17:16.151-08:00Purdy Perfect in Niners' Win over Bucs <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SNu9ngVN6ITud7u91TGzQ59nvfwAWvxoWlBVYgQNXdvlgxLUpIZZMfIHvvdoQ_ONJqlK_fFO3s2hrd4uCYOQ-WXQmd2qIUl-FJ_riVPwVKrR1exsWm_8J9IeKbC9hY-4sv3Bel5fAeJiM4n04bOnvoQJFL5ts2pT5uOY6NjJnl-HdVZu11YseK2p38A/s456/49ers%20Week%2011%20Brock%20rifle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SNu9ngVN6ITud7u91TGzQ59nvfwAWvxoWlBVYgQNXdvlgxLUpIZZMfIHvvdoQ_ONJqlK_fFO3s2hrd4uCYOQ-WXQmd2qIUl-FJ_riVPwVKrR1exsWm_8J9IeKbC9hY-4sv3Bel5fAeJiM4n04bOnvoQJFL5ts2pT5uOY6NjJnl-HdVZu11YseK2p38A/s16000/49ers%20Week%2011%20Brock%20rifle.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 11 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Looking to build on their dominant victory against one of the league's top defenses in Jacksonville a week ago, the (6-3) San Francisco 49ers returned home to play in front of the Faithful of Levi's Stadium, welcoming in the visiting (4-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The meeting between the two teams would be especially important for Niners quarterback Brock Purdy who would face off against the Bucs for the first time since making his first career NFL start against them just under a year ago in Week 14 of last season, taking over for an injured Jimmy Garoppolo and helping defeat a Tom-Brady led Bucs team by a final score of 35-7 and putting the rest of the league on notice that he was far more than just the latest "Mr. Irrelevant." In just his 18th career start at QB, Purdy would not only have the best outing of his professional career yet, but one of the best by a 49er quarterback in the history of the franchise in terms of passer rating.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">A week after putting up a career-best passer rating of 148.9, Purdy 1-up'd himself on Sunday with a perfect passer rating of 158.3, becoming only the second QB in 49ers franchise history to reach the feat and the first since Joe Montana in 1989. Equally as impressive, Purdy's 157.3 passer rating combined over his last two starts is the highest by any NFL QB over a 2-start span since QB stats were first tracked in 1950. But as perfect as Purdy's box score might appear, the 49er offense was far from on their opening-drive. After a 24-yard connection from Purdy to tight-end George Kittle on the game's second play from scrimmage, the San Francisco offense fizzled out and were forced to punt. Luckily, the 49er defense would also have themselves a strong afternoon, forcing a few turnovers and answering the call late when the team needed them to deliver, beginning with a three and out punt on Tampa's opening-possession. Following San Francisco's one and only punt of the first half, Purdy led the offense on a 15-play, 80-yard drive that spanned 7-minutes and 11-seconds of game clock and ended with a 3-yard passing touchdown to running back Christian McCaffrey.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6qwi7r7Qq81g0ASNxWi8tRJIT0F28qcwaXrZPfLMdl5Aqfzy03lR2sj_gHhxg-jx_qwxa9N0uwjASQgar4Kns8fRZRE22xuYnZbd5noqs4v4inJwb4VVvoTtKaj0G7mpu1ppl2dwKKDF9r2yGut4TmzlkTWEJqe1soruZdiGRJ_p2O_rG1FM7nZ_neY/s453/49ers%20Week%2011%20CMC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw6qwi7r7Qq81g0ASNxWi8tRJIT0F28qcwaXrZPfLMdl5Aqfzy03lR2sj_gHhxg-jx_qwxa9N0uwjASQgar4Kns8fRZRE22xuYnZbd5noqs4v4inJwb4VVvoTtKaj0G7mpu1ppl2dwKKDF9r2yGut4TmzlkTWEJqe1soruZdiGRJ_p2O_rG1FM7nZ_neY/s16000/49ers%20Week%2011%20CMC.png" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">A week after being held out of the end zone for the first time in over a calendar year and tying an NFL-record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown scored with 17, McCaffrey didn't waste much time to score in this one, in hopes of starting a new streak. The next big play would come from the defense and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner who was celebrating his 27th birthday on Sunday. As captain on defense, Warner treated himself to a little birthday gift, sharing a sack with teammate Nick Bosa and forcing and recovering a fumble that stalled what appeared to be a promising drive by quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense. Turning the turnover into points, the 49ers added a Jake Moody field goal to take a 10-0 lead. Tampa Bay would find the end zone on their next drive, however, biting into San Francisco's lead with a 1-yard touchdown grab from receiver Mike Evans. Answering with their second field goal in as many drives, Moody would help the 49ers take a 13-7 lead into the half.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">A week ago against the Jags, the 49ers put their foot down on their first possession out of the locker room, starting the second half with a big play to impose their dominance thanks to a 66-yard touchdown pass from Purdy to Kittle for what was the longest play of Purdy's career. After a stop on defense to force a punt, Purdy set a new mark for both the longest pass of his career and the longest touchdown pass in the NFL this season as the 49ers QB found receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a 77-yard strike just three plays into the second half. The fun wouldn't stop there, however, as Purdy found the end zone for a third time just one possession later, connecting with Kittle who came down with the ball to put his team up big: 27-7. Tampa Bay would score early to start the fourth quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Rachaad White and made things interesting by forcing a pair of punts and a turnover on downs on San Francisco's next three possessions. But when the 49er defense was most needed, they answered the call on three straight Tampa Bay drives which ended in a pair of turnover on downs and an interception.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbsAn2FSbFjkGrAcMwuFtBz94Sb732bHJd-37Pc67CDUdA3EANNGF7Ne-3hy58VXU3QFy0zMdQBnWQy3UGL0DWjaAVIJkV-rAzZX5JGF4L5ORDafo6aLWyUHI4Av4I75MoMZr-JyX_QwWu330xEzfR-OvSa05mtETuRBon6LGBLTqaisUPqJbf8U7Mpk/s456/49ers%20Week%2011%20Baker%20sacked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbsAn2FSbFjkGrAcMwuFtBz94Sb732bHJd-37Pc67CDUdA3EANNGF7Ne-3hy58VXU3QFy0zMdQBnWQy3UGL0DWjaAVIJkV-rAzZX5JGF4L5ORDafo6aLWyUHI4Av4I75MoMZr-JyX_QwWu330xEzfR-OvSa05mtETuRBon6LGBLTqaisUPqJbf8U7Mpk/s16000/49ers%20Week%2011%20Baker%20sacked.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After losing safety Talanoa Hufanga to injury in the second half with what 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan feared might be an ACL tear, rookie Ji'Ayir Brown came into the game and stepped up despite being picked on right away. With the Bucs threatening inside the red zone, Brown came up with a clutch diving interception on a tipped pass in the end zone that added to the Niners' league-leading interception total (14), and should've iced the win for San Francisco. Instead, the Bucs would get another chance after the 49ers failed to bleed clock and convert on a 4th and 1 attempt that turned the ball over on downs and allowed at least another last-ditch effort by Baker Mayfield and company, which was also stopped. Throwing for 333 yards and 3 touchdowns on 21 of 25 pass attempts, Purdy shined in the 27-14 win, with receiver Brandon Aiyuk leading all receivers with 156 yards and 1 touchdown on 5 receptions. Tight-end George Kittle also logged another solid performance, recording a game-high 8 catches for 89-yards and a touchdown, while Christian McCaffrey eclipsed the century mark in scrimmage yards once again, tallying 78-yards rushing and another 25 in receiving to go along with his receiving touchdown. The 49er defense got to Baker Mayfield four times for a sack and held him to 246 yards and 1 touchdown, while forcing him to fumble once and throw an interception on 29 of 45 pass attempts.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 12 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">It'll be a quick turnaround for the (7-3) 49ers who will be right back to work in Week 12 on Thursday Night as they pay a visit to Seattle on Thanksgiving to face the (6-4) division rival Seahawks for the first time this season. After defeating Seattle in all three meetings a season ago, including a playoff win in the NFC Wild Card round, the Seahawks will have payback on their minds come Thursday, as the 49ers now find themselves a game ahead of Seattle for first place in the NFC West. Coming off a surprise 17-16 loss on the road against the division rival Rams, Seattle has now dropped both games against the Rams this season, the latest on a last-second missed field goal attempt by kicker Jason Myers. It's always a duel when these two teams meet to battle, and even though it'll be Thanksgiving, expect no sharing at the dinner table between these two squads come kickoff.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_wo0EaPLWv-DAP2Z3WF4THOWwN-7aSpvTMDsZSyk1oWOyQCD8oRi702vSVIKDZYtBVpMBGgiQA-M5cNpEGNZR-VzvKtWfA1DbgZKYhCJUNniwA4BV70Qxrfo5rjFQUjHMj5D7OK-tB28y01UlsGkyivRRJ8jrjmIqa2HYY6DzzGOuKXTRvwS-WiDeBE/s456/49ers%20Week%2011%20Huf%20injury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_wo0EaPLWv-DAP2Z3WF4THOWwN-7aSpvTMDsZSyk1oWOyQCD8oRi702vSVIKDZYtBVpMBGgiQA-M5cNpEGNZR-VzvKtWfA1DbgZKYhCJUNniwA4BV70Qxrfo5rjFQUjHMj5D7OK-tB28y01UlsGkyivRRJ8jrjmIqa2HYY6DzzGOuKXTRvwS-WiDeBE/s16000/49ers%20Week%2011%20Huf%20injury.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">One player who will not be on the field to help the 49ers vie for a third straight win will be All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga whom San Francisco confirmed will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL suffered in the third quarter of Sunday's game.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-20258626460823107832023-11-15T20:50:00.000-08:002023-11-19T22:06:26.179-08:00Niners Back on Track with Dominant Win over Jags <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbrCqgVwiQfl6PPmw0rzypjEdIRWlJ7n_pOjKobLppQLMiyhjnaGDnq3c4FIs-0WlW5kX9SlGZ7VTtEe12UValKrcUfeiv1NDdu_URdDxD-UCTyDJ8B2BwyMGQtS3oabzMjScJWLm7UYp4TYpiH04qOH-nqPI5GoIhsoO3L-iAqe1hThuQWAkAAWN0vI/s456/49ers%20blog%20Bosa%20Young%20sack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbrCqgVwiQfl6PPmw0rzypjEdIRWlJ7n_pOjKobLppQLMiyhjnaGDnq3c4FIs-0WlW5kX9SlGZ7VTtEe12UValKrcUfeiv1NDdu_URdDxD-UCTyDJ8B2BwyMGQtS3oabzMjScJWLm7UYp4TYpiH04qOH-nqPI5GoIhsoO3L-iAqe1hThuQWAkAAWN0vI/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Bosa%20Young%20sack.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 10 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Coming out of the bye week and hitting the road for Jacksonville, the (5-3) San Francisco 49ers would face the red-hot (6-2) Jaguars in a battle between two teams that have gone in completely different directions from one another after totally different starts to the season. While the 49ers got off to arguably the best start in all of football with a blazing 5-0 start, the Jags on the other hand began the season 1-2 through their first three games. Since those starts, the Niners have dropped three straight, and the Jags have won an NFL-best five in a row entering Sunday. In desperate need of a win to stop the bleeding and end their three-game skid, the 49ers received some much needed help on defense from defensive-end Chase Young who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Washington Commanders.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Coming out of college as the No. 2 overall pick in 2019, Niners defensive-end Nick Bosa was touted as being one of the best pass rushers of this generation. And coming out of college a year later was his Ohio State teammate Chase Young who many believed was even more talented after also being drafted with the No. 2 overall pick. Now the two former Defensive Rookies of the Year have reunited at the professional level in San Francisco and will attempt to duplicate the success they had together at the collegiate level when they wreaked havoc and combined for a total of 33 sacks in two seasons with the Buckeyes. Facing a stout defense of their own, Jacksonville entered Sunday tied with the Saints for the most takeaways in all of football with 18, while also ranking 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards per game allowed (79). Like San Francisco, the Jags were also coming off the bye week, making it three straight weeks the 49ers would face a team coming off the bye and given an extra week to prepare for them. The extra week of preparation wouldn't matter for Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence, however, as the San Francisco defense had his number virtually all afternoon long. But it wasn't all about the defense in this one for the 49ers, as quarterback Brock Purdy helped get the offense back on track in a big way.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS_wDZOP8iE0cq3wBh5oypNFq_o2TjHSI6AgO3kTyqcl6XePFzuteMxNgpQRHY8UFaxlYwbvIwfiKMLl4QRyEdxM1luDM0-1rudJI7wtNjJI6M8b9MEU_2HC_l9HtyyCFTuyJmC-sYrgrLy6-CoxkZr8tJtVxnS-VeZLRgi-VkBzb0bOsP4lvyu1uFrI/s461/49ers%20blog%20Week%2010%20Aiyuk%20grab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgS_wDZOP8iE0cq3wBh5oypNFq_o2TjHSI6AgO3kTyqcl6XePFzuteMxNgpQRHY8UFaxlYwbvIwfiKMLl4QRyEdxM1luDM0-1rudJI7wtNjJI6M8b9MEU_2HC_l9HtyyCFTuyJmC-sYrgrLy6-CoxkZr8tJtVxnS-VeZLRgi-VkBzb0bOsP4lvyu1uFrI/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%2010%20Aiyuk%20grab.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With Jacksonville receiving the opening-kickoff, the 49er defense would come out swinging by getting to the quarterback for a sack and forcing a three and out punt. Equally as impressive would be the 49er offense which needed only four plays to march 57-yards before finding the end zone on a 13-yard pass from Purdy who hit receiver Brandon Aiyuk for the touchdown. Escaping the pocket and running left, Purdy would throw across the field to find his target for the early score, and although it would be a success, his coach was not a fan. In his postgame press conference, coach Kyle Shanahan recalled the play as, "one of his worst decisions I think he's made since he's been here." While the daring play didn't win his coach over, it did help give his team an early 7-0 lead. The opening-drive score for the 49ers would be their sixth opening-drive touchdown on the season, the most in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Jags defense had given up zero opening-drive touchdowns on the year up to that point, allowing only 3-points on opening-drives which ranked as the fewest in the league. The theme of those first drives would be commonplace throughout the afternoon for both teams.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Getting back to back stops on defense by forcing another Jacksonville three and out as the 49ers got to Lawrence for the second time in as many drives, the 49ers added to their lead with a Jake Moody field goal to take a 10-0 lead. The Jaguars would finally get the ball across midfield in the second quarter on their fourth possession, but two plays after their biggest play yet, a 16-yard run, the 49ers would force the first of many turnovers on the day as Bosa and Young combined for the sack just like old times, forcing a turnover recovered by the defense. Exchanging field goals before the half, the Niners took a 13-3 lead into halftime. Turning things up a notch on both sides of the ball to start the second half, Brock Purdy recorded the longest touchdown pass of his career on a deep ball to his tight-end George Kittle, launching a 66-yard strike just two plays into the half as Kittle was able to walk into the end zone untouched. The 49er defense would then string together three straight drives with forced turnovers as two interceptions and a fumble ignited a busy day for defensive-coordinator Steve Wilkes who was on the hot seat after the Niners' recent skid and was asked by coach Shanahan to ditch the press box in favor of calling the game from the field. Safe to say it worked.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEfJxK7K9DiKjHtPkES28cm4f78gdjjYv1c8sRE3sRw6wQ1BxBeyIQdxy6NPVGt9Fl8aK2w3Z8YQqF-NF1HSSldo4TzEEBUOf8wlBB2dS9Aanz86WkHCId5mSkkigg4G7yn593jyWOXA7dOK1naC_HrPQeKJEdYHLgUSMBOAsnSrkwGjYUkUSY8iPiWA/s462/49ers%20Blog%20Week%2010%20Kittle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEfJxK7K9DiKjHtPkES28cm4f78gdjjYv1c8sRE3sRw6wQ1BxBeyIQdxy6NPVGt9Fl8aK2w3Z8YQqF-NF1HSSldo4TzEEBUOf8wlBB2dS9Aanz86WkHCId5mSkkigg4G7yn593jyWOXA7dOK1naC_HrPQeKJEdYHLgUSMBOAsnSrkwGjYUkUSY8iPiWA/s16000/49ers%20Blog%20Week%2010%20Kittle.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Jacksonville's one and only trip to the red zone in the second half would end in disaster when receiver Christian Kirk fumbled inside the 10-yard line after being tackled by San Francisco's Ambry Thomas. The turnover was initially returned 92-yards for a touchdown by Thomas, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by the 49er sideline nullified the big play as players were called for stepping onto the field before the play was over. Although the touchdown on defense would be called back, the offense would make up for it just a few plays later as utilityman Deebo Samuel returned to the lineup in a big way with a 23-yard rushing touchdown. After missing the last two games with a shoulder injury and all but one possession of the game prior to that, Deebo helped the 49er offense get back to their old ways alongside left-tackle Trent Williams who also returned after sustaining an injury to the Browns in Week 6, the same game Deebo was injured in.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The 49er defense would intercept Trevor Lawrence a second time on Jacksonville's following possession to open the fourth quarter thanks to a pick from linebacker Fred Warner, as Javon Hargrave applied pressure that led to the errant pass. Putting the final nail in the coffin would be 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk who hauled in a 22-yard grab, making it a 34-3 lead and putting the game well out of reach. Brock Purdy was able to sit the rest of the way, allowing Sam Darnold to finish the game under center. With star running back Christian McCaffrey sitting at 17 consecutive games with a touchdown, tied with Hall of Famer Lenny Moore for the all-time record, coach Shanahan dialed up multiple plays down the stretch in the fourth quarter for McCaffrey who had his eyes set on history. However, everyone in the building knew the ball was going to McCaffrey, including the Jags who sniffed out a pass attempt near the goal line, denying McCaffrey and forcing the turnover on downs.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgREy3n7mLi8rlSr4Rw-U4_Z8kfaD_QY4eRyy2RkR-mS5UubYG09SACBNECPZ3IMwJH87noey-03Kf-0wtsyJ4v6eEZCga5j5Yq4vCakvxkXTr2hAWww3KUUKrlPhbiNjFyZlCF_XRDb0ZBnDaog0xWrgSPELhl12MpxbD2fI-TJeivbZFOyRZIRb57Q/s461/49ers%20Week%2010%20Brock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHgREy3n7mLi8rlSr4Rw-U4_Z8kfaD_QY4eRyy2RkR-mS5UubYG09SACBNECPZ3IMwJH87noey-03Kf-0wtsyJ4v6eEZCga5j5Yq4vCakvxkXTr2hAWww3KUUKrlPhbiNjFyZlCF_XRDb0ZBnDaog0xWrgSPELhl12MpxbD2fI-TJeivbZFOyRZIRb57Q/s16000/49ers%20Week%2010%20Brock.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Putting up a career-high passer rating of 148.9 and completing 73% of his passes, 49ers QB Brock Purdy did manage to make history of his own as Sunday's win marked the 3rd time in Purdy's professional career that he recorded at least three touchdowns and a passer rating of 140 or more, joining Kurt Warner as the only other QB in NFL history to accomplish that feat during their first two seasons in the league. Completing 19 of 26 passes for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns, Purdy helped the Niners score 30+ points for the sixth time this season, the most in the NFL. Even more impressive, all 3 of Purdy's TD's against the Jags traveled over 10 yards in the air with a time to throw off at least 2.5 seconds. Only five QB's have recorded a game with three such TD's this season, and Purdy is the only one to accomplish it multiple times. Elsewhere, the league's leading-rusher McCaffrey logged his 6th game this season with 100+ scrimmage yards (95 rushing, 47 receiving), the most in the NFL. Tight-end George Kittle led all receivers with 116 yards receiving and a touchdown on only three receptions. For Jacksonville, QB Trevor Lawrence was held to just 185 yards passing and 0 touchdowns, while throwing 2 interceptions and was sacked five times on the afternoon.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 11 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The (6-3) 49ers will look to build upon their most recent win in dominant fashion when they return home to Levi's Stadium to face Baker Mayfield and the (4-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’ll be the first time Brock Purdy faces Tampa Bay since making his first career start against them in Week 14 a season ago, helping defeat the Tom Brady-led Bucs by a final score of 35-7 and putting the league on notice that he was more than just the latest Mr. Irrelevant. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Coming off a 20-6 win at home over the Tennessee Titans, the former 1st overall pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2018, has enjoyed a resurgent year under-center in his first season with the Bucs, having thrown 14 touchdowns to just 5 interceptions and has his team playing respectable football in what has been a poor division up to this point. One player that will look to contain Mayfield is Nick Bosa who had some fun the last time he faced Mayfield, planting the flag in his famous sack celebration that was in reference to Mayfield planting the Oklahoma Sooners flag at midfield in a win over Ohio State when the two faced off in college. Coming off his best game of the season with 1.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery which earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, Bosa will try to exact more revenge against Mayfield and apply pressure on the quarterback for a San Francisco defense that now leads the league in interceptions with 13 on the year.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p><p><br /></p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-1617899851511763422023-10-31T00:21:00.001-07:002023-11-02T15:56:41.521-07:00Skid continues for Niners who drop third straight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Vw7679Xlrg1KZr5TBxXdfDU1n3XQQxaEBDJNYvSqof1hBsfymCI2wkriIdEDyTaQU6ttCWjPlT0hPQNRfHVhNbbXL-lJJ9Al2nOj6fqvLRltDFbnvG3zDj_KTkh13QmnmgsPEgyHlCwuVaNlF1-L-ZUN1VNz2Y_T5lrs_yO_NYMO2jQWIPqM0_f3qBo/s465/49ers%20Bengals%20blog%202%20pick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Vw7679Xlrg1KZr5TBxXdfDU1n3XQQxaEBDJNYvSqof1hBsfymCI2wkriIdEDyTaQU6ttCWjPlT0hPQNRfHVhNbbXL-lJJ9Al2nOj6fqvLRltDFbnvG3zDj_KTkh13QmnmgsPEgyHlCwuVaNlF1-L-ZUN1VNz2Y_T5lrs_yO_NYMO2jQWIPqM0_f3qBo/s16000/49ers%20Bengals%20blog%202%20pick.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 8 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">After never enduring a single loss during the regular season a year ago after taking over the reigns of the Niners' starting quarterback position in Week 14, Brock Purdy entered Sunday's Week 8 tilt versus a rejuvenated Cincinnati Bengals team that had won back to back games after getting off to a slow 2-3 start. With their own week 9 bye on the horizon, the sluggish 49ers who are limping to the break, faced a team coming off the bye week for a second consecutive week. With an extra week to prepare for their opponent, Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense looked the part and came out guns blazing, leaving much to desire from the San Francisco defense that hasn't looked like their normal self in each of the last two weeks after dominating their opponents through the first five weeks of the season. Despite their recent struggles and two-game skid, Brock Purdy who was cleared to play on Saturday after being in the league's concussion protocol as recent as Wednesday, still entered Sunday's game with a perfect record of 8-0 at home in his career. His perfect track record at home would be in jeopardy on Sunday, as was San Francisco's 11-game home winning streak which dates back to their last loss at home over a year ago on October 23, 2022 versus Kansas City.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Winning the coin-toss and electing to defer, the Cincinnati defense sniffed out a rush attempt by the 49ers fullback on 3rd and 1, forcing a three and out punt on San Francisco's opening-drive. Equally as impressive was the Bengals offense which marched 80-yards on 12-plays before finding the end zone for an early lead, marking their third consecutive game with an opening-drive touchdown for the first time since 2016. Answering quickly with a score of their own, Purdy connected on a 31-yard pass to receiver Brandon Aiyuk before running back Christian McCaffrey tied the game at 7-all with a 2-yard rushing touchdown. With his 17th consecutive game with a touchdown (including playoffs), McCaffrey tied Baltimore Colts Hall of Famer Lenny Moore for the longest touchdown streak in NFL history. Cincy's Joe Burrow would tally an impressive streak of his own by opening the game with a career-best 18 consecutive completions, including a pass on the final play of the 1st quarter for a 2-yard touchdown to rookie receiver Andrei Iosivas. The Bengals would look to add a field goal to their lead one possession later, but kicker Evan McPherson missed wide-right from 50-yards out, keeping it a one-score game.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwjSMMHkTGayXGFyS8I78dEeFzhkzYJhv1yrYyoUXZiQGRZFAFQdoc4VNni0e-uCzwiI65th_yFbg0hSlrv2hYaihSX3vbgUNSmMFoNaiVE0mfcwJeZ_ulpQtH1tuE5zoo1QnMi0GmptEFAJpWpFvMhPPMh-Wa6EyVPPBvQdWTdpa4cwBspaKGqF4wGk/s456/49ers%20blog%20CMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZwjSMMHkTGayXGFyS8I78dEeFzhkzYJhv1yrYyoUXZiQGRZFAFQdoc4VNni0e-uCzwiI65th_yFbg0hSlrv2hYaihSX3vbgUNSmMFoNaiVE0mfcwJeZ_ulpQtH1tuE5zoo1QnMi0GmptEFAJpWpFvMhPPMh-Wa6EyVPPBvQdWTdpa4cwBspaKGqF4wGk/s16000/49ers%20blog%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">On the other end, the 49ers inched closer with a field goal from Jake Moody on San Francisco's ensuing possession. The 49er defense would get an even bigger break during Cincinnati's next drive which spanned 10-plays for 71-yards and appeared destined for the end zone before going up in flames on a fumble inside the 5-yard line by tight-end Irv Smith as Clelin Ferrell forced the turnover. San Francisco would try to get within field goal range before the half, but with 31-seconds on the clock and no timeouts to work with, they would run out of time to try to clock the ball in hopes of giving their kicker a chance. The Bengals would add a field goal to open the second half thanks to the legs of quarterback Joe Burrow who finished Sunday's game with more rushing yards against San Francisco (43) than he had in the team's first six games this season combined, showing that his once injured calf is doing just fine. Purdy would also have a strong day on the ground, finishing with a career-high 57 rushing yards on 6 carries, besting McCaffrey by 3-yards. After a 12-yard run got the 49ers inside the red zone, San Francisco looked like they were going to tie the game before a nonchalant pass intended for backup running back Elijah Mitchell was picked off.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Unable to do anything with the turnover, the Bengals were held to a punt. San Francisco would not be so fortunate on their next possession, however, as Purdy was intercepted again on his very next pass attempt, giving him two interceptions in as many passes and his first career game at home with multiple interceptions. Burrow and company would capitalize, needing only one play as the Bengals signal-caller hit Ja'Marr Chase for a 17-yard touchdown reception. Purdy and the Niners would answer with a touchdown of their own as Christian McCaffrey added a 4-yard receiving touchdown to his productive day, giving him 14 career games with a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game, 2nd all-time to Marshall Faulk's record of 15 such games. Trailing by a touchdown and in need of stop, the 49er defense was unable to contain Bengals running back Joe Mixon who added a devastating 9-yard touchdown run to put the 49ers out of their misery. One final last-ditch effort by Purdy would go sideways when he was sacked and stripped of the ball to put the final nail in the coffin as the Niners fell 31-17 for their third straight loss.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPYc-Z40u-yfz-QGKChGnT-fwtBTUntyRxOBaPPTSeb7AMXpGzg8V2udRStdBS0YGJ7VIF3ZFLvHKnhcEdBZ_sifBn4-F2crCuUcWUUZd5hN0-7lhb8xI5VtbLsTYz74PIg2sAEi1FhUagBmb4jarIGGj9oOdFx_p2Ls_DEt1up57INEyYI17YPtjqfo/s444/49ers%20Bengals%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPYc-Z40u-yfz-QGKChGnT-fwtBTUntyRxOBaPPTSeb7AMXpGzg8V2udRStdBS0YGJ7VIF3ZFLvHKnhcEdBZ_sifBn4-F2crCuUcWUUZd5hN0-7lhb8xI5VtbLsTYz74PIg2sAEi1FhUagBmb4jarIGGj9oOdFx_p2Ls_DEt1up57INEyYI17YPtjqfo/s16000/49ers%20Bengals%20blog.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Joe Burrow who entered Sunday 3-0 against the NFC West this season, completed the sweep of the division by throwing for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brock Purdy tallied 365 yards and 1 touchdown, but his fumble and two interceptions would prove to be costly. Christian McCaffrey added a pair of touchdowns to give him 22 scrimmage TD's since joining San Francisco via trade last season, and had over 100 total yards (54 rushing, 64 receiving), while tight-end George Kittle and receiver Brandon Aiyuk both eclipsed the century mark in receiving yards with 149 and 109, respectively. Ja'Marr Chase of the Bengals led all receivers with 10 receptions and finished with an even 100 yards receiving and 1 TD.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 10 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">When the (5-3) 49ers return from the BYE Week, they'll be headed to Duval County to face the (6-2) Jacksonville Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Winners of five straight games, the Jags and Niners are two teams that appear to be going in completely opposite directions as Jacksonville got off to a slow start but has been on a tear as of late, whereas San Francisco seemed unbeatable out of the gates and now resembles a reeling team in desperate need of righting the course. The bye comes at a pivotal time for Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers who since losing receiver and Swiss Army knife Deebo Samuel to injury in Week 6, have been playing like a team with an identity crisis as they seem lost and unable to find their rhythm without one of their key cogs. Although rough at times, the defense has also taken a step back from their dominant start to the season, but hopes to get back on track with a little help thanks to a big move made by GM John Lynch who had already made a move a few weeks earlier with the addition of Randy Gregory.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ymc5X2ezeXQz3wCASgpAVxblTbgE0Q9XMD4ccX0KX8gZlCHlzAwWItfqvDRfsrTYxSnDPEHVpZ2qrZtEZN_rFFl3Rw94axmPAXgt7_SBzLWKfci3aDmszxwR0mwd_kZ68wQcuCCCaB7jcysKtBnwrU9pFnriVSbECiJ3TSLSR0xeEr-Svyz7LXpxiPU/s461/49ers%20blog%20Chase%20Bosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ymc5X2ezeXQz3wCASgpAVxblTbgE0Q9XMD4ccX0KX8gZlCHlzAwWItfqvDRfsrTYxSnDPEHVpZ2qrZtEZN_rFFl3Rw94axmPAXgt7_SBzLWKfci3aDmszxwR0mwd_kZ68wQcuCCCaB7jcysKtBnwrU9pFnriVSbECiJ3TSLSR0xeEr-Svyz7LXpxiPU/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Chase%20Bosa.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Just before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, the 49ers went out and made a splash by acquiring defensive-end Chase Young from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a third-round pick. Young, at 24 years old, is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year Award winner and former teammate of Nick Bosa as the tandem spent two seasons together at Ohio State where they tallied a combined total of 33 sacks as teammates from 2017-18. Both players were drafted with the No. 2 overall pick one year apart by their respective teams and will now reunite in hopes of helping provide a boost to San Francisco's pass rush. Young is slated to be a free-agent at the conclusion of the 2023 season after the Commanders declined to pick up his fifth-year option during the offseason due to his injury history. After his Defensive Rookie of the Year campaign in 2020 which also included a trip to the Pro Bowl, an ACL tear limited Young to only 3 games last season. However, Young has enjoyed a bounce back season up to this point and joins SF with 5 sacks thru 7 games this season after leading Washington in the category.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-3766013616359449642023-10-25T14:40:00.001-07:002023-10-27T22:14:47.046-07:0049ers Upended by Vikes in Monday Night Upset<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR2_JgN68t6G_mS4XJ6nTFQWPpGj_bq7sDWKjuYo2K6maJRpVfQLugCehWgJUozyy2tujibe5769cLmKtl87X-iEwtrutMrqNSNj-01h43OKgBuGoGaPjzaSzZB1cSoM8Xp9NKuu9onrOzapUD2kICTYtj0zlMxQ83MRWuSjxQpIT0xm-80PAzc_OMW8/s450/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20Addison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOR2_JgN68t6G_mS4XJ6nTFQWPpGj_bq7sDWKjuYo2K6maJRpVfQLugCehWgJUozyy2tujibe5769cLmKtl87X-iEwtrutMrqNSNj-01h43OKgBuGoGaPjzaSzZB1cSoM8Xp9NKuu9onrOzapUD2kICTYtj0zlMxQ83MRWuSjxQpIT0xm-80PAzc_OMW8/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20Addison.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 7 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The lingering taste of defeat for the first time this season would last an extra day longer for the (5-1) San Francisco 49ers who after suffering a loss against the Browns in Cleveland, had to wait until Monday Night Football to clear their pallet in hopes of redeeming themselves as they paid a visit to Minnesota to face the (2-4) Vikings. While the 49ers offense can be described as a cocktail made up of all of the finest top-shelf ingredients when healthy, receiver Deebo Samuel could be thought of as the straw that stirs the drink. That straw would be missing as Kyle Shanahan's offense would be without Samuel who is currently sidelined for at least three weeks with a hairline fracture in his shoulder. Appearing lost at times on offense in last week's loss to the Browns after Samuel left the game following the team's opening-drive, the 49ers went on to put up their fewest amount of total yards under coach Shanahan with just 215. The 49er offense would struggle again under the bright lights of Monday Night Football without one of their biggest playmakers. Seeking their first win in Minnesota since 1992, San Francisco's dominant defense was anything but on Monday night.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Things looked promising to start the game for the Niners before enduring a series of mistakes that would prove to be costly. Vikings running back Alexander Mattison ripped off a 19-yard carry on Minnesota's first play from scrimmage for his longest rush of the season. But two plays later, the 49ers would have the opposition right where they wanted them as cornerback Charvarius Ward came up with an interception after winning a fight for the ball from Vikings rookie receiver Jordan Addison. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy would come out guns blazing for the San Francisco offense, distributing the ball to a variety of targets by tossing completions of 10, 11 and 9 yards to George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, respectively, before the struggles ensued. Niners running back Christian McCaffrey who was questionable to appear in Monday's game not only got the start, but scored two touchdowns. Before finding the end zone later on, McCaffrey would cough up a fumble that cost his team valuable points inside the red zone. Capitalizing on the turnover, the Vikings would march 89-yards down the field to score the game's first points with a touchdown pass from Kirk Cousins.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9FnqU-lOBCjwy55bq1t0uPHZ9KxGHoLT3o3VXWyPjFEJggpDjZx4CJLdYah9iyOf004wmv8CO2OXyVjFGkEDDHhetRXO9ohtk0jSUK9eRoOcwzYpo8UD_PYrFweTwfDEd8eC7_poIAQ3YOtUk-d-wXB7rZwuSNk7MoMxUsAB4i5Ty52OS9JoEHKGDC8/s448/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20Cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="278" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9FnqU-lOBCjwy55bq1t0uPHZ9KxGHoLT3o3VXWyPjFEJggpDjZx4CJLdYah9iyOf004wmv8CO2OXyVjFGkEDDHhetRXO9ohtk0jSUK9eRoOcwzYpo8UD_PYrFweTwfDEd8eC7_poIAQ3YOtUk-d-wXB7rZwuSNk7MoMxUsAB4i5Ty52OS9JoEHKGDC8/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20Cousins.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With Cousins the subject of trade rumors, the Vikings signal-caller would increase his stock drastically despite entering the game with an all-time record of 2-10 on Monday Night Football. In spite of his poor numbers in primetime throughout his career, Cousins would register one of his best games yet considering his opponent. Even without his best target in wideout Justin Jefferson who is on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury, Cousins shined against one of his biggest fans and former offensive coordinators in 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan as the two spent two seasons in Washington together during their time with the Redskins. Sparking his stellar performance was the early touchdown to Addison who would go on to have a career night of his own. The touchdown would mark the first 1st quarter touchdown of the season by the Minnesota offense as well as the first 1st quarter touchdown surrendered by the 49er defense all season. San Francisco would find themselves in rare territory, marking the first time this season that the opposition scored first in a game against them.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Looking to answer, the 49er offense got within field goal range on their ensuing possession, but rookie kicker Jake Moody who missed two field goals in last week's loss including a potential game-winner in the final seconds, missed another field goal in the first quarter from 40-yards out. With Minnesota adding a field goal of their own one possession later to take a 10-0 lead, San Francisco appeared to be headed into the locker room at the half with some momentum following a 3-yard rushing touchdown from McCaffrey with just over a minute remaining before halftime. Instead, Cousins and the Vikings offense dealt a blow to any sort of momentum shift in favor of the 49ers as the Minnesota QB connected on another touchdown to the aforementioned Addison. Redeeming himself from having the ball pried away from his hands on the Vikings' first possession, Addison was able to fight off Ward and outwrestle him for the ball before springing loose for the 60-yard score with just seconds to spare before the half.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6c4P1wtC7epVmqbISOObmgqwfZZh-8msygkejoJ3k4EG9dzAFtVlEg4yZLlwLIW8xE6MeQK7QYZKpoVCD-MCHU1XGBeKKKBZtyptw8iIdpXnjFNMXhZM6S4WZnY0mHEMCN3WQ_l4EmLO-IbWWZZuIADlKPe6dbXZzQa_nbSpqkhyrci7Rj2LKwE1NDc/s450/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20CMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6c4P1wtC7epVmqbISOObmgqwfZZh-8msygkejoJ3k4EG9dzAFtVlEg4yZLlwLIW8xE6MeQK7QYZKpoVCD-MCHU1XGBeKKKBZtyptw8iIdpXnjFNMXhZM6S4WZnY0mHEMCN3WQ_l4EmLO-IbWWZZuIADlKPe6dbXZzQa_nbSpqkhyrci7Rj2LKwE1NDc/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Instead of receiving the ball at the half and trailing by only a field goal, Brock Purdy and the 49er offense suddenly found themselves in a 9-point hole that would only get worse before it got better. After opening the second half with a punt on offense by the 49ers, the Vikings would add another field goal to increase their lead to 19-7, San Francisco's largest deficit of the season. Making quick work of their next possession, however, Purdy and company needed only three plays from scrimmage to strike back with McCaffrey finding the end zone for his second time of the night. After a rushing touchdown earlier in the first half, McCaffrey added a 35-yard receiving touchdown to make it a one-score game. It would also be McCaffrey's 16th consecutive game with a scrimmage touchdown (including playoffs), setting a new NFL record. With the Vikings adding another field goal to their lead before the end of the third quarter, the 49ers entered the fourth trailing, 22-14. In need of all the points they could get, San Francisco added a field goal from Moody who redeemed himself a bit with a booming 55-yarder to inch his team closer.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In desperate need of a stop on defense, San Francisco forced the first Vikings punt of the game in the fourth quarter. A week after giving his team a chance to kick a walk-off field goal before things went south, Purdy was given another chance pull off a comeback victory in the fourth quarter. Things were looking up as the Niners made their way to midfield, but that's as far as they would get on the drive as an errant pass sailed on Juaun Jennings for an interception. After a missed field goal attempt by Vikings kicker Greg Joseph kept it a 22-17 lead, Purdy would get one final chance with 1:11 remaining in regulation. After making it into enemy territory with a pair of strikes to receiver Ray-Ray McCloud, Purdy overthrew a ball to McCloud that was also intercepted, sealing the upset win for Minnesota and giving Purdy his first career multi-interception game. While the 49er offense was far from great, the loss was attributed to the San Francisco defense's inability to get off the field on third downs as they were carved alive by Cousins virtually all night long on third down and were unsuccessful in getting to the quarterback, failing to log a single sack.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEoJYpgIDtGb14t0jOxDZKRtno61-yQPkFDKU9merG-ieh7VxY9YCOzgbBUek_WYfcuEL2JqRRbUMW55sG5fsbFMzB-O_AwigOvnZTQivw83T5PMvCqFlWnGbQHzjbtv1cxkNd6t4QCqpJnWLOfmPDBF7e8FnQiRL5J6kX83DXPMunXzHsMwAsBtxcs4/s450/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20Brock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWEoJYpgIDtGb14t0jOxDZKRtno61-yQPkFDKU9merG-ieh7VxY9YCOzgbBUek_WYfcuEL2JqRRbUMW55sG5fsbFMzB-O_AwigOvnZTQivw83T5PMvCqFlWnGbQHzjbtv1cxkNd6t4QCqpJnWLOfmPDBF7e8FnQiRL5J6kX83DXPMunXzHsMwAsBtxcs4/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%207%20Brock.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Cousins completed 35 of 45 passes and threw for 378 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the win. Meanwhile, his counterpart Brock Purdy threw for 272 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions, completing 21 of 30 pass attempts. Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison logged a career-high 123 yards receiving and 2 touchdowns to lead all players.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 8 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Suddenly the bye week can't some soon enough for the (5-2) 49ers who appear to be limping their way to finish line. Having lost two straight after a 5-0 start to the season, Brock Purdy and company will look to get back in the win column as they return home to face Joe Burrow and the (3-3) Cincinnati Bengals. Coming off a bye of their own, the Bengals who have won two straight after a disappointing 1-3 start, will look to add to San Francisco's misery as they've had a full week to prepare for them. With a lingering calf injury to blame for Burrow's slow start, the former Heisman Trophy winner has looked a little better as the season's progressed, but he's still been a far cry from the Burrow we've grown accustomed to seeing playing at a Pro Bowl level. The San Francisco defense will look to get back on track with a bounce back performance in front of the Faithful at Levi's Stadium. As for the offense, they might be without Brock Purdy who's been in the league's concussion protocol that has limited his practice time all week. If he doesn't progress, expect to see backup Sam Darnold under center for the first time as the 49ers starter.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-20824121561706012712023-10-16T23:07:00.008-07:002023-10-30T22:40:09.355-07:0049ers Fall to Browns on Missed Field Goal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxCRu2Lyt9r86bp-XczhyphenhyphenF7SXGmZ81LgsERIvLSwOY-UjA2rGDMuBfGjdQJUMP5cTqZJArbQ0ky_IXiVgQ6j7h3k8ZcvzzR6_8RH-B4SrkHRsZA4w3sPt5Fn_jgbZMxkHYiESpfdSKzvwXA2uHklFMbZSlOU1mRL9hpe0P0NEYBK8leO5FrcphWXLTOk/s455/49ers%20blog%20Week%206%20PJ%20Walker.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxCRu2Lyt9r86bp-XczhyphenhyphenF7SXGmZ81LgsERIvLSwOY-UjA2rGDMuBfGjdQJUMP5cTqZJArbQ0ky_IXiVgQ6j7h3k8ZcvzzR6_8RH-B4SrkHRsZA4w3sPt5Fn_jgbZMxkHYiESpfdSKzvwXA2uHklFMbZSlOU1mRL9hpe0P0NEYBK8leO5FrcphWXLTOk/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%206%20PJ%20Walker.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 6 - </span></b><span style="color: #f1c232;">A week after facing the NFL's top-scoring defense and hanging 42-points on them in route to a blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys, the (5-0) San Francisco 49ers took to the road to face the (2-2) Cleveland Browns who own the league's No. 1 defense in terms of yardage. What was expected to be an all out brawl between two of football's best defenses, started with a bit of fisticuffs even before kickoff as players from both teams nearly came to blows and needed to be separated at midfield. But by the time the game had started, it would be the officiating crew that both teams would've preferred getting their hands on as the two teams combined for 25 penalties and over 200 penalty yards, the most in the NFL this season in both categories. While the refs made a number of bad calls for both teams all afternoon long, none would be worse or come at a more pivotal time than a phantom "unnecessary roughness" call that happened late in the fourth quarter, helping fuel an upset victory for the home team.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">For whatever reason, the San Francisco 49ers have had a rough time when playing on the road in Cleveland, somewhere they haven't won since 1984. Albeit they rarely play there, the Niners entered Sunday's game 0-3 in their last three visits to Cleveland. And while those struggles would continue again on Sunday, not before the Niners got off to a blazing start on offense, needing only 6-plays to capitalize on the game's opening-drive with a touchdown from one of San Francisco's usual suspects. Benefitting from two big penalties by the Cleveland defense who clearly had it in mind to rough up Niners running back Christian McCaffrey with an unnecessary roughness call for a late hit out of bounds and a face mask call two plays apart, McCaffrey made them pay by taking a Brock Purdy shovel pass 13-yards to the end zone. It would be McCaffrey's 15th straight game with a touchdown (including postseason), tying him for the second-longest streak in league history. But as good as the Niners looked on offense on their opening-drive, they would struggle to produce another drive like it the rest of the way.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhTkAzwfdu0eKjV-cMdcjqBWSnM3bjEdIsDZ9GfP-VlIi7FgJMB5SP2SuUMzRLM9vQZlthcxnez4N8lKfu01Y-qDh_gQ0HjvGNrDcq_kzgrwAudIi5eacZOLuaWyOvNnGGdPgizRMlPa6-pJSVMdJzTMcigmdK3OAtwB6_Q8ArsQrNvK2cV1EFWkv3Sc/s459/49ers%20blog%20CMC%20Facemask%20Week%206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhTkAzwfdu0eKjV-cMdcjqBWSnM3bjEdIsDZ9GfP-VlIi7FgJMB5SP2SuUMzRLM9vQZlthcxnez4N8lKfu01Y-qDh_gQ0HjvGNrDcq_kzgrwAudIi5eacZOLuaWyOvNnGGdPgizRMlPa6-pJSVMdJzTMcigmdK3OAtwB6_Q8ArsQrNvK2cV1EFWkv3Sc/s16000/49ers%20blog%20CMC%20Facemask%20Week%206.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With Browns first-string quarterback Deshaun Watson scratched for a second consecutive game due to a shoulder injury, Cleveland would call on PJ Walker, making him their third starting QB in their last three games. Making things difficult for Walker on his first drive would be the Niner defense who got off to an impressive start of their own as linebacker Fred Warner made a nice play to jump the route and come up with an interception he nearly took to the house. Unfortunately, Brock Purdy and the offense would go backwards as they lost yards on back to back plays and were forced to settle for a field goal try that rookie kicker Jake Moody missed on from 54-yards out. Moody's miss would spark what would ultimately be a bizarre day for both team's kickers as Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins missed a 47-yarder on Cleveland's ensuing possession. Moody would redeem himself two possessions later by knocking down a 25-yard attempt to give the Niners a 10-0 lead in the second quarter, but the Browns would bite into that lead to make it a one-score game before the half. Receiver Amari Cooper would be quite the security blanket for Browns quarterback PJ Walker who caught only four passes on the day, but tallied 108 yards receiving, including 58 on a reception that helped setup Cleveland's lone touchdown of the afternoon: a 16-yard scamper from running back Kareem Hunt.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The Niners who had managed to stay healthy for the most part and avoid the injury bug thru the first 5 weeks of the season, would not be able to say the same on Sunday as a number of key players would be lost on offense, including a trio of Pro Bowlers in receiver Deebo Samuel, running back Christian McCaffrey and left-tackle Trent Williams. Though Williams (ankle) would eventually reenter the game, Samuel (shoulder) would not see the field after the opening-drive and McCaffrey (oblique) would be ruled out in the second half. Missing two of their best weapons, the holes created by their absence were very visible down the stretch as Purdy and the San Francisco offense struggled for the first time this season. While the emergence of Purdy has been a saving grace for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, last year's Mr. Irrelevant finally had the type of game that we all knew was bound to take place, only it would take him 12 regular season games to have it. The 49ers QB was off the mark virtually all afternoon long for the first time in his career, missing on passes we've grown accustomed to him making and even showing signs of panic when he was hurried in the pocket. Purdy would throw his first interception of 2023 and his 72 yards in the first half would be his fewest in a first half this season.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY_vkEZ_Crsu1k4WkHGv8Hl0qFvmWWLrPVZOg_Ym479m3UmS2RPdUI7jOvZFiQju1gkLLSEIMYRDWzCBwJdBA7aP0ESMOY1PjbtbDwsZFfuhtz5UOrKkJ7VXNtsQQhrOLfXHMz7cGgXKO0PlvCgVXxQDxUROPhee1q7FARn4X2JnV-fo2Y2W-zKuT79s/s456/49ers%20blog%20Week%206%20Garrett.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY_vkEZ_Crsu1k4WkHGv8Hl0qFvmWWLrPVZOg_Ym479m3UmS2RPdUI7jOvZFiQju1gkLLSEIMYRDWzCBwJdBA7aP0ESMOY1PjbtbDwsZFfuhtz5UOrKkJ7VXNtsQQhrOLfXHMz7cGgXKO0PlvCgVXxQDxUROPhee1q7FARn4X2JnV-fo2Y2W-zKuT79s/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%206%20Garrett.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Even then, Purdy would be given a chance to silence the critics late in the fourth quarter as the Niners would find themselves trailing in the second half for the first time this season after a pair of third quarter field goals by Cleveland. It would be rare territory for San Francisco who entered Sunday's game having trailed at any point of a game for only 1-minute and 45-seconds this season. They would see that mark climb to 7-minutes and 1-second in Sunday's game alone. The 49ers would recapture the lead in the fourth quarter after the defense came up with a second interception thanks to cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, setting up backup running back Jordan Mason who scored one play later with an 8-yard rushing touchdown. Cleveland would answer with field goals on consecutive drives, the second of which would come with some help of the officials. After benefiting from an incomplete pass that should've been a PJ Walker fumble late in the second quarter, the Niners would be hosed again by more poor officiating.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Facing a huge 3rd down and 10, Walker rifled an incomplete pass to his receiver Elijah Moore who was hit by 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson. Although Gipson made a clean hit by definition and did not make contact with the head or neck area of the receiver, he was penalized for, "unnecessary roughness," giving Cleveland a key first down and new life instead of what would've been a 4th and 10 pinned back at their own 26 yard line. The Browns would be held to a field goal, but the damage would be done as Cleveland retook a 19-17 lead with under two-minutes remaining. Purdy and the 49er offense would convert three first downs on their next drive and march 45-yards in a minute and a half, setting up Jake Moody for a potential game-winning field goal. With his family in attendance, Moody would have plenty of distance on the kick, but failed to split the uprights as he missed wide-right to secure Cleveland's upset victory and hand the 49ers their first loss of the season. It would mark San Francisco's first loss in their last 16 regular season games, snapping the longest winning streak in team history. With only 215 yards of total offense for the Niners, it would be their lowest amount under coach Shanahan who took the head coaching job in 2017, and has struggled in his nine career matchups against Browns defensive-coordinator Jim Schwartz' defense, who is now 8-1 lifetime when opposing Shanahan's offense.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQjk4X3AL0U_fmtGIXu7SjoAqnNEnjLVa363SY2mubS_3kUPuM4k1teQMImlJpm1awtAFk8UFw-mXr6oTa67A-OS_xtE3nxXABLPWjQ2oGQ7RRjuq8NPKztBeo55kBgUcwYfCg-WuYo42b9i5T3SaAIy6MHt27vpADxc6Wt8TxnsB8yKuKpCiWvNaDc0/s455/49ers%20blog%20Week%206%20Moody%20missed%20FG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQjk4X3AL0U_fmtGIXu7SjoAqnNEnjLVa363SY2mubS_3kUPuM4k1teQMImlJpm1awtAFk8UFw-mXr6oTa67A-OS_xtE3nxXABLPWjQ2oGQ7RRjuq8NPKztBeo55kBgUcwYfCg-WuYo42b9i5T3SaAIy6MHt27vpADxc6Wt8TxnsB8yKuKpCiWvNaDc0/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Week%206%20Moody%20missed%20FG.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 7 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Continuing their latest road trip, the (5-1) 49ers will pay a visit to Minnesota on Monday Night Football to face the (2-4) Vikings who are coming off a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears. With Vikes quarterback Kirk Cousins the topic of trade talks, the QB once sought after by coach Shanahan, will be without his favorite target and arguably the best receiver in football as Justin Jefferson is on the Injured Reserve list with a hamstring injury. Cousins proved he can still lead a team to victory without his young receiver, but he'll be facing a more daunting task on Monday Night against an angry 49er defense that is looking to avenge their first loss of the season. With Deebo Samuel (shoulder) and Trent Williams (ankle) both listed as day to day, the extent of Christian McCaffrey's injury is still unknown, which might mean backups Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell carry the load for San Francisco's rushing attack in Week 7. I'd expect a bounce back performance from 49ers tight-end George Kittle who after his three touchdown performance against Dallas a week earlier, finished with only one reception for 1-yard on Sunday.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-15764897298815994432023-10-10T15:39:00.001-07:002023-10-10T15:39:11.147-07:0049ers Rope Cowboys for 32-point Beatdown <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Kbt-sb0WokPhXaePUIiLWc25-nQMzKoKtmbDm2v7L8HdUhwONvE_HcwgzvUc_ddt0N3TNFjr9tvyQCVQIjTlaa_b440tBXNDLIIJgO33AuSZRN4_2HQfWetQSPi4SQmvUiFzQl8thBcF0uBx6jMaPO2oTRSYxtDhBBi77mZTCjd3LYIQP7w-KX0FAA/s461/49ers%20flex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2Kbt-sb0WokPhXaePUIiLWc25-nQMzKoKtmbDm2v7L8HdUhwONvE_HcwgzvUc_ddt0N3TNFjr9tvyQCVQIjTlaa_b440tBXNDLIIJgO33AuSZRN4_2HQfWetQSPi4SQmvUiFzQl8thBcF0uBx6jMaPO2oTRSYxtDhBBi77mZTCjd3LYIQP7w-KX0FAA/s16000/49ers%20flex.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 5 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">What was supposed to be a heavyweight slugfest between the hosting (4-0) San Francisco 49ers and the visiting (3-1) Dallas Cowboys, was anything but as the game quickly turned into a one-sided beatdown in favor of the home team. From the opening kickoff, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys looked completely outmatched as the Niners showcased a number of weapons on both sides of the ball and proved just how lethal they can be when fully healthy and clicking on all cylinders. A week after riding their Pro-Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey to a four touchdown performance against Arizona which earned him FedEx Air & Ground Player of the Week honors for Week 4, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan went to his bag of tricks and dialed things up for a member of the 49er offense who had been quiet on the season prior to Sunday. A day before his 30th birthday, tight-end George Kittle had a night to remember by logging his first career 3 touchdown performance.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Before the blowout ensued, the matchup had everything a football fan could want from a statistical standpoint as Dallas entered the game touting the best scoring defense in the league allowing just 10.3 points per game compared to San Francisco's 14.5 which ranked 2nd. Two of the best offenses would also be represented as the Niners entered the game ranked 3rd with 31.3 points per game, versus Dallas' 31.0 points per game which ranks 4th. In fact, it would be just the 4th game in NFL history between teams averaging 30+ points per game and fewer than 15 points per game allowed. With 19-wins apiece in the all-time series matchup, plenty would be at stake for these two teams who have met in the playoffs in back to back years, stoking the flames and writing a new chapter in what was once the best rivalry in all of football. And while the rivalry isn't as heated as it once was, things appear to be headed in that direction once again.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nShXlTrtSFi7EX_8EjnOp06FIp7lzfXilk2C_xM1VMbKP9U6kECt88AzZU_tTEJPHgsqoKZ6pBmilZPcQLXOhybHwNt7pwn4P-OVDma77P4nSGYMEuOU4rAH10tWsGxUET6GzTpI-TWvCrOybBHuW-bhIffCkQt9XgbNOCJ2mJOz3gPZhr0ELVsqj3U/s469/49ers%20George%20Kittle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nShXlTrtSFi7EX_8EjnOp06FIp7lzfXilk2C_xM1VMbKP9U6kECt88AzZU_tTEJPHgsqoKZ6pBmilZPcQLXOhybHwNt7pwn4P-OVDma77P4nSGYMEuOU4rAH10tWsGxUET6GzTpI-TWvCrOybBHuW-bhIffCkQt9XgbNOCJ2mJOz3gPZhr0ELVsqj3U/s16000/49ers%20George%20Kittle.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Putting his 9-0 career regular season record on the line would be 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy who entered Sunday night's game with a league-best QB Rating of 115.1. Leading the NFL with 24-points scored on opening-drives through the first four weeks, the San Francisco offense continued their torrid pace and added to that mark with an opening-drive touchdown from Purdy to Kittle as the two connected on a 19-yard dart that found the 49ers tight-end all alone in the end zone. After both teams each exchanged a pair of punts, the Niners appeared to be in business when a heads up play was made by 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner who punched the ball free from Cowboys running back Tony Pollard. On the doorstep of another touchdown, McCaffrey would take a handoff to the 2-yard line before being stripped of the ball on his way down as he landed on a defender who jarred the ball loose and recovered the fumble near the goal-line. Unable to do anything with the turnover, Prescott and company were stopped in their tracks thanks to another highlight play from Fred Warner who came up with the sack on third down to force a punt. Needing only one play to do what they failed to do one possession earlier, Purdy executed on a flea-flicker to find Kittle streaking to the end zone again for another score.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Trailing 14-0, Dallas would finally put together a successful drive of their own after failing to convert a first down on their first four drives for the first time in a game since November 30, 2017 vs Washington. Highlighting a 13-play, 78-yard drive was Prescott who aired the ball out to KaVontae Turpin who found the end zone for a 26-yard touchdown. Looking to add to their lead and make it a two-score game heading into the half, the 49ers would string together a 12-play, 60-yard drive of their own, capitalizing on a 1-yard touchdown by Christian McCaffrey. With his parents in attendance watching from a suite, McCaffrey made history by tying an NFL record since the Super Bowl era, held by Cowboys great Emmitt Smith with 14 consecutive games with a touchdown. Trailing 21-7 at the half, Dallas opened the third quarter with the football and in dire need of a score. After failing to register a first down on 6 of 7 drives in the first half, the Cowboys offense appeared to be headed for a much better half as they added a field goal, but it would be the closest they'd get as San Francisco found the end zone on each of their next three possessions, while also intercepting Prescott on each of Dallas' next three ensuing drives.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVZ4QMz7fH4J7YcbAqTcobKI0pva0JTXWQhI3scqLO7-k_SJz6946sdpkWQM3IDwiQVx9650wnT4aGTKS1tQLn-55T-QFmYmoPqmI9YmqwkojSD38bJPLy20dj91fRaxHTrhLhyrYD8UN0N_7ewaQobb9z_IINEXXBUax-czEV-XtUSczQ1HZuLtVAoM/s456/49ers%20Fred.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVZ4QMz7fH4J7YcbAqTcobKI0pva0JTXWQhI3scqLO7-k_SJz6946sdpkWQM3IDwiQVx9650wnT4aGTKS1tQLn-55T-QFmYmoPqmI9YmqwkojSD38bJPLy20dj91fRaxHTrhLhyrYD8UN0N_7ewaQobb9z_IINEXXBUax-czEV-XtUSczQ1HZuLtVAoM/s16000/49ers%20Fred.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The first of three straight 49er touchdowns would go to George Kittle who made the most of all three of his receptions, finding the end zone for a third time on the night to tie Vernon Davis for the most touchdowns in a game by a 49ers tight-end. Completing the trifecta and celebrating his 30th birthday a day early, Kittle would endure somewhat of a renaissance as he failed to find the end zone in each of the team's first four games this season. The next 49ers touchdown would come from their Pro-Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk who hauled in the easy 1-yard score. Putting a nightcap on their busy night of scoring would be backup running back Jordan Mason who scored for the first time this season and for only the second time of his career. The second-year back darted thru a gaping hole and thrusted his way to the end zone for a 26-yard score, putting the game out of reach as the Niners took a commanding 42-10 lead in the fourth quarter. Coming up with the trio of Prescott interceptions would be Tashaun Gipson, Fred Warner, and Oren Burks. As for Warner, the 49ers' All-Pro linebacker became the first 49ers player to record a sack, interception and forced fumble in a game since NaVorro Bowman in 2013.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The 32-point loss would be the Cowboys' worst loss versus the 49ers in the history of the rivalry, which led Prescott to admit after the game, "this might be the most humbling game I've ever been a part of". Making matters worse, San Francisco outgained Dallas in total yards, 421 to 197 and also dominated in the time of possession battle: 37 minutes to Dallas' 23. The Dallas QB would throw for 153 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions in the loss. As for his counterpart, Niners QB Brock Purdy is now a perfect 10-0 in his career during the regular season. Last year's Mr. Irrelevant, Purdy now holds the 4th longest win-streak to start a career at quarterback and has to at least be among the top candidates for early MVP consideration. Finishing with 252 yards passing and a career-high 4 touchdown passes, Purdy continued to shine on Sunday against what was the league's Number 1 defense entering the game. The game got so out of hand at one point that 49er fans began chanting, "We want Trey" in reference to quarterback and former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance who the Niners traded to the Cowboys just days before the start of the season. Although Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy would empty out his bench, he would elect to go with backup QB Cooper Rush instead. Purdy and Lance were seen at midfield during warmups and shared a moment together before both teams suited up for battle.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNHTwCsfO_BlL_NXVIisH9ycqffyvhbGieKKUPer12J0zaT2v5x8uNd2bdNszfkd-EF0wSspU-NQu2O3nuYQSaJn98ybxZla0h85vAkXFRhWnayAsW1Yq6A2LdmhnY-s-doofifv5zfngEklAtdYKCKDO2rZcZ4O1y840cIoL0SxHM2dT8Mg1ChJqDhw/s468/49ers%20Dak%20out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNHTwCsfO_BlL_NXVIisH9ycqffyvhbGieKKUPer12J0zaT2v5x8uNd2bdNszfkd-EF0wSspU-NQu2O3nuYQSaJn98ybxZla0h85vAkXFRhWnayAsW1Yq6A2LdmhnY-s-doofifv5zfngEklAtdYKCKDO2rZcZ4O1y840cIoL0SxHM2dT8Mg1ChJqDhw/s16000/49ers%20Dak%20out.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 6 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The (5-0) 49ers will look to continue to roll as they hit the road to face the (2-2) Cleveland Browns in Week 6. Coming off a BYE, the Browns were held to just a field goal at home the week prior versus rival Baltimore. Struggling to find consistency in the offense, the Browns will need to make a laundry list of adjustments if they plan on turning things around against a stingy San Francisco team. Hitting the field without their Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb who suffered a serious knee injury in Week 2, backup running back Jerome Ford and quarterback Deshaun Watson will hope to catch the 49ers off guard and hand them a loss. Watson who missed Cleveland's last game as a surprise scratch with a shoulder injury, might be sidelined again if he isn't cleared in time for kickoff. As for the Niners, don't chalk this one up as a cake walk as San Francisco has had a rough go throughout their history when playing in Cleveland. While these two teams don't play each other very often, the 49ers have not won at Cleveland since 1984, having lost in each of their last three visits.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-44081594525016261162023-10-03T21:13:00.008-07:002023-10-03T21:14:31.351-07:0049ers Continue to Roll, Upend rival Cardinals <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTf1QdRD6dhkZxxb2MeTIb5tGdjyo5lTpvlXCBHzFUdvf2_qgiz3_UHNfmiLXx0CL9oSK5m0G2k7aNHQoIavKfTMcJCM6dgplPaRuaLOHsu8UiX7vgd5Yom7DqeDyNfAPGHmzLBJHvouJYGU_EsZiKZJMSdMBnEwUOujeFdpAImTJJtHE08LBxZUbkrg/s466/49ers%20Week%204%20Aiyuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTf1QdRD6dhkZxxb2MeTIb5tGdjyo5lTpvlXCBHzFUdvf2_qgiz3_UHNfmiLXx0CL9oSK5m0G2k7aNHQoIavKfTMcJCM6dgplPaRuaLOHsu8UiX7vgd5Yom7DqeDyNfAPGHmzLBJHvouJYGU_EsZiKZJMSdMBnEwUOujeFdpAImTJJtHE08LBxZUbkrg/s16000/49ers%20Week%204%20Aiyuk.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 4 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Looking to continue their red-hot start and keep their undefeated streak alive, the (3-0) San Francisco 49ers welcomed in the division rival (1-2) Arizona Cardinals who were coming off their first win of the season after an upset win over the Dallas Cowboys. A week after earning his first career win as a starter against a formidable Dallas defense, Arizona quarterback Joshua Dobbs would face another tough task in the daunting 49er defense. And although Dobbs would hold his own and finish with a solid outing overall, it wouldn't be enough as Niners QB Brock Purdy had a near perfect afternoon of his own, completing all but one pass in a game where San Francisco's playmakers on offense proved to be too much for a rebuilding Cardinals team.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Having won 13 consecutive regular season games entering Sunday's match-up between NFC Western Division foes, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers got things rolling right out of the gates on both sides of the ball. After the San Francisco defense forced a three and out punt on the Cardinals' opening-drive, the offense sparked a 10-play, 55-yard touchdown-scoring drive thanks to their star running back. As good as Purdy was on Sunday, his performance would be overshadowed by one of his key weapons on offense and early MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey who became the first player in 49ers franchise history to score a touchdown in 13 consecutive games, breaking a record held by the great Jerry Rice. Even after surpassing the mark of an all-time great, McCaffrey's busy day would be far from over as the game would soon turn into the Christian McCaffrey Show for much of the afternoon. With Arizona having not allowed an opening-drive score thru the first three weeks of the season, they would witness that streak come to an end as McCaffrey scored on San Francisco's first three possessions to start the game. With two touchdowns on the ground and one through the air, McCaffrey would have his fourth career 3-touchdown performance (first since 2019) and first in a 49ers uniform.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViv6gjsIKv2S6-3KbqByHqMoyz9m5AZ66NB94a-RkbXhgOiQqMGxrehgmR-G-m4_9W3MG19muKGoMUmRHrxk7W5C421xkqXnfM6jvFRRmE1mpPKM1I_nBul2xOT9y_uoeh9GRIG0c3ANzWs1Y9YhaNYUGUYF5JqRYh2-1nPFJLLnnRKAjM05u2MZB2gA/s461/49ers%20Week%204%20CMC%20rumbling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViv6gjsIKv2S6-3KbqByHqMoyz9m5AZ66NB94a-RkbXhgOiQqMGxrehgmR-G-m4_9W3MG19muKGoMUmRHrxk7W5C421xkqXnfM6jvFRRmE1mpPKM1I_nBul2xOT9y_uoeh9GRIG0c3ANzWs1Y9YhaNYUGUYF5JqRYh2-1nPFJLLnnRKAjM05u2MZB2gA/s16000/49ers%20Week%204%20CMC%20rumbling.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Trailing at the half for the first time this season, down 21-10, the Cardinals did manage to make things interesting with a trip to the end zone on their first possession of the second half, pulling within 5-points after a failed two-point try. Pinned back at their own goal-line, Arizona marched down the field for their first 99-yard touchdown-scoring drive since December 11, 2016 against the Dolphins in Miami. As for the Niner defense, it would be their first touchdown drive of 99-yards allowed since September 15, 2002 versus the Denver Broncos. Looking to answer, San Francisco did just that, starting off the fourth quarter with another McCaffrey touchdown, his fourth of the game, allowing the 49ers to add to their lead before pulling away at the end. Before giving way and letting someone else have some fun by finding the end zone for San Francisco, McCaffrey added another rushing touchdown to become the first 49er all-time to score the team's first four touchdowns of a game, while also tying three others for the second most touchdowns scored in a single game by a 49er. Brock Purdy would cap the afternoon by scoring on a 1-yard run up the middle, following a deep pass to one of his favorite targets of the game in receiver Brandon Aiyuk.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After sitting out of last week's game against the New York Giants, Aiyuk returned in a big way on Sunday by hauling in six receptions for a career-high 148 yards receiving. Registering a perfect 10 for 10 on passes in the first half, Purdy finished 20 for 21 with 283 yards, 1 passing touchdown, 1 rushing touchdown and a QB Rating of 134.6. At one point, Purdy had completed his first 18 consecutive pass attempts, tying the longest streak by a 49ers QB since Steve Young in 1996. As for the man of the hour, running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 106 yards and 3 touchdowns on 20 carries, adding another 71 yards in receiving to go with 1 receiving touchdown on 7 receptions, becoming the first player in franchise history with 100+ scrimmage yards and 1+ TD in each of the first 4 games of a season. CMC would also join some elite company by becoming one of only six players to rack up 115+ scrimmage yards & 1 TD in each of the first 4 games of a season since 1950; DeMarco Murray (2014), Emmitt Smith (1995), Billy Sims (1981), O.J. Simpson (1975), and Jim Brown (1958) the others.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnFnJJ_8qY74o-MBan_9sokmix-iQ3h3LtHgq8FlMMILTUyt9NFax6qVBsR0Z00fsBpp8Fjq5rtx3dOzfp26OUhy9OcILhF11ZBBw_JghpiiVgMyN-eMOnz1DmV_VDIrOxiConkaYZLueFWsRLEY7A4yBho6R8vCEAZFHtS_z3Cbuj03n1Afh2Yn4Wyk/s465/49ers%20Week%204%20Purdy%20good.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvnFnJJ_8qY74o-MBan_9sokmix-iQ3h3LtHgq8FlMMILTUyt9NFax6qVBsR0Z00fsBpp8Fjq5rtx3dOzfp26OUhy9OcILhF11ZBBw_JghpiiVgMyN-eMOnz1DmV_VDIrOxiConkaYZLueFWsRLEY7A4yBho6R8vCEAZFHtS_z3Cbuj03n1Afh2Yn4Wyk/s16000/49ers%20Week%204%20Purdy%20good.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Improving to 4-0 on the season, San Francisco has now scored 30+ points in each of their first four games this season for the first time in 49ers franchise history and the first team to do so since the 2021 Arizona Cardinals. Even after the final whistle blew, the fireworks didn't stop when the game came to an end as tempers flared between Talanoa Hufanga of the 49ers and the Cardinals' James Conner. The game was well over and the television feed had already switched over to coverage of the lopsided Dallas-New England game, but the cameras were still rolling when the two were caught in a verbal exchange between the two players before an altercation. Donning his helmet and taking a swipe at the Hufanga was Conner who took exception and appeared to put his hand in the Niners safeties' mouth. The two had to be separated as tight-end George Kittle came to his teammate's aid to defuse the situation. It'll be interested to see how things play out the next time these two teams meet at Arizona in Week 15.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 5 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Slated for a heavyweight match-up on Sunday Night Football, the (4-0) San Francisco 49ers will play host to the (3-1) Dallas Cowboys in a rematch of last year's NFC Divisional Round Playoffs. Having eliminated Dallas from the postseason in consecutive seasons, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys will take the field with revenge on their minds as San Francisco eyes a bit of history, having won 14 consecutive regular season games, just 1 shy of tying a franchise record in 1989-90. Aside from their upset loss in Week 3 to the Cardinals, the Cowboys have been one of the more dominant teams in the league thus far and are coming off a blowout win over the New England Patriots, handing Bill Belichick the biggest loss of his coaching career: 38-3. Entering Week 5 as one of only two teams with a better +point margin than the Niners' +67, Dallas comes in ranked second behind the Dolphins with a +83 point margin. One of only two remaining unbeatens in the league (Philadelphia the other), the 49ers will look to continue that mark with a win on Sunday to closeout their current three-game homestand.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-80198209866144494502023-09-25T23:10:00.009-07:002023-10-03T17:25:06.144-07:00Niners Stifle Giants in Thursday Night Win <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tnV3Tnz02MaC2F1131DzHUvGkr5XkhRqFCjR7N3fla7s0pVLJkW94UkURsUk0qbHaZQd05SCTq1fyS8Da693C8bFdNKA2Jg4K0iWHCgVl4DV9JUrnRYRR0z6L3s9qZAobJjKu9v8WRHiZO4rI98dQFCkmSdAXH1t6tlpkPGr25_6gFvW0TpnsHvMrrg/s468/49ers%20Week%203%20handshakes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tnV3Tnz02MaC2F1131DzHUvGkr5XkhRqFCjR7N3fla7s0pVLJkW94UkURsUk0qbHaZQd05SCTq1fyS8Da693C8bFdNKA2Jg4K0iWHCgVl4DV9JUrnRYRR0z6L3s9qZAobJjKu9v8WRHiZO4rI98dQFCkmSdAXH1t6tlpkPGr25_6gFvW0TpnsHvMrrg/s16000/49ers%20Week%203%20handshakes.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 3 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Entering the (2-0) San Francisco 49ers' home-opener on Thursday Night Football against the (1-1) New York Giants and in front of the Faithful at Levi's Stadium for the first time this season, the all-time head-to-head series between the two franchises stood at an even 17-17 in regular season meetings and 4-4 during the playoffs. Looking to tilt the series in their favor with a win to stay atop the NFC, the 49ers would also seek their first 3-0 start since 2019 when they got off to an 8-0 start on their way to a Super Bowl. Looking to also keep his perfect regular season record of 7-0 in tact would be Niners quarterback Brock Purdy who would be playing without one of his top targets in wide-receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The Giants would be without a playmaker of their own in running back Saquon Barkley who leading up to game day appeared to be in line to make a miracle recovery from an ankle sprain in time for kickoff, before New York head coach Brian Daboll elected to sit his healing star. Despite the absence of Aiyuk who took home NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 1 and is nursing a shoulder injury, Brock Purdy would make due with another pair of playmakers in Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, on his way to throwing for a career-high in passing yards. Helping step in for Aiyuk would be a rookie who would make his first career reception a memorable one.</span> <div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">After both teams exchanged field goals to open the game, followed by a punt from both sides, the 49ers, donning their throwback uniforms, found the end zone first when Purdy connected with rookie receiver Ronnie Bell who's first career reception came in the end zone for a touchdown. Making his NFL-debut, the rookie out of Michigan displayed great awareness by sticking the landing and keeping both feet in bounds for the go-ahead score. One possession later, the San Francisco offense would be right back at it again, striking pay dirt on a 4-yard run up the gut from running back Christian McCaffrey who found the end zone for a 12th consecutive game (including playoffs). Coming off their first comeback win of 20-points or more since 1949 a week ago against Arizona, the Giants would not go down without a fight and stuck around for much of the game after a field goal just before the half made it a 17-6 game in favor of San Francisco. Making things even closer, New York struck first in the second half when a former Niner found the end zone. Filling in for the injured Saquon Barkley at running back was Matt Breida who spent his first three NFL seasons in a 49ers uniform and led the team in rushing in 2018. Throwing it back to his days at Levi's Stadium, Breida scored on an 8-yard carry to bring his team within 5-points after a failed 2-point conversion attempt. Unfortunately for Big Blue, it would be their one and only trip to the end zone on the night.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURjl7lGNOv8AgHrCbhuIIsQCwjixVg_xqUrWmnHtLFJFq8HZzIZbMrUeGoRvm80hOTbFDUXnJab6G_3VM91Kxl7PCad405Xn-CDNdXvBLR_iimtTL7LjrrQL8RpoC3tH_0HkQZqIWcyuz61EwS-puT8UF0zZ4n1zHCQ5kuGx9TTW9pP3NLhXRyCExHtQ/s461/49ers%20Week%203%20Deebo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURjl7lGNOv8AgHrCbhuIIsQCwjixVg_xqUrWmnHtLFJFq8HZzIZbMrUeGoRvm80hOTbFDUXnJab6G_3VM91Kxl7PCad405Xn-CDNdXvBLR_iimtTL7LjrrQL8RpoC3tH_0HkQZqIWcyuz61EwS-puT8UF0zZ4n1zHCQ5kuGx9TTW9pP3NLhXRyCExHtQ/s16000/49ers%20Week%203%20Deebo.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="color: #f1c232;">Adding another pair of Jake Moody field goals to take a 23-12 lead, the 49ers added the final nail in the coffin when Brock Purdy launched a 27-yard strike into the end zone to Deebo Samuel. Any hopes of a second consecutive comeback attempt by Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was thwarted when a tipped pass ended up in the hands of San Francisco's Talanoa Hufanga for an interception and the game's only turnover. Pulling out the 30-12 victory and helping the 49ers improve to 3-0 on the year, QB Brock Purdy logged a much cleaner outing on Thursday Night Football after missing on a number of deep balls with a chance to put the game out of reach just a week earlier in L.A.. Logging a career-high 310 passing yards and 2 touchdowns through the air, Purdy found favorites in Deebo Samuel who caught 6 balls for 129 yards receiving and a touchdown, and tight-end George Kittle who hauled in a game-high 7 receptions for 90 yards. Meanwhile, the 49er defense held Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to only 137 yards thru the air and kept the New York offense as a whole to just 150 yards in total, compared to San Francisco's 441 yards of total offense.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 4 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The (3-0) San Francisco 49ers will continue their three-game homestand in Week 4 when they welcome in the division rival (1-2) Arizona Cardinals who despite their record, have been scrappy thus far having lost two games by a combined 7-points and are coming off one of the bigger upsets of the season thru the first three weeks over the Dallas Cowboys. What the Niners can ill-afford to do with their next opponent is overlook them as what might've been the case for the Cowboys who came into Arizona hot before being embarrassed in front of a pro-Dallas crowd despite being on the road. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan knows better than to underestimate a division foe who they'll see twice this season, but Cardinals QB Joshua Dobbs who was acquired via trade just a month earlier, has the team playing inspiring football under first-year head coach Jonathan Gannon. Many believed that Arizona would be in full-blown tank mode in favor of Heisman-winning quarterback and consensus first overall pick Caleb Williams out of USC, however, these pesky Cardinals look very much alive so far and look like they could be last season's Detroit Lions in the sense that they surprised everyone by coming out of nowhere and quickly put the league on notice.</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </div>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-70405091882519708052023-09-19T20:11:00.009-07:002023-09-21T16:21:58.896-07:0049ers Continue Dominance over Rival Rams <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeU4fKo7tjZ6rqX0k6brdEfp9YXWsSgd6npXl6bqMRKh6H7Js7_dNrav8BmAQwxXBT2s2fTY9VOJLHBFZlYvHPeFHDbobRE7hIkl63yuZR0_23E0nF2Wqyx4GYJcfLzWeWABPTHqNccx5LuEwpCMqxUOSPHrz0EI7Oapvw8U0OUZ6hFNjfyK0qBKOtqo/s462/49ers%20Week%202%20Brock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeU4fKo7tjZ6rqX0k6brdEfp9YXWsSgd6npXl6bqMRKh6H7Js7_dNrav8BmAQwxXBT2s2fTY9VOJLHBFZlYvHPeFHDbobRE7hIkl63yuZR0_23E0nF2Wqyx4GYJcfLzWeWABPTHqNccx5LuEwpCMqxUOSPHrz0EI7Oapvw8U0OUZ6hFNjfyK0qBKOtqo/s16000/49ers%20Week%202%20Brock.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Week 2 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">In what's known as one of the longest standing rivalries out west in the NFL, things have been rather one-sided over the last 4+ years now between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, with the exception of their lone playoff meeting in January of 2022. With the 49ers having beaten up on their rivals from southern California in eight straight regular-season games entering Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan's Niners team looked to make it nine straight wins over the Rams and a dozen consecutive regular season wins overall. Making only his 7th career start, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy would face off against the Rams for the first time in his young NFL journey. Opposite of Purdy would be former No.1 overall pick and future Hall of Fame quarterback Matthew Stafford, marking the first time in NFL history a QB drafted 1st overall faced a QB drafted last.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Coming off the worst-ever record in NFL history by a defending Super Bowl champion a season ago (5-12), Sean McVay's Rams have already looked better this season after pulling off a Week 1 upset win on the road in Seattle, despite being without one of their best players in receiver Cooper Kupp. With Stafford back under center after missing the team's final seven games with a spinal injury last season, L.A. would put up quite the fight against the Niners on Sunday and even provide a scare for much of the game. With a majority of the crowd at SoFi Stadium draped in 49er red as fans turned the venue into Levi's Stadium South like they so often do, the San Francisco offense got off to a quick start after receiving the opening kickoff. 49ers wide-receiver Brandon Aiyuk who received NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 1 for his two touchdown, 129 yard performance, appeared to be in line for another big day after catching a pair of passes for 25 yards on the opening-drive, but he would need medical attention just a few plays in after a neck injury. Aiyuk would eventually reenter the game, but was visibly bothered throughout the rest of the contest. Capping a 13-play, 75-yard drive would be 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey who put an exclamation mark on the initial drive with a 14 yard touchdown to give San Francisco an early 7-0 lead.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR65G5pycD0G08I8tRNPZTPIpCZ3SKrzR1USKoYNKd3fLohCAzXd15H6UEYjq8XaBg9yP3yedvZ_HeuWzwkh5eBSn6QyRR5t79Pf93kSuGUcKu4_KrzOdoylY5Wrw2ucrJcnO2J-WqIziuzstKs2K1WjCmFirjW4VJnODYQFjNeLGYHm5MAYxeG_nkhns/s462/49ers%20Week%202%20CMC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR65G5pycD0G08I8tRNPZTPIpCZ3SKrzR1USKoYNKd3fLohCAzXd15H6UEYjq8XaBg9yP3yedvZ_HeuWzwkh5eBSn6QyRR5t79Pf93kSuGUcKu4_KrzOdoylY5Wrw2ucrJcnO2J-WqIziuzstKs2K1WjCmFirjW4VJnODYQFjNeLGYHm5MAYxeG_nkhns/s16000/49ers%20Week%202%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With the Rams offense entering the game having scored on five consecutive drives to finish out Week 1, they were right back at it on Sunday, scoring on all three of their first half possessions. After tying the game at 10-all, the Rams even took a 17-10 lead late in the second quarter following a pair of touchdowns from running back Kyren Williams who got the start in place of last week's starter Cam Akers and made the most of it. Just hours before kickoff, Akers; the subject of trade rumors, was ruled out as a healthy scratch. The Rams' rushing attack would do just fine without him. Refusing to head into the locker room at the half trailing, Brock Purdy and company needed only four plays to make it into the red zone. Setting up shop at the 1-yard line, time quickly became a factor for the 49ers who were knocking on the door of a game-tying touchdown, but had only 1-second remaining on the clock. Instead of electing to go for the much safer chip-shot field goal, coach Shanahan dialed up a Brock Purdy QB-sneak which proved successful and paid dividends, tying the game at 17-all at the half.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With both teams exchanging punts to open the second half, the 49ers struck first on defense by forcing the game's first turnover when Niners newcomer Isaiah Oliver tallied his first interception in a 49ers uniform, corralling a pass that was thrown behind the receiver and tipped into the air. The 49ers would turn the turnover into points as rookie kicker Jake Moody split the uprights with a booming 57-yard field goal to retake the lead. One possession later, San Francisco would add to their lead after Purdy connected thru the air on a 31-yard deep ball to receiver Jauaun Jennings to open the fourth quarter. The big gain would setup Deebo Samuel who would make his presence felt several plays later, breaking a pair of tackles before rumbling into the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown. Trailing by two scores, the Rams would inch closer with a Brett Maher field goal and had a chance to tie things up after forcing a three and out punt, but a second Matt Stafford interception would deal a blow to their comeback attempt. Jumping out in front of a Stafford pass intended for Van Jefferson, was San Francisco cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. Cashing the turnover in for another Jake Moody field goal, the 10-point lead and dwindling game clock would be too much to overcome for the Stafford and the Rams.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2wLMn3vlIXwKU6tBDPur959hyKX-PcRQr35xjcSIRDhiFgkUnLT4Y2lQcpYibXceKuxiAYYKmiaL-D4McQmmBf-bKsHoxrUU2_KGQSr2c8DYcbLMrMmMUjjVP-MRR8deQuy4j04pP0DV0E45ci0r9DGqDK8-gZ2Y_LuatXIk47M0jn2aK9p_g4kNfqo/s456/49ers%20Week%202%20Deebo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY2wLMn3vlIXwKU6tBDPur959hyKX-PcRQr35xjcSIRDhiFgkUnLT4Y2lQcpYibXceKuxiAYYKmiaL-D4McQmmBf-bKsHoxrUU2_KGQSr2c8DYcbLMrMmMUjjVP-MRR8deQuy4j04pP0DV0E45ci0r9DGqDK8-gZ2Y_LuatXIk47M0jn2aK9p_g4kNfqo/s16000/49ers%20Week%202%20Deebo.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Held to a turnover on downs to start their last-ditch effort at a comeback attempt, the Rams eventually got the ball back and scored on a last-second field goal as time expired, making it a 30-23 win for the 49ers and ruining quite a few bets in the process with San Francisco failing to cover the -8 1/2 point spread. For the Niners, the win marked their 9th straight regular season victory over the Rams and their 12th consecutive regular season win overall, the second longest streak in franchise history. It would also be the fifth straight game with at least 30 points scored for SF. Leading the way on the ground was another impressive showing by 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey who led all rushers with 116 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, highlighted by a big 51-yard rush on the final play of the first quarter. L.A.'s rookie receiver Puka Nacua who was quite the story after an impressive stat line in Week 1, continued his torid pace with another 15 receptions for 147 receiving yards in the loss, becoming the first player in NFL history with 10+ catches & 100+ receiving yards in each of his first 2 career games. Also making franchise history for the 49ers was tight-end George Kittle who recorded career reception No. 400, becoming the fastest 49er to reach the feat and needing only 84 career games to do so, one game fewer than two franchise greats in Jerry Rice and Roger Craig, both of whom needed 85 games.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Brock Purdy threw for 206 yards in the win and avoided making any costly turnovers, but he missed on several deep balls to wide-open receivers that would've put the game out of reach for the Niners. While there's no reason to panic just yet given Purdy has been solid overall and is only two games removed from major elbow surgery, you'd like to see him make those plays as they could be the type of plays that can make a difference in a close game. Meanwhile, Matt Stafford threw for 307 yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions in the loss.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 3 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">(2-0) San Francisco will make their home debut on Thursday Night Football when they welcome Daniel Jones and the (1-1) New York Giants into Levi's Stadium in Week 3. Avoiding disaster of falling to 0-2 on the season, the Giants erased a 20-0 first half deficit in Arizona to knock off the Cardinals by a field goal, 31-28. Scoring 24 unanswered-points to close out the win, the Giants did receive some unfortunate news regarding star running back Saquon Barkley who needed to be helped off the field in the second half with an injury. Described as an ankle sprain, early indications had Barkley listed as week to week, but now it appears he's listed as questionable for game day and will be a game-time decision. With the quick Thursday night turnaround, I would bank on the Giants taking a much safer approach and sitting Barkley in favor of backup running back Matt Breida who will get a crack at his former team. On the 49ers front, receiver Brandon Aiyuk will also sit out of Thursday's game due to his shoulder injury. Still seeking his first QB sack of the season, I’m expecting a big game for Niners defensive-end and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa. Prediction: Bosa will record 2.5 sacks along the way to helping the 49ers improve to 3-0. </span></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-31642021059371427712023-09-10T20:41:00.005-07:002023-09-10T20:41:51.465-07:0049ers Close Curtain on Steelers in Season-Opener<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJlzJvCh3DjQRfqCoqliUXsIGpzewgPiDLfuqjpAiLhrIA9G4Vzscgc7E_7WgJhbSdRyTWG4ChXk1cbmL4Udb44KJJWaX6VOC0SPjPuXI3LCYZDIceczhTy-NxodMFhg2jvocaLQg7-Gt9dAMUkPBPL6j1ceuuwcvapeyIY7F-fQjc9tpktGlh8u9ogA/s468/49ers%20Week%201%20CMC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJlzJvCh3DjQRfqCoqliUXsIGpzewgPiDLfuqjpAiLhrIA9G4Vzscgc7E_7WgJhbSdRyTWG4ChXk1cbmL4Udb44KJJWaX6VOC0SPjPuXI3LCYZDIceczhTy-NxodMFhg2jvocaLQg7-Gt9dAMUkPBPL6j1ceuuwcvapeyIY7F-fQjc9tpktGlh8u9ogA/s16000/49ers%20Week%201%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 1 - </span></b><span style="color: #f1c232;">Opening the season on the road in the Steel City, the San Francisco 49ers entered Sunday as 2-point favorites. With Super Bowl aspirations and high expectations following a disappointing finish to their 2022 campaign a season ago which came to a screeching halt due to injuries, the lone question mark regarding Kyle Shanahan's 2023-24 49ers remains at the quarterback position. With second-year man Brock Purdy needing off-season surgery to repair a torn UCL in his throwing arm in last January's NFC title game against the Eagles, the newly appointed captain of the offense looked a lot like his normal self in Sunday's opener. In a matchup between the first quarterback taken in last year's Draft in Kenny Pickett and the last QB and player taken in Mr. Irrelevant -- Brock Purdy, the two players looked like polar opposites out on the field by games end.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Like San Francisco, the Steelers also entered the regular-season opener with high hopes after a bigger than normal fuss was made following noticeable strides shown by Pickett and the Pittsburgh offense in the preseason which saw them score on every drive led by the starters. However, Tomlin's team would learn rather quickly that the preseason and regular season are two totally different things as San Francisco had their way and dominated from the onset on both sides of the ball. After forcing a three and out on defense to start the game, the 49er offense came out guns blazing on a nine-play, 54-yard scoring-drive that ended with Purdy finding Brandon Aiyuk wide-open in the end zone after putting his defender Patrick Peterson on skates with a juke move. Drive number two would end even worse for the Steelers as Pickett had a deep pass intercepted by San Francisco's Charvarius Ward. The 49ers would only get three points out of it, but the 41-yard field goal would do wonders for the confidence of rookie kicker Jake Moody who had a less than ideal preseason with multiple missed field goals and even an injury, after the 49ers made him the highest drafted kicker since Roberto Aguayo in 2016, selecting him in the third round of April's Draft.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBtk-3HWhhTvs_DXvyYG9EAk6r_F3I6GXoi5y4yFR0hnKIwZP3VyRPcMoougzeCir19ekWvJwxD8AAJ47yWIgdY2O3e3vKLsUj_AwPiQEjWzAacf77DgavwomG5_3RxcgAKrwK-DW6AiP8EAMX_CrCKvXpIDJWb87IiCdiMWfO-JEB1hHSsfpydI3YJA/s462/49ers%20Week%201%20Aiyuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBtk-3HWhhTvs_DXvyYG9EAk6r_F3I6GXoi5y4yFR0hnKIwZP3VyRPcMoougzeCir19ekWvJwxD8AAJ47yWIgdY2O3e3vKLsUj_AwPiQEjWzAacf77DgavwomG5_3RxcgAKrwK-DW6AiP8EAMX_CrCKvXpIDJWb87IiCdiMWfO-JEB1hHSsfpydI3YJA/s16000/49ers%20Week%201%20Aiyuk.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With Brandon Aiyuk quickly becoming a favorite target of Purdy's, the two connected again just one drive later for another touchdown, this time from 19-yards out. With San Francisco jumping out to a 20-0 lead in the first half following another Jake Moody field goal, Pittsburgh struggled to get much of anything going early on as they were held to five consecutive three and outs to open the game on offense. The Steelers would finally get their first 1st down of the game at the 1:16 mark of the second quarter, and at one point were outgained 199 yards of offense to just 1. Closing the first half strong, Pittsburgh would follow up their first forced punt of the game with a touchdown just before the half to make it a 20-7 affair heading into halftime. But with San Francisco opening the second half in possession of the ball, any momentum Pittsburgh thought they had would be short-lived. Just two plays into the second half, San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey broke for a 65-yard touchdown to give his team a 27-7 lead. McCaffrey would have both his longest rush and his biggest day on the ground as a member of the Niners on Sunday, finishing with 152 yards rushing, his most since 2019. It would also mark McCaffrey's 10th straight game with a touchdown (including the postseason).</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The lone silver lining all afternoon for the Steelers came from 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt who leads the league with 79.5 sacks since making his NFL debut in 2017, and was a force to be reckoned with again on Sunday, finishing with three sacks and two forced fumbles on the afternoon. However, he would be matched by an unlikely candidate in second-year defensive-end Drake Jackson who finished his rookie campaign with the Niners a season ago with 3 total sacks, matching that total in Sunday's game alone. After turning another Kenny Pickett interception into a third Jake Moody field goal, the 49ers took a commanding 30-7 lead that would hold up and serve as the worst home loss for Pittsburgh in the Mike Tomlin era which began in 2007. With the loss, Tomlin's record dropped to 10-6-1 in regular-season openers, while Kyle Shanahan's improved to 3-4. In the win, Brock Purdy threw for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns on 19 of 29 attempts, becoming the first QB in NFL history to win each of his first six career regular-season starts and throw 2+ TD passes in each start, 129 of those yards and both touchdowns going to receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers absolutely dominated the time of possession battle: 37:23 to 22:37, and held the Steelers to just 41 yards rushing, compared to 188 total rushing yards by San Francisco, fueled by McCaffrey's best rushing output in four years. Kerry Hyder Jr. and Javon Hargrave each added a QB-sack to give the busy 49er defense five total sacks on the day.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX3sIIX6UHXgccp1MtpSnM9gp30THdGGDgW0LURrzdVqMyZX_JlDErUcCsden_OI8SAABjfE6bnC1kVlswt5x_FDTFfA5F-ZIhKih0uYZ5fCQcfjtJxmZzHVgZaYjR9v09EyISELxahuSuAuk2L36RpSwT6Wr_VLf3Abb0feO1recyx3xy2rcDoaolng/s462/49ers%20Week%201%20Purdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYX3sIIX6UHXgccp1MtpSnM9gp30THdGGDgW0LURrzdVqMyZX_JlDErUcCsden_OI8SAABjfE6bnC1kVlswt5x_FDTFfA5F-ZIhKih0uYZ5fCQcfjtJxmZzHVgZaYjR9v09EyISELxahuSuAuk2L36RpSwT6Wr_VLf3Abb0feO1recyx3xy2rcDoaolng/s16000/49ers%20Week%201%20Purdy.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 2 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">The (1-0) 49ers will continue their season on the road in Week 2 when they travel west and pay a visit to Levi's South to take on the division rival (1-0) Rams at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Coming off an upset win on the road to NFC West foe Seattle where Sean McVay's Rams handled the Seahawks in all facets, most notably outgaining them in total yards: 426 to 180 and nearly doubling their time of possession output: 39:23 to 20:37. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford also looked like his former self by throwing for 334 yards on offense, something he was unable to accomplish a season ago before needing to be shutdown by Week 12 with a spinal cord injury. Despite being without their All-Pro receiver Cooper Kupp, the Rams had two receivers finish with a career-high 119 receiving yards on Sunday as Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua had big games thru the air. The 49ers will try to put a stop to their long-time rivals' hot-start in hopes of improving to 2-0 for sole possession of first place before their home-opener at Levi's Stadium.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-28680977182189657402023-07-12T21:42:00.011-07:002023-07-19T11:01:50.255-07:00Giants Limp into All-Star Break with Up and Down First Half <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-XU8YsC3DVSm3szIhbZujlBRswIqImAAvFagW1elZLRLURBlTga8rwrw_t5UFV3QyqxMsgS1WrMkD1akvbnrZviN90KpVa-g9OE9SVMOyUa77JtHTqPvrGwEZf6jYKFy3HAFwpmIW0kkq-G68fJ_WpgE7BGqaijQuvEX0rCgQmriI1KWFze7bPKaLTA/s462/Giants%20Blog%20Webb%20Bailey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-XU8YsC3DVSm3szIhbZujlBRswIqImAAvFagW1elZLRLURBlTga8rwrw_t5UFV3QyqxMsgS1WrMkD1akvbnrZviN90KpVa-g9OE9SVMOyUa77JtHTqPvrGwEZf6jYKFy3HAFwpmIW0kkq-G68fJ_WpgE7BGqaijQuvEX0rCgQmriI1KWFze7bPKaLTA/s16000/Giants%20Blog%20Webb%20Bailey.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #ffa400;">Having reached the MLB's All-Star break, fans of the San Francisco Giants have seen a little bit of everything from their team in baseball's unofficial first half of the season. Currently sitting in a good spot at 49-41 on the year, 2.5 games out of first place in the National League West behind the rival Dodgers and Diamondbacks who are separated by mere percentage points, the Giants are hoping to benefit from a much needed break after leaking oil down the stretch, while trying to lick their wounds following a number of key injuries. With Wilmer Flores, Mike Yastrzemski, Michael Conforto, Mitch Haniger, Thairo Estrada and Anthony DeSclafani, among others all having served time on the dreaded Injured List, the snake-bitten Giants have had to find contributions from a plethora of other players, including some rookies who have made the most of their time in the Majors and appear here to stay.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #ffa400;">Catcher Patrick Bailey, infielder Casey Schmitt, outfielder Luis Matos, and pitchers Tristan Beck and Keaton Winn all got the call to the Big Leagues to make their debuts in the first half, with Bailey and Schmitt producing right out of the gates for the Giants. While Schmitt has come down to earth a bit after a blazing hot start at the plate, Bailey on the other hand has relished in his role behind home, throwing guys out on the base paths at an alarming rate (38%) and also producing with his bat (.293 avg, 5 HR's and 26 RBIs in 40 games). Not long after Bailey made his MLB debut in May, San Francisco became one of the hottest teams in the league after stringing together their first 10-game winning-streak since 2004. Amid that winning streak, the Giants saw a few firsts, including their first time sweeping three straight series on the road since 1952, and just their fifth undefeated road trip of 6 or more games in franchise history. One of those sweeps came at Dodger Stadium which saw San Francisco clean house with their first 3-game sweep in L.A. since 2012, and a whopping 29 runs scored in the series, an SF-record for a 3-game series at Dodger Stadium. The second game of the series also saw the Giants pull off a 15-0 drubbing of the Dodgers, the team's worst home shutout loss since 1898.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CS0UKY7lAJwtYe92aaVBaVanvLboYchCNoZik0u5qJiYzsYIig2flAdnyLeGI0KNsBph19wt201Lb-XdqZMuA6tE_223hJX6mmZ1hPavdeMspHHNabgG_0e8heeovCto1xnaHGbjqAnYHpLQk9lK4AFjzURwJIX69xpQnjyCB9-SjorsGeqIfOVcTsM/s460/Giants%20blog%20Patrick%20Bailey.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="286" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5CS0UKY7lAJwtYe92aaVBaVanvLboYchCNoZik0u5qJiYzsYIig2flAdnyLeGI0KNsBph19wt201Lb-XdqZMuA6tE_223hJX6mmZ1hPavdeMspHHNabgG_0e8heeovCto1xnaHGbjqAnYHpLQk9lK4AFjzURwJIX69xpQnjyCB9-SjorsGeqIfOVcTsM/s16000/Giants%20blog%20Patrick%20Bailey.png" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #ffa400;">Having played as well as 11 games above .500 back on June 24 to pull within 1.5 games behind first place Arizona, the Giants have since hit a bit of a speedbump towards the end on their way to the All-Star break, dropping 7 of their last 11 games. Luckily, they managed to avoid hitting complete rock bottom by taking the final two of three games from the lowly Colorado Rockies in their last series before the All-Star festivities. In their last game, a 1-0 win at home, Giants ace Logan Webb twirled his first career complete-game shutout. Striking out the side in the ninth inning to end the game in dominant fashion, Webb tallied 10 K's and walked none as he hit a Major League-leading 126 innings pitched on the season. After a rocky start to the season, the 26-year old Webb has again begun to resemble the ace that Giants brass envision him being for years to come after signing a 5-year, $90 Million extension back in April. But as good as Webb has been over the last few weeks, dropping his ERA back down to 3.14, he did not make the National League All-Star team. However, a few fellow members of his pitching staff did.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #ffa400;">Representing for the Giants in Tuesday's MLB All-Star Game was fellow starting pitcher Alex Cobb (6-2 record, 2.91 ERA) and closer Camilo Doval (2.63 ERA) who is tied for the league lead with 26 saves. The pair helped contribute to the NL's first victory since 2012, each pitching a shutout inning, with Doval earning the win. Coincidentally, former Giants ace Matt Cain also earned the win in 2012 when the Senior Circuit last defeated the American League.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NWGgh6uhtCkgzgoEe8hrt8ML5_hmzz1xJm-ECwqOZF-gxJyIdn-kFD9w03H04mrU65X5qcnFqidNlRbffCePeZl8pMc9udeMQAQvnsDc484zhH9pvq0ACcQmQpg2G-A1oTy5xoRe8NhslFwoztzh_LjLhvcH5ky0V371HeipRVcm_792AF_0a5eo0wA/s456/Giants%20Blog%20All%20Stars.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1NWGgh6uhtCkgzgoEe8hrt8ML5_hmzz1xJm-ECwqOZF-gxJyIdn-kFD9w03H04mrU65X5qcnFqidNlRbffCePeZl8pMc9udeMQAQvnsDc484zhH9pvq0ACcQmQpg2G-A1oTy5xoRe8NhslFwoztzh_LjLhvcH5ky0V371HeipRVcm_792AF_0a5eo0wA/s16000/Giants%20Blog%20All%20Stars.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #ffa400;">Kicking off an 11-game, four-city road trip out of the All-Star break to begin the unofficial second half of the season, the Giants will try to get back to resembling the red-hot team that blazed through most of June as one of the best teams in baseball, before a daunting challenge in August when Gabe Kapler's squad faces five first place teams, including the D-Backs, Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays, Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds. By then we should get a better gauge on what this Giants team, which is currently sitting in the third and final NL Wild Card spot, really has in them when they hit the dog days of summer. With injuries and inconsistencies hindering the Giants' starting pitching rotation outside of Webb and Cobb, look for them to possibly add a starting pitcher or two before the August 1 trade deadline as the team ramps up for a playoff push.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>MLB Draft -</b> While teams begin lining up their chips for current Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani who may or may not be on the trading block but is a forgone conclusion to sign the most lucrative contract of all-time this offseason, other teams are hoping to find the next Ohtani in the MLB Draft. A year after selecting two-way talent Reggie Crawford out of UConn with the 30th overall pick in the 1st round of the 2022 MLB Draft, the Giants followed suit by taking another two-way player with the 16th overall pick in the first round of last week's Draft, this time from the High School ranks. Earning high praise for having one of the most solid draft classes overall, the Giants opted to select Virginia prep Bryce Eldridge who at 6ft, 7in. has dazzled both as a pitcher and at first base on his way to be named the 2022-23 Gatorade Virginia Baseball Player of the Year. Among others, the Giants also selected High School shortstop Walker Martin No. 52 overall who was also named 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year in Colorado, left-handed pitcher Joe Whitman taken at No. 69 overall out of Kent State, and Tennessee shortstop Maui Ahuna taken No. 117 overall. With Eldridge, Martin, Whitman and Ahuna all ranked in the Top 50 of MLB Pipeline's Draft rankings, San Francisco is the only team to make out with four players on the list.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>Noteworthy -</b> Shortstop Brandon Crawford moved into 13th place on the Giants all-time franchise RBI list, surpassing future Hall of Fame catcher and former teammate Buster Posey with 730 RBI.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-762231403381596432023-01-31T21:28:00.009-08:002023-01-31T21:31:35.563-08:00More Injury Woes at QB Doom Niners' Super Bowl hopes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnjBGyt5PwG1hrfYvuvgstV8kVrvjjcHKkI4xhJjNi7EWr-UIgfrbomQLWhK3YM5tHHe2_7FoJ9N9PxYuw6Uti19PKfZYzFOxQ_lOC-0y3nLWV1D_c-cFTD66EzxfBXhSTpJGg0psZYYIxoF4AHlE-ok2idLD1zm294UHlGORv0uJt3nw_Isc9CAX/s461/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20Purdy%20arm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnjBGyt5PwG1hrfYvuvgstV8kVrvjjcHKkI4xhJjNi7EWr-UIgfrbomQLWhK3YM5tHHe2_7FoJ9N9PxYuw6Uti19PKfZYzFOxQ_lOC-0y3nLWV1D_c-cFTD66EzxfBXhSTpJGg0psZYYIxoF4AHlE-ok2idLD1zm294UHlGORv0uJt3nw_Isc9CAX/s16000/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20Purdy%20arm.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: red;"><b>Playoffs -</b></span> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Entering Sunday's NFC Championship between the No. 2 seed San Francisco 49ers and No. 1 seed Philadelphia Eagles, many football fans were hoping to see similar fireworks to the 42-41 shootout that took place back in November of 2019 when both team's quarterbacks last faced one another at the collegiate level. Brock Purdy's Iowa State Cyclones nearly upset Jalen Hurts and the heavily-favored Oklahoma Sooners in a wild game that came down to the final play and featured 11 total touchdowns between the two QB's. Fast forward to Championship Sunday, those hopes would come to a screeching halt rather early as we were deprived of what could've been and were left with something that hardly resembled a playoff football game.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">What was expected to be a brawl between two heavyweights that rank at or near the top in almost every major offensive and defensive statistical category, quickly turned into a handicap match just one drive in for the visiting 49ers. Despite entering Sunday's game with a franchise record 12-game winning-streak, many touted San Francisco would have a long day ahead of them, most notably at quarterback with rookie Brock Purdy given the Eagles' stout defense coupled with the hostile environment that is Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field, but nothing could've prepared them for the piss-poor luck they would endure at the QB position yet again during Sunday's game. In fact, it would be the exact opposite for Purdy who had his day cut short due to injury. In a classic case of, "anything that can go wrong will go wrong," San Francisco began their day on defense where their defensive captain in 2022 Pro-Bowl and All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner would leave the field with an injury on the third play from scrimmage. Though Warner would eventually reenter the game a few plays later, his brief exit would be a bad omen for things to come for San Francisco. Facing a 4th and 3 near midfield, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni would show his aggressiveness by dialing up a deep pass along the sideline to receiver DeVonta Smith.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kaJ0x5iNHXn2yJjLno8HlBdOxaAxGxIiriJOvjMK4Fq2b9QeyhQhTTN8XqMmztMDZAgZKKgo6MiOIhSThIzBqeEsTBLcmIym724e08cUskU6-HlxA2RdQWaTVqFw0pjJW_kmUn_ApugxU6qDupN4Ukz8luBI8rxN7IYJMm-dUx5iEcxo15HFoNHj/s455/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20no%20catch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="455" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8kaJ0x5iNHXn2yJjLno8HlBdOxaAxGxIiriJOvjMK4Fq2b9QeyhQhTTN8XqMmztMDZAgZKKgo6MiOIhSThIzBqeEsTBLcmIym724e08cUskU6-HlxA2RdQWaTVqFw0pjJW_kmUn_ApugxU6qDupN4Ukz8luBI8rxN7IYJMm-dUx5iEcxo15HFoNHj/s16000/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20no%20catch.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The play would fetch 29-yards on a catch that wasn't, as replays on TV showed the ball come loose and hit the ground upon further review. But with Philly rushing to hike the ball and insufficient evidence at the time for 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to risk losing a timeout with an early challenge in the game's opening minutes with only seconds to react, the Eagles successfully got away with one and capitalized just two plays later with a 6-yard rushing touchdown from running back Miles Sanders. Looking to answer with their first possession on offense, the 49ers began moving the ball and converted on a pair of first downs before disaster struck. Facing a 2nd and 6 on San Francisco's sixth play from scrimmage, QB Brock Purdy took a hit to his throwing arm that jarred the ball loose up into the air and nearly intercepted. What was initially ruled an incompletion would wind up being a fumble as Sirianni threw his challenge flag and was awarded the ball on what would be Purdy's first career fumble. But even worse than the turnover and adding insult to injury, Purdy would exit the game with an elbow injury and would have to be attended to by the team's medical staff. Already down to their third-string quarterback, the 49ers' unbelievable luck would turn from bad to worse as they were forced to call upon their fourth-string QB in journeyman Josh Johnson.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With both teams exchanging punts for the greater part of the first quarter, San Francisco would finally find an answer thanks to a 23-yard touchdown run from Christian McCaffrey who bounced free from one tackle and broke another on his way to the end zone in the second quarter. It would mark the 9th straight game with a touchdown for McCaffrey, the longest streak by a 49er since Terrell Owens in 1998. After benefiting from the phantom catch on their first drive, Philadelphia's ensuing possession would be fueled by a barrage of 49er penalties (four in total) that ended with another touchdown from Miles Sanders who found the end zone for a second time. With the 49ers now trailing 14-7, any hopes of taking some momentum into the locker room at the half went out the window on San Francisco's following possession. With under two-minutes to go and San Francisco set to receive the second half kick-off, the Niners were in prime position to tie the game or at least put a dent in Philadelphia's lead. Instead, Johnson fumbled the snap and was unable to recover the ball, giving Philadelphia a golden opportunity to add to their lead before halftime.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJJspNvyYG_sS8i6GMW63UEgsSl73geD7AyD9q-jVUJ1mLNsRYSA0mdM0lqVnQRntsfu1S52LUiFf0ByJVOAYDrRzH4McEu1LmyqODXf-ir0mZVkc8jgZ-p6YZWkwu0PvWee8Z-goC9t_dJyvJefCC3Ar7cMY5BgKOfBmXFFuVdFc4xCxxKHMUIg8/s456/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20Johnson%20fumble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpJJspNvyYG_sS8i6GMW63UEgsSl73geD7AyD9q-jVUJ1mLNsRYSA0mdM0lqVnQRntsfu1S52LUiFf0ByJVOAYDrRzH4McEu1LmyqODXf-ir0mZVkc8jgZ-p6YZWkwu0PvWee8Z-goC9t_dJyvJefCC3Ar7cMY5BgKOfBmXFFuVdFc4xCxxKHMUIg8/s16000/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20Johnson%20fumble.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">They often say teams in the NFL will only go as far as their quarterback will take them. San Francisco had rewrote that mantra a few times this season after injuries to both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, but with Brock Purdy falling to injury on San Francisco's first drive, the team's luck would finally run out and they would hit a brick wall. Having played for 13 different NFL franchises throughout his professional career, Johnson looked every bit like a quarterback who has had trouble sticking around with one team. Despite lacking that big play ability, all his coach and teammates had asked of Johnson was to keep his team in the game by avoiding the costly mistakes. Something he would fail to do. Unlike the Purdy fumble, the Eagles would cash in on Johnson's gaffe with a third rushing touchdown, this time from running back Boston Scott. Trailing 21-7 to start the second half, the injury bug would strike the 49ers quarterback position yet again as Johnson would also be forced to leave the game due to injury after sustaining a concussion on San Francisco's first possession of the third quarter.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With Purdy checking back into the game, coach Shanahan had kicked the tires on appointing emergency quarterback duties to running back Christian McCaffrey who was seen shuffling through helmets with the team's equipment staff, before Shanahan elected to summon his starter again. Clearly in pain and limited in what he could do with the football, Purdy toughed it out to finish the ballgame, attempting only two passes the rest of the way, both on short screen-passes that traveled no more than 3-yards each. With the Philadelphia defense stacking the box to stop the run on virtually every down, it was like shooting fish in a barrel against a 49er offense that would be a shell of its former self, relegated to one-dimension and handcuffed for the remainder of the game with no other healthy quarterback options on the active roster. While the Eagles added another touchdown and a field goal, San Francisco's last two possessions ended in a turnover on downs and a Deebo Samuel fumble. Having lost the turnover battle and a pair of quarterbacks to boot, penalties would also add to the team's agony and dig an even bigger hole than they would be able to crawl out of as San Francisco was called for 11 penalties on the afternoon to Philly's 4. Despite falling by a final score of 31-7, San Francisco's defense held the Eagles' No. 1 ranked offense in Yards Per Game to just 269 total yards.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBA2FNoRwH1IPM6cSnEW2E9fUDk37LL0qRefFEy8YQVP0caq9Lm0ObfXOkHZ1SOmjvl2LlIL1w9MA5TTmzi-Yk8TaE-95a0tIo8EXFSxFqfeQt1iJ7IOlzbXdCnZmu5HseOWsS61RsbqIFgxm1w_x7u8E1MQtuxG8O503wAYiFL68ibXjh9LFqvSj/s461/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20Purdy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGBA2FNoRwH1IPM6cSnEW2E9fUDk37LL0qRefFEy8YQVP0caq9Lm0ObfXOkHZ1SOmjvl2LlIL1w9MA5TTmzi-Yk8TaE-95a0tIo8EXFSxFqfeQt1iJ7IOlzbXdCnZmu5HseOWsS61RsbqIFgxm1w_x7u8E1MQtuxG8O503wAYiFL68ibXjh9LFqvSj/s16000/49ers%20blog%20NFCC%20Purdy.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">If you ever wondered what a team that has their soul ripped out in the opening minutes looked like, look no further than San Francisco's first offensive possession when Purdy went down with the injury. Purdy finished with 23 yards passing and 4 for 4 on completions, meanwhile Johnson threw for 74 yards on 7 of 13 passes. Running back Christian McCaffrey would be the lone bright spot for the Niners by tallying 106 yards of total offense and a touchdown in the loss. Eagles QB and MVP candidate Jalen Hurts did not impress by any means, throwing for a modest 121 yards on 15 of 25 attempts, while adding another 39 yards and a rushing touchdown on 11 carries, but managed to play a turnover-free game. On a relatively quiet day for the Eagle offense, no member of the team collected more than 36 yards receiving. For San Francisco who finished with a record of 15-5, the season comes to a bitter end as Kyle Shanahan's 49ers have now lost in back to back NFC Championships and will head into the offseason with even more questions at the quarterback position. With plenty of unknowns surrounding Trey Lance, Jimmy Garoppolo and Brock Purdy who confirmed on Monday that he had suffered a torn UCL in his throwing elbow that will require him to recover for at least the next six months and possibly longer with a decision yet to be made on undergoing surgery, it's shaping up to be a long off-season for the 49er Faithful. Not to mention the void that will need to be filled at defensive-coordinator with DeMeco Ryans a shoo-in to land the Houston Texans head coaching gig.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Super Bowl LVII:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Clinching their fourth Super Bowl appearance in franchise history and first since winning it all in 2017, Philadelphia will head to the desert to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Glendale, Arizona, seeking just their second Super Bowl trophy. As for K.C. who will be making their third Super Bowl appearance in four years, the team will be vying for a third Super Bowl trophy and second under head coach Andy Reid who will be facing his former team.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-2172500482496111112023-01-23T22:10:00.002-08:002023-01-30T18:12:42.106-08:0049ers Send Cowboys Home Again, Face Philly for NFC Title<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wyFUDwrPTP2lJgaCMNUYCW4cN579Prs4uneG5pFm7ARBvM_ob17Gdm6ystD3jVdw7l-4NdUvxGJK3b9vIjAYcMvgFutiwtK8ZZ-5BQGZLt-RIJ_1qef0wOZ5lm8DjlkhBoEDWGu_D1Hmhmgfi04Lv62604LSNo-bJRTKp40UfHGiKn5xq1rJ0KTW/s460/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20CMC%20toss.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wyFUDwrPTP2lJgaCMNUYCW4cN579Prs4uneG5pFm7ARBvM_ob17Gdm6ystD3jVdw7l-4NdUvxGJK3b9vIjAYcMvgFutiwtK8ZZ-5BQGZLt-RIJ_1qef0wOZ5lm8DjlkhBoEDWGu_D1Hmhmgfi04Lv62604LSNo-bJRTKp40UfHGiKn5xq1rJ0KTW/s16000/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20CMC%20toss.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: red;">Playoffs -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Dating back to the 1970's, few rivalries in the NFL have been as heated as the rivalry between the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. Though the rivalry has lost some of its sizzle since the 1990's, things are beginning to warm up again between the two franchises who have now met in the playoffs for a second consecutive season. After dispatching Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in Dallas in the Wild Card round a season ago, the 49ers looked to repeat the feat of handing Dallas back to back exits from the playoffs on Sunday, this time playing host to the Cowboys at Levi's Stadium in the Divisional round. One step closer to the Super Bowl and with some home cooking, head coach Kyle Shanahan's 49ers were able to do just that in a game that was highlighted by stellar defense.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With San Francisco's defense ranked number one in the league, Dallas' stout defense answered the call for much of the game as well and came out guns blazing by holding the Niners to a three and out punt on their opening-possession. The Cowboys would show a bit more life on their first drive but were also held to a punt to start the game. Following a second 49er punt, the defense made their presence felt by intercepting a Dak Prescott pass on a third and long. Jumping out in front of Dallas' Michael Gallup was second-year cornerback Deommodore Lenoir who logged his second interception in as many weeks after picking off Seattle's Geno Smith a week ago. While the 49ers would turn the turnover into points, they were held to just a field goal as kicker Robbie Gould began what would be a busy day at the office. With San Francisco striking first and Dallas trailing 3-0, Dak and company would have the 49er defense floundering for the one and only time all game. Orchestrating a 17-play, 79-yard drive that lasted 7:47 of game time, Dak found tight-end Dalton Schultz with a short pass for the 4-yard score.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUXcA-Q-JPF1mS5pXbAoSTULEJ_VfPXRe7gSVFkpCIDaGyVrXVwB5riPYqKx1S-VaEovSnGri32vKYB4v6JxLDdO7tlKQ0M2ZrHmC01J1KmVddu7w5f5E3BiGjHcFbbN-XrDJL0fRmJbyn5dB-IEE98tiG5NzefcmB01hUZPERSmdCTyfnEgdhSaE/s461/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Dak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUXcA-Q-JPF1mS5pXbAoSTULEJ_VfPXRe7gSVFkpCIDaGyVrXVwB5riPYqKx1S-VaEovSnGri32vKYB4v6JxLDdO7tlKQ0M2ZrHmC01J1KmVddu7w5f5E3BiGjHcFbbN-XrDJL0fRmJbyn5dB-IEE98tiG5NzefcmB01hUZPERSmdCTyfnEgdhSaE/s16000/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Dak.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Thanks to a blocked extra-point attempt by San Francisco's Samson Ebukam who also logged a sack on the afternoon, the 49ers found themselves trailing 6-3. San Francisco would answer right back with another field goal -- a 47-yarder from Gould to tie the game at 6. With the Cowboys chipping away at the field and trending towards another score, the 49er defense came through once again, this time in the red zone as All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner corralled an interception tipped by safety Jimmie Ward. Looking to put some more points on the board before the half, the 49ers narrowly avoided disaster with some questionable clock-management from both coach Shanahan and rookie quarterback Brock Purdy. Electing to use a timeout after showing little urgency and letting precious seconds tick away was Shanahan before Purdy got rid of the ball just in the nick of time with an out of bounds incompletion that left 1-second remaining on the clock. In came Gould who split the uprights for a third time in the first half to give the Niners a 9-6 lead at halftime.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In the days leading up to the game, a pair of knuckleheads on a Dallas sports radio station had wished an injury on 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Instead, they would witness one of their own fall victim to the injury bug in running back Tony Pollard who had to be carted off the field with an ankle injury, forcing him to miss the second half. With Dallas opening the second half with the ball, the 49er defense was able to force the Cowboys offense off the field with a punt, but only for a short period as Dallas was given another chance following a fumbled punt return by Ray-Ray McCloud. Given a second opportunity and with prime field position, Dallas was able to tie the game with a 25-yard field goal from Brett Maher who had missed four of five extra-point attempts the week prior against Tampa Bay. After exchanging punts, the 49ers would string together their best drive of the evening, marching 76-yards in 14 plays that spanned exactly 6-minutes. Capping off the impressive drive that was highlighted by a 30-yard circus catch made by tight-end George Kittle, running back Christian McCaffrey began to finally find holes in the Dallas defense and punched thru for a 2-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMkg8u9AIu_51xgeNamNxfPeCBgzyNyG1uVK0clygO_gAWE4tVkflO8jWcAtCETCfGzvFb8hTnX36rSKcG371Y5DxwAf2dXbzLgjjTCT3yfozEK9GQuoO-c2QpIuPts8Y_Dqkr-ocW-B3A10qHckIRIGn_RbhfAd3-89zE9-x6N0uZ24nQC20W73e/s461/49ers%20blog%20Kittle%20playoff%20grab.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMkg8u9AIu_51xgeNamNxfPeCBgzyNyG1uVK0clygO_gAWE4tVkflO8jWcAtCETCfGzvFb8hTnX36rSKcG371Y5DxwAf2dXbzLgjjTCT3yfozEK9GQuoO-c2QpIuPts8Y_Dqkr-ocW-B3A10qHckIRIGn_RbhfAd3-89zE9-x6N0uZ24nQC20W73e/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Kittle%20playoff%20grab.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Both teams would exchange field goals before a bit of unnecessary drama ensued as San Francisco insisted on making things harder on themselves down the stretch than they needed to be before ultimately avoiding disaster. Receiving a punt with 2:05 remaining in regulation, the 49ers were in need of a first down following the two-minute warning to clinch the win and milk the clock. While they would get the much-needed first down on a 13-yard scamper from running back Elijah Mitchell, the second-year back ran out of bounds, stopping the clock and allowing Dallas to successfully use their timeouts after getting a stop to get the ball back for one final last-ditch attempt. After missing a chance to ice the game with a would-be pick-six interception from linebacker Dre Greenlaw who dropped the ball, San Francisco whiffed again when Arik Armstead collided in the end zone with Prescott who avoided the safety and got rid of the ball with an incompletion. After a pair of short passes and the clock down to 6-seconds, the Cowboys would dial up one final play that was blown up by Jimmie Ward, eliminating any chance at a lateral-type miracle. Pulling off the 19-12 win, the 49ers booked their second straight trip to the NFC Championship and their third trip in four years. Meanwhile, the Cowboys now have 12 straight playoff appearances without playing in a Conference Championship game, the longest streak in NFL history.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Relying on the defense for much of the game, Niners QB Brock Purdy threw for 214 yards on 19 of 29 pass attempts and was able to avoid the costly turnovers that plagued his counterpart in Dak Prescott. Dak did not finish far behind with 206 yards and a touchdown on 23 of 37 passes, but his two interceptions were costly, and his longest streak in NFL history of 1+ passing TD and 1+ rushing TDin four straight playoff games came to a screeching halt. Tight-end George Kittle proved to be Purdy's favorite target on the evening with five receptions for 95 yards, finishing behind only CeeDee Lamb who caught 10 passes for 117 yards for Dallas. The 49er defense held the Cowboys to only 76 yards rushing, while tallying 113 yards of their own on the ground between Eli Mitchell (14 carries, 51 yards) and Christian McCaffrey (10 carries, 35 yards, 1 TD). Evening the all-time series between these two storied franchises at 19-19-1, Sunday's win marked the Niners' first home win over Dallas since 1997.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWLXY_l3H5YffQykglgympkzAjD91zFW5lZcr6culLSdSlNHdvL1w8y68Ak95e6hQyngfXxJtNBEGNohpcVSqafBP9S4pGzWOAeUJt3eEIl4uFPwrKht39YV2qdWOXCHrx4kxqE2r2CSzxDVr4mKRMxMh0xISxjZWs_d7uSuJJW_KlPgFr4hBTFN/s453/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Purdy%20pass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOWLXY_l3H5YffQykglgympkzAjD91zFW5lZcr6culLSdSlNHdvL1w8y68Ak95e6hQyngfXxJtNBEGNohpcVSqafBP9S4pGzWOAeUJt3eEIl4uFPwrKht39YV2qdWOXCHrx4kxqE2r2CSzxDVr4mKRMxMh0xISxjZWs_d7uSuJJW_KlPgFr4hBTFN/s16000/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Purdy%20pass.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">NFC Championship Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Having now won 12 straight games, the 49ers will put their winning-streak to the test and try for lucky No. 13 as they prepare to hit the road to face the No. 1 seeded Eagles in Philadelphia with a ticket to the Super Bowl on the line. What will undoubtedly be a showdown between the NFC's top two seeds, the heavyweight match-up will feature the league's best defense in points per game and yards per game (San Francisco) going up against the league's best offense in those same two categories (Philadelphia). But the one match-up that will steal all the headlines is the one between both team's quarterbacks in Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts. Mr. Irrelevant versus the potential league MVP. And though this will be the first time these two QB's meet to face one another at the pro level, it isn't their first time facing one another on a football field. Purdy will have a chance at redemption after losing in a 42-41 shootout during his days at Iowa State as his Cyclones lost to Hurts and the Oklahoma Sooners back on November 9, 2019. Purdy would throw for 5 touchdowns and rush for another in the wild contest that also saw 5 total TD's from Hurts. Both should be a far cry from what we're likely to see from both quarterbacks on Sunday. </span></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The media has already begun spinning the narrative for Sunday's game as Brock Purdy the rookie quarterback who is ill-prepared to face a team as daunting as the Eagles in Philadelphia. However, Purdy will enter Sunday's game having already won two career playoff games to Hurts' one. Purdy will also be making history when he steps onto the field at Lincoln Financial as he'll become the first rookie QB to start a Conference Championship game since Mark Sanchez in 2009. With 200 yards passing in both playoff games this season and no turnovers committed, he's the only rookie QB in the Super Bowl era to do that even once in the playoffs. Purdy joined Joe Flacco (2008) and Mark Sanchez (2009) as the only rookie QBs to win two playoff starts. He's looking to become the first to make the Super Bowl after Flacco, Sanchez, Ben Roethlisberger (2004) and Shaun King (1999) all lost in the conference title game.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">The last time these two teams met was Week 2 of the 2021-22 season just a year ago which saw San Francisco edge out a 17-11 win in Philadelphia. Of course a lot of things have changed since then and playoff football is a different type of animal than the second week of the regular season. Opening up as 2-point underdogs on the road, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers will hope to use their Conference Championship experience to their benefit over second-year head coach Nick Siranni who has done a superb job at the helm in Philly, but will be in uncharted waters come Sunday against a hungry 49ers team that doesn't mind proving the doubters wrong.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-61960219657739636322023-01-16T15:58:00.017-08:002023-01-18T09:17:45.607-08:0049ers pull off Rout of Rival Seahawks in Wild Card Round <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IQNoJxOYpgqAPxKOcxFC-5olWoIMM_3GLUr6fZxg9SWaYOVQx1Mipj9SI4Zj-bafZ-OcThcikGIdhd6JL4Kwi-2bvK6JV6Z3zuw5eWgIfI53XyNS_1ghiWU_C8fpTmlyE0CwflCoVrajSkaXYUvYkITyefI4jGJpQ_zoZ8uk_Mz7rw4t7k6w0bSN/s460/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20CMC.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IQNoJxOYpgqAPxKOcxFC-5olWoIMM_3GLUr6fZxg9SWaYOVQx1Mipj9SI4Zj-bafZ-OcThcikGIdhd6JL4Kwi-2bvK6JV6Z3zuw5eWgIfI53XyNS_1ghiWU_C8fpTmlyE0CwflCoVrajSkaXYUvYkITyefI4jGJpQ_zoZ8uk_Mz7rw4t7k6w0bSN/s16000/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20CMC.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">Playoffs -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Kicking off Super Wild Card Weekend, the San Francisco 49ers played host to the division rival Seattle Seahawks in the first game of a busy playoff weekend that featured three action-packed days of postseason football. After sweeping the season-series against the Seahawks and clinching the NFC Western Division in Seattle in Week 15, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers team went into their first round match-up with plenty of confidence while riding the longest active winning-streak in the NFL with 10 straight wins. But as history has shown, beating any team three times in one season is no easy task. That proved to be true through the first two quarters as Seattle went blow for blow with the Niners in the first half.</span> <p></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After opening the game on defense and holding Seattle to three and out punts on each of their first two drives, San Francisco got on the board early with a field goal on their opening-drive, followed by a touchdown pass from quarterback Brock Purdy to running back Christian McCaffrey. The Niners running back broke for a big gain on a 68-yard run before being awarded a few plays later with an easy touchdown. Dancing around a pair of rushers, Purdy stepped forward and hit a wide-open McCaffrey to his right for the 3-yard score. Refusing to go away early, Seattle answered right back with a long 16-play, 78-yard drive that lasted nearly 7-minutes and ended with a 7-yard touchdown run from rookie running back Kenneth Walker III. The Niners would add to their lead on their next possession with another Robbie Gould field goal, but back came Seattle with another trip to the end zone. After getting the better of Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf in their first two match-ups, 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward was bullied all afternoon long by Metcalf who hauled in a 50-yard touchdown reception to put Seattle ahead, 14-13.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhViMeh9AlNLfMQapgt8WJfS0X-KIr-G6PrB5c-ER3gbiw0dgeV84cKXCSujYGISf7IbgcTNTnuw5kEgFtqmAPZ2Rt-Fv8qauCSwZBbnoV0NkC9Aba6v_gUkrZuHGii7_2CXmp3A-YZqYZPd8XrebdKnJEnfPoOJ6sgurGybF7vlOqZoT3TQhBEvG/s461/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Deebo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhViMeh9AlNLfMQapgt8WJfS0X-KIr-G6PrB5c-ER3gbiw0dgeV84cKXCSujYGISf7IbgcTNTnuw5kEgFtqmAPZ2Rt-Fv8qauCSwZBbnoV0NkC9Aba6v_gUkrZuHGii7_2CXmp3A-YZqYZPd8XrebdKnJEnfPoOJ6sgurGybF7vlOqZoT3TQhBEvG/s16000/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Deebo.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With both teams exchanging punts, the 49ers had thought they would be heading into the locker room with a 16-14 lead after Robbie Gould connected on his third field goal of the first half from 46-yards out with 17-seconds remaining, but a boneheaded play by San Francisco's Jimmie Ward helped gift Seattle an extra 3-points and a 1-point lead at the half. The unnecessary roughness call on Ward for hitting a sliding Geno Smith allowed Seahawks kicker Jason Myers to nail a 56-yard field goal as time expired. Staying alive in the first half by keeping the 49ers at bey in the red zone with only one touchdown in three trips, Seattle's defense was unable to say the same in the second half. Coming out of halftime with a chip on their shoulder, the 49ers' intensity only grew after a dirty play by Seattle defensive-back Johnathan Abram. After a 21-yard reception from receiver Deebo Samuel on the first drive of the second half, Abram made the tackle on Samuel and gave him an extra ankle twist after the play which infuriated both Deebo and his 49er teammates. After a little fisticuffs, the team rallied behind their teammate and punched in the go-ahead score several plays later with quarterback Brock Purdy lunging forward and into the end zone from a yard out. The drive that put the Niners back on top would be their longest scoring-drive of the season at 7-minutes and 45-seconds, spanning 75-yards over 13-plays.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Seattle appeared to be headed for a score of their own on their ensuing-drive, but their trip inside the red zone would go up in flames after a turnover by the duo of Charles Omenihu and Nick Bosa who got to Geno Smith to force and recovered the fumble. The 49er offense would turn the turnover into points as Brock Purdy hit running back Elijah Mitchell for a 7-yard touchdown and George Kittle on a successful 2-point conversion. San Francisco would get their longest touchdown of the day on their next drive when Purdy hit Deebo Samuel on a 74-yard touchdown. After feeling the frustration following the dirty play, Deebo got the last laugh, tallying 66-yards after the catch on his way to paydirt thanks to a nice block by Brandon Aiyuk. The forced fumble by Geno Smith would open up the floodgates for the 49ers who scored 25 consecutive points. A second turnover would come in the form of a Deommodore Lenoir interception, who jumped in front of a Geno Smith pass for the pick. Following the fourth field goal of the day from Gould to extend the Niners' lead, Seattle did find the end zone again with a garbage time touchdown from Geno Smith to Metcalf, but the game was well over by then as San Francisco walked away with the 41-23 victory.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-iAMtLoqf20wx5fi8RNquvXZIcjHU3UzIOae-MbAV1_VI7GGeajfiYGDMhoiAa7Fw_Z5hdNjn-jvf06T4sDox_ECXkHNIEOjbO_pH2FGMR9Hbfart4R8fyyftHKblPdpOmHlw2G24tjHRSTi4VlsItclEVMk6wBH8kHzs7i3A-2O7Gf3UvkfVtYD/s461/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Bosa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-iAMtLoqf20wx5fi8RNquvXZIcjHU3UzIOae-MbAV1_VI7GGeajfiYGDMhoiAa7Fw_Z5hdNjn-jvf06T4sDox_ECXkHNIEOjbO_pH2FGMR9Hbfart4R8fyyftHKblPdpOmHlw2G24tjHRSTi4VlsItclEVMk6wBH8kHzs7i3A-2O7Gf3UvkfVtYD/s16000/49ers%20blog%20playoffs%20Bosa.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With Seattle keeping up through the first 2+ quarters, the two key moments that lit a spark for the 49ers that allowed them to pull away with the 18-point rout was the fumble recovery by Bosa and the dirty play by Seahawks DB Johnathan Abram. Both would take place on consecutive drives and helped breathe life into the 49ers who jumped ahead and never looked back. Making his postseason debut, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy shook off some early jitters and showed that even the big stage of the postseason did not bother him, finishing with 332 passing yards and 3 passing touchdowns while rushing for another. Breaking a few records along the way -- Purdy became the youngest QB all-time (23 years, 18 days) with 2+ passing TD's & 1+ rushing TD's in a playoff game. His 4 total touchdowns vs Seattle would be the most in NFL history for a rookie in a playoff game and his 332 passing yards were the most for a 49ers QB in the postseason since Joe Montana's 357 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII. Overall, the San Francisco offense tallied 505 total yards, their most in any single game in the last three seasons. Converting 24 first downs and punting only once, the duo of Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel helped the 49er offense shine. McCaffrey recorded 119 yards on 15 carries and also added a receiving touchdown, whereas Deebo logged a playoff career-high of 133 yards on 6 catches a day before his 27th birthday.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Playoffs Division Round Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Continuing their road to Super Bowl LVII, the 49ers will welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Levi's Stadium. In a playoff rematch of last year's NFC Wild Card round where San Francisco pulled off a 23-17 road win in Dallas as a Wild Card team, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers will look to knock off Dak Prescott and company for a second consecutive year, this time as a division-winner. The Cowboys made light work of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 31-14 win on Monday Night Football in the last of six match-ups over the busy Super Wild Card Weekend, but are coming off short rest, whereas the 49ers got their playoff feet wet rather early in the first game played over the weekend on Saturday afternoon. Coach Shanahan will hope to work the extra two day advantage in his team's favor as the San Francisco defense prepares for the challenge that will be provided by a balanced Cowboys offensive attack with weapons both on the ground and thru the air. With San Francisco's offense clicking on all cylinders as well over their NFL-leading 11 consecutive wins, Dallas' defense is not to be taken lightly led by linebacker and Defensive Player of the Year candidate Micah Parsons who is likely to be the runner-up to the Niners' Nick Bosa. All things considered, the game will likely go one of two ways: a low-scoring defensive struggle with neither team letting up or an all-around shootout with both offenses going blow for blow in a high-scoring affair. Either way, there will be no shortage of star talent and it should be a good one with a ticket to the NFC Championship on the line to face the winner of the Philadelphia Eagles & New York Giants contest.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-79297403496570805512023-01-08T23:15:00.006-08:002023-01-08T23:16:15.974-08:0049ers Win 10th Straight in Playoff tune-up vs Arizona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7X_s2AIEPVH7XERa-dAapEXJ9BJDuyyz8iGeLVUgXO1LkFw5lu9vd6JTeps7e1G88VvQJLKLg-bfUeh8ISxhDKaSdgd23HRh0LMJyCoHENmgBw_PR1qPJbH7-Gj-0VlwYWYxI9e6_6p6I0EhAjHMo3gi-jzke7umDzGChJrPPkbl8GaT3riIB274/s468/49ers%20blog%20Arizona%20Kittle%20TD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7X_s2AIEPVH7XERa-dAapEXJ9BJDuyyz8iGeLVUgXO1LkFw5lu9vd6JTeps7e1G88VvQJLKLg-bfUeh8ISxhDKaSdgd23HRh0LMJyCoHENmgBw_PR1qPJbH7-Gj-0VlwYWYxI9e6_6p6I0EhAjHMo3gi-jzke7umDzGChJrPPkbl8GaT3riIB274/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Arizona%20Kittle%20TD.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 18 -</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Hosting the division rival (4-12) Arizona Cardinals in the final week of the 2022-23 regular season, the (12-4) San Francisco 49ers entered their regular season finale with their eyes set on the NFC's No. 1 seed, having already clinched their division. But in order to secure that top seed, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers would need both a win on Sunday as well as a loss from the Philadelphia Eagles who played host to the rival New York Giants. Riding a nine-game winning-streak, San Francisco would look to continue their red-hot play with a chance to sweep the NFC Western Division for the first time since 1997. Meanwhile, Arizona would have little to play for with the exception of one of their own calling it a career following Sunday's game as future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt who spent the last two seasons with the Cardinals following 10-years with the Houston Texans, announced earlier in the week that this would be his final season in the NFL.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">After a meltdown on defense a week ago in their overtime win against the Raiders, the 49ers' No. 1 ranked defense got off to a bumpy start again on Sunday when the Cardinals scored two plays into the ballgame. Down to their fourth-string quarterback, Arizona's David Blough launched a deep ball 77-yards to A.J. Green who made the catch and weaved thru two defenders to find the end zone and give the Cardinals an early 6-0 lead. Looking to answer right back would be a San Francisco offense that received a pair of reinforcements returning from injury in running back Elijah Mitchell and wide-receiver Deebo Samuel. But both guys would take a backseat to Christian McCaffrey who got the 49ers on the board with a 21-yard touchdown on a screen-pass. 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson would have himself a day, adding to his team-leading interception total in the second quarter, picking-off Blough on Arizona's first play of the second quarter.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxX_3mAVEGpAFOnQAJEG7yjp8kGitJSQVVx4eKCK8x52rMgwsWGuRx9iyeZ-VTFqBEn6TQZ7LTxndHmeJbZlkfM4UsSssbAZIuP2o91YqkyZsD3iiBX7u5LkV7HKq4i5Sl9Fza2N4Ij2K6cxaECbGJwxa8Fc3peWwo601zp3oGbYat0uTBxe4Tq6j/s468/49ers%20blog%20Arizona%20Eli%20Mitchell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxX_3mAVEGpAFOnQAJEG7yjp8kGitJSQVVx4eKCK8x52rMgwsWGuRx9iyeZ-VTFqBEn6TQZ7LTxndHmeJbZlkfM4UsSssbAZIuP2o91YqkyZsD3iiBX7u5LkV7HKq4i5Sl9Fza2N4Ij2K6cxaECbGJwxa8Fc3peWwo601zp3oGbYat0uTBxe4Tq6j/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Arizona%20Eli%20Mitchell.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Taking over with good field position, the Niner offense would make quick work of the short field as Elijah Mitchell who has missed 12 games this season including the last five, logged his long-awaited first touchdown of the season with a 5-yard score. While the Cardinals would answer with a touchdown of their own on their ensuing drive, they would not have an answer for the 4-yard touchdown from Brock Purdy to George Kittle on San Francisco's next drive. Finding the end zone just before the end of the half, the 49ers would take a 21-13 lead into the locker room. Staying hot on offense, they would open the second half with that same intensity as Mitchell broke for a 37-yard gain to setup another easy score from 6-yards out to give him two touchdowns on the day. Tashaun Gipson would record his second interception of the afternoon and fifth on the season when he picked off a deep pass that the 49er offense would cash in for a Robbie Gould field goal. Adding insult to injury for the Arizona offense, the 49er defense would get a strip-sack on the Cardinals' ensuing-possession when defensive-end Jordan Willis got to the quarterback.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Entering Sunday's game having already made history by becoming the first rookie QB in NFL history with a win and 2+ TD's in each of his first four career starts, Purdy would add to that record on Sunday, hitting George Kittle in the end zone from a yard out to give the 49ers QB 3 TD's on the day. With his second touchdown reception of afternoon, it would be the seventh touchdown grab in the last four games for Kittle. With Trace McSorley taking over at quarterback to finish the game for the Cardinals, the 49er defense would force another pair of turnovers in the fourth quarter, including an interception from George Odum, his first of the season. The 49ers would walk away with the 38-13 win to claim their first-ever 10th consecutive victory, finishing the regular season with a record of 13-4. Throwing for 178 yards on 15 of 20 pass attempts, Purdy now trails only Jeff Garcia (8 in 2001) and Steve Young (7 in 1998) for the most consecutive games with 2+ pass TD in 49ers franchise history. Brandon Aiyuk becomes just the 13th player (11th wide-receiver) in 49ers franchise history with 1,000+ receiving yards in a single season, eclipsing the 1,000 yard plateau with 4 catches for 59 yards on Sunday to give him 1,015 receiving yards on the season. In his first game back since suffering a leg injury in Week 14, Deebo Samuel hauled in two catches for for 20 yards and one carry for 4 yards.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-y5qMpu_4PFQqDbdhCyAKxa69z6HHDlYm77_tWfFkwhtzLq7G-KK0eB0Ruu9x2o-4Gb9kxBKG-l3gF3KASlQs3RugRxZ5oBvtO92sZDNoZkRHv8Q1pRXTPSe_dN9xyFkRgHstd9EnQJ6pw8zBu8roTTo0gYQXnW5-Q0VUGVixA5tBbKVKSgXIqF1/s468/49ers%20blog%20Arizona%20Purdy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-y5qMpu_4PFQqDbdhCyAKxa69z6HHDlYm77_tWfFkwhtzLq7G-KK0eB0Ruu9x2o-4Gb9kxBKG-l3gF3KASlQs3RugRxZ5oBvtO92sZDNoZkRHv8Q1pRXTPSe_dN9xyFkRgHstd9EnQJ6pw8zBu8roTTo0gYQXnW5-Q0VUGVixA5tBbKVKSgXIqF1/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Arizona%20Purdy.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Noteworthy:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">0 wins by teams in the week following a game vs SF this season (0-15), marking the first time in NFL history with a minimum of 10 games.</span> </p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Playoffs Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">With the Philadelphia Eagles beating the New York Giants 22-16 on Sunday and securing the NFC's No. 1 seed and a 1st round BYE, the 49ers claim the No. 2 seed, setting them up for a Wild Card match-up versus the rival Seattle Seahawks who punched their playoff ticket with an overtime win at home over the Rams and a bit of help from the Detroit Lions who eliminated the Green Bay Packers with a win at Lambeau Field. San Francisco will look to beat Pete Carroll and the Seahawks for a third time this season when they welcome them to Levi's Stadium on Saturday in what will be nothing short of a chippie affair between two teams who have had a recent history of not liking one another.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8821983306958469425.post-3957092630902869682023-01-02T21:34:00.015-08:002023-01-02T21:57:21.698-08:0049ers duke it out with Raiders in Overtime Win<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucRARFg3O6b_H3dLfsi72EpPZZwp1E60e6UOjpAiYzAEPsVVg4iVjDesZFDnAIPPFbstuwHy17b-xJBjfcJ5K1EuOUAwskKf__7Yhiho8HEJjIQAwoA8a3D3c82-sshnrw09AmwN-u-EPo1Ea50g7oSC7O37QRwnfVLJv7eX3pXfxCjorAfMoFWwG/s575/49ers%20Raiders%20selfie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgucRARFg3O6b_H3dLfsi72EpPZZwp1E60e6UOjpAiYzAEPsVVg4iVjDesZFDnAIPPFbstuwHy17b-xJBjfcJ5K1EuOUAwskKf__7Yhiho8HEJjIQAwoA8a3D3c82-sshnrw09AmwN-u-EPo1Ea50g7oSC7O37QRwnfVLJv7eX3pXfxCjorAfMoFWwG/s16000/49ers%20Raiders%20selfie.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 17 - </span></b><span style="color: #f1c232;">Kicking off the New Year in Las Vegas like many party goers that flock to the desert for the big celebration, the (11-4) San Francisco 49ers had other plans in mind than partying. In town to face the (6-9) Las Vegas Raiders, Kyle Shanahan's team entered Sunday's game as heavy favorites having already clinched a playoff berth and their division, against a reeling Raiders team that was on their last leg fighting for their playoff lives. What was expected to be a romp for the 49ers, instead turned into a knock-down-drag-out war that would need overtime to determine a winner. When it was all said and done, the 49ers prevailed, but not before enduring a scare and worrying the pants off of me and the many other Niner fans who were in attendance.</span> <br /></p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">In the days leading up to their New Years battle, Las Vegas head coach Josh McDaniel announced that 3-time Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr would be benched and ultimately shutdown for the remainder of the season in what will likely end his tenure with the Raiders. Taking over under-center for Carr would be QB Jarrett Stidham who was traded from the New England Patriots before the season, reuniting with McDaniel who served as Stidham's offensive coordinator all three seasons in Foxboro before landing his gig with the Raiders in the offseason. Tasked to make his first career start against the league's number one defense, Stidham would have the San Francisco defense on their heels virtually all afternoon long. From their opening drive, Stidham looked calm and in control as he connected on each of his first three passes, including 24-yarder to tight-end Darren Waller to give his team an early 7-0 lead. Answering right back with a touchdown of their own, running back Christian McCaffrey led the 49ers into the red zone with a big 37-yard run before quarterback Brock Purdy hit Brandon Aiyuk in the end zone to tie the game at 7 a piece.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishPRCubqGrVi-av_ZRXwFP7eXapwGcmCq25sERLBDC9sy3PG60yb7Y7V3Q8p1JN84ZbCYMh2aeL9fyDyFaW479cjVCv0M7mWIL1sY3sawwRy_gCxaiQBFwdXoraxMH9AO0yac5pQDoW-G4_8ijyuORYDYUuu1usnddjnBuL0IBAXmhVgziL54DlnP/s456/49ers%20blog%20Raiders%20CMC%20stiffarm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishPRCubqGrVi-av_ZRXwFP7eXapwGcmCq25sERLBDC9sy3PG60yb7Y7V3Q8p1JN84ZbCYMh2aeL9fyDyFaW479cjVCv0M7mWIL1sY3sawwRy_gCxaiQBFwdXoraxMH9AO0yac5pQDoW-G4_8ijyuORYDYUuu1usnddjnBuL0IBAXmhVgziL54DlnP/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Raiders%20CMC%20stiffarm.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Knocking on the door at the San Francisco 1-yard line, the Raiders nearly found pay dirt again, but settled for a field goal after failing to reach the end zone. Trailing 10-7, the 49ers took their first lead of the ball game when Purdy hit tight-end George Kittle in the corner of the end zone from 2-yards out, giving the self-proclaimed "People's Tight-End" five touchdown receptions in his last three games. After forcing a turnover on downs that left the Raiders high and dry at the San Francisco goal-line, the 49ers appeared to be heading into halftime with a lead. However, Stidham and company had other plans as the Raiders' back-up QB took advantage of good field position beyond midfield and marched the offense into the red zone. There he would find his top receiver Devante Adams in the corner of the end zone with a 4-yard touchdown grab with 15-seconds remaining. Finding themselves trailing 17-14 at halftime, the 49ers opened the second half flat and were held to a three and out. Getting the ball back with a chance to add to their lead, Jarrett Stidham would do just that.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Facing a 3rd and 11, the Raiders would convert the first down on a big face mask penalty when 49ers linebacker Fred Warner got tangled up with Las Vegas receiver Hunter Renfrow. Three plays later, Stidham would launch a pass down field to hit a wide-open Devante Adams for a 60-yard score. Looking for a second half jolt, the 49ers began to show life when McCaffrey darted to the end zone from 14 yards out to pull his team within a field goal. After holding the Raiders to a punt on a three and out, the Niners appeared to be headed for another trip to the end zone when Purdy found receiver Jauan Jennings for a 28-yard gain that put them at midfield. However, Purdy's lone mistake on the afternoon would come on the very next play when his deep pass intended for Kittle was underthrown and intercepted by Las Vegas' Amik Robertson who robbed the Niners' tight-end of the ball. In need of a big stop, the 49er defense would come thru with an interception of their own to start the fourth quarter when Kerry Hyder Jr. deflected the ball in the air and into the arms of rookie Drake Jackson who hauled in his first career interception.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvQTlRj5wEVTyN0GPr2X9rNhsrfhjHFhBpj4gvOj9g2uo75W139JnKqABUn-1u66tMbG_p9d6Q9yt0N_ywo3nKWRnyhwZpWh1MsgxRrLU-QMZ5N4gKqXTkyaq1tkXCfjldq9XsqkkzzG8cJonAYyiWqnX_5eWbM9TZ4CdKsdnaQBeh4CtcPUwcvK/s469/49ers%20blog%20Raiders%20Mason.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fvQTlRj5wEVTyN0GPr2X9rNhsrfhjHFhBpj4gvOj9g2uo75W139JnKqABUn-1u66tMbG_p9d6Q9yt0N_ywo3nKWRnyhwZpWh1MsgxRrLU-QMZ5N4gKqXTkyaq1tkXCfjldq9XsqkkzzG8cJonAYyiWqnX_5eWbM9TZ4CdKsdnaQBeh4CtcPUwcvK/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Raiders%20Mason.jpg" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">Turning the turnover into a field goal, the 49ers would tie the game at 24-all. Following a Raiders punt, San Francisco would take a 27-24 lead with another Robbie Gould field goal, but Vegas kicker Daniel Carlson would answer right back with a field goal of his own. The last five minutes of the fourth quarter would be a complete whirlwind as both teams went blow for blow, exchanging scores. A pair of big passes to Aiyuk and McCaffrey setup rookie running back Jordan Mason who scored his first career touchdown on a 14-yard dash to the end zone. Needing only 1 minute and 6 seconds, Stidham hit receivers on 21 and 45 yard gains and took advantage of two costly penalties on San Francisco to put the Raiders at the 1-yardline. It would be there where running back Josh Jacobs who departed in the first half with a hip injury, returned to the field to score the game-tying touchdown from 1 yard out. With 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter, Brock Purdy would go to work, connecting with Brandon Aiyuk on four passes to amass 52 yards and put his kicker in position to win the game in regulation. The football gods would have other plans, however, as Gould who had made two field goals earlier in the game, including a 43-yarder, missed wide-right from 41 yards as time expired.</span> </p><p><span style="color: #f1c232;">With the game heading into overtime, the fans in attendance at Allegiant Stadium which consisted of about 2/3 in favor of the 49ers, would be treated to another roller coaster of emotions. Winning the coin toss and electing to receive, the Raiders rushed the ball on three straight plays before a deep pass flipped the game for the 49ers. What was a quiet day for San Francisco defensive-end Nick Bosa, turned into a pivotal play as the defensive stalwart applied pressure by bull rushing his man into the quarterback who lofted a wobbly pass that was intercepted by Tashaun Gipson who returned the pick 56 yards. Giving kicker Robbie Gould a chance to redeem himself, the 18-year veteran would do just that, splitting the uprights from 23-yards out to send his team home with their NFL-best ninth straight victory. The ninth straight win would mark the franchise's longest winning-streak since 1997. Throwing for 284 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception, Brock Purdy became just the fifth rookie all-time to win his first four career starts and the first to do so since 2004 (Ben Roethlisberger). Brandon Aiyuk (9 rec, 101 yds, 1 TD) and Devante Adams (7 rec, 153 yds, 2 TD) led their respective teams in receiving yards, combining for 16 receptions, 254 receiving yards and 3 receiving touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey combined for 193 total yards and a touchdown to eclipse the 1,000 rushing yards plateau for the third time in his career. With the loss, the Raiders would be officially eliminated from playoff contention.</span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VEdk6pGVWsV6VJzveHg9xy5GSCXctrltajfZgnohFnpIS-wNI57Ki2ewM4BolMVHc2O2eaS_7w4wW9IkT9_ONv5SAQvGFhYvyu9hM6KeC9hW0JW0F1i9rqhnjPqueinYqo2lGa0LfuLYKwO_WyRCqPzJpXGQyUFXjPpRsHCgUDoN3fyQnrtwTh16/s471/49ers%20blog%20Raiders%20Gould.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="471" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5VEdk6pGVWsV6VJzveHg9xy5GSCXctrltajfZgnohFnpIS-wNI57Ki2ewM4BolMVHc2O2eaS_7w4wW9IkT9_ONv5SAQvGFhYvyu9hM6KeC9hW0JW0F1i9rqhnjPqueinYqo2lGa0LfuLYKwO_WyRCqPzJpXGQyUFXjPpRsHCgUDoN3fyQnrtwTh16/s16000/49ers%20blog%20Raiders%20Gould.jpg" /></a></div><p><b><span style="color: red;">Week 18 Preview:</span></b> <span style="color: #f1c232;">Improving to 12-4 on the year, the 49ers will look to closeout the regular season with a tenth consecutive victory when they play host to the last-place (4-12) Arizona Cardinals. After losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco now finds themselves in the No. 2 seed with a chance at securing the NFC's top seed and a first round BYE if they get a win against Arizona, coupled with a loss from Philly who hosts the division rival New York Giants who are also vying for a playoff spot. Slated to be a wild final week of the NFL's regular season schedule, Kyle Shanahan's 49ers will look to ride their current winning-streak into the postseason and have a chance to complete a clean sweep of the NFC Western Division as the Cardinals are the last team standing in their way of perfection. The 49ers won their previous match-up against the Cardinals earlier this season back in Week 10 which saw San Francisco pull off a 38-10 victory in Mexico City. As scary as their close call with the Raiders was, this type of come-from-behind victory should do wonders for Brock Purdy and his development, as well as serve as a much needed wake-up call for the 49er defense which allowed 500 total yards in the win.</span> </p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="color: red;">Follow me on Twitter: @FraserKnowsBest</span></b> </p>Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12223578509665546220noreply@blogger.com0