Not the showdown we anticipated back in September but an interesting matchup just the same. A patchwork quilt of an offensive line hand knitted throughout the week from remnants of F/A and practice squads. The conventional wisdom in a meaningless game such as this would be to protect your franchise quarterback by sitting him and seeing what you might have in Tanner Mordecai. Shanahan begs to differ and I can't say that I blame him. If Purdy can somehow survive while looking for ways to win, it should pay the kind of dividends that are priceless for a young quarterback going into his 3rd season as the starter. The 49ers are 11-1 in their last 12 games against the Lions and 3-0 under Kyle Shanahan.
49ers inactives: QB Brandon Allen (third QB) RB Israel Abanikanda DL Khalil Davis LB Dre Greenlaw OL Spencer Burford DE Robert Beal Jr. CB Charvarius Ward OT Colton McKivitz, who had been questionable with a knee injury, is active
Guess who was the Assistant OL coach/ST coach at Stanford from 1988-1991? (Chris Dalman went to Stanford from 1988-1992) Yep, you guessed it, Chris Foerster!
ReplyDeleteTrial and error and then learn from the errors. Purdy's biggest problem was the success that he enjoyed from his first couple of years.
ReplyDeleteYoungstown St. practice back in September was visited by the 49ers. Perhaps they were covertly scouting Jaison Williams, OL.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see if the Lions call off the dogs. If they are leading by 4 TDs at half will they pull Goff? The same goes for KS, if the 9ers are trailing big at halftime and Purdy is getting knocked around will KS pull him? Will he pull Warner, Lenoir or Bosa?
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers are currently slotted at 11 in the upcoming draft, however if they defeat the Lions they would move down to 16.
ReplyDeleteRazor
DeleteUnfortunately, the Saints didn't do their part and beat the Raiders so the 9ers could move up to #10.
Look at the difference in a three team strength of schedule from finishing 3rd in the NFC West versus 4th:
ReplyDeleteNFCW 3rd place schedule:
vs GB
@ DAL
@ CIN
NFCW 4th place schedule:
vs CHI
@ NYG
@ CLE
Now that the 49ers chances of making the playoffs are well and truly over I am all good with the 'elegant tank' over the next two weeks. But would also love to see some of the young players put in some good showings to finish the year well, and if that leads to a win then I am good with that too.
DeleteWould like to see an improbably win tonight and a loss next week.
DeleteI never liked the idea of a team losing for the purpose of getting a better draft position. What I do expect is the 49ers playing with high effort and heart and not rolling over without a fight. If they lose, they lose by still giving their best. I can respect that.
ReplyDeleteNumberWatch for tonight:
ReplyDelete* 48 LB Tatum Bethune
* 58 DE Alex Barrett
* 61 C/G Matt Hennessy
* 62 OL Austen Pleasants
* 63 G Nick Zakelj
* 66 G/C Drake Nugent
* 75 T Charlie Heck
Shanahan's in his bag so far tonight. This is harking back to Jimmy G style offense. Makes you wonder why they've not done much of this throughout the year.
ReplyDelete50-49?
ReplyDeleteHow does one register for this blog by screen name if you aren't on gmail (and don't care to be)
ReplyDeleteTo the right of comment as, click on the down arrow and select name, then type in your name and click continue.
DeleteHas there ever been a game where both teams scored TDs every possession in the first half? I'm sure there has been but I've never seen it.
ReplyDeleteIt's got to be very rare. It's like watching college football atm. Certainly making it entertaining!
DeleteGreen seems to be finishing the season well. Love to see that for a rookie.
ReplyDeleteI recall before the 2023 draft there were a lot of people saying the 49ers should sign a FA kicker rather than draft one, given how many kickers don't develop consistency until well into their career. Moody is proving that to be accurate.
ReplyDeleteSuch a waste of a pick. Especially when you didn't have a 1st or 2nd rounder that year.
I’m sure people will always say it was a wasted pick, but he has proven he is an excellent kicker. He has not returned to form after his injury. He’ll be better next year and for years to come.
DeleteI hope you're right Felix, but end of the day they took a kicker in the 3rd round who has been one of the worst active kickers in the NFL the past two seasons. Not good. And he hasn't proven to be an excellent kicker, as you say.
DeleteHe had an outstanding college career at Michigan and if you don’t count his performance since the injury, his numbers are pretty good for a second year kicker. Hopefully he’ll get back to form after the off season.
DeleteIf you don't count his performance since his injury then you are basing your judgement on just 5 games this year and an OK at best rookie season.
DeleteI agree it’s not a lot of games to make an opinion for either of us but I’m optimistic.
DeleteI will say he's got a live leg. Even on that 58 yarder, yeah, he missed, but he easily had the distance. If he ever gets his confidence/ groove he has the leg talent to be good.
DeleteShanahan has to bring in a kicker to compete with Moody next year.
DeleteAbsolutely. And it has to be a legitimate competition.
DeleteAnders Carlson was better and I think Moody loses out to the camp competition next year unless he plays a straighter ball- which seems to be the trend these days
DeleteFor a lost season fill with injuries and disappointment, it was good to see the 9ers play a good first half, especially BP and the rookies.
ReplyDeleteSomething to look forward to next year. Another good draft, some luck and NO INJURIES, the 9ers should be contenders once again, next year!
GEEP,
DeleteThe 49er played with energy and heart. Although they lost, I couldn't be more proud of this team. There wasn't one 49er that quit tonight and that means a lot in my book. And I'll say again, Purdy will get paid in the off season.
Is it just me or do the 49ers always have a good chance to lose with Moody on the field?
ReplyDeleteSheesh!
Moody left 7 pts on the field tonight. The 49ers just can't go into the 2025 season relying on him anymore. I took some griff by saying drafting him in the 3rd rd was a wise move. Man, was I wrong!
ReplyDeleteespn, is reporting that Purdy went out with an elbow injury. Purdy also said that he will an MRI tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteIf that ends up being anything serious then Shanahan is going to get absolutely roasted... and I hate to say it but he'll deserve it. That late in the game, behind two scores, with no real reason to win - yikes.
DeleteWho was it that kept telling us years ago that Kyle has no common sense and zero awareness about how to protect his players? I think it was 49 ... something
DeleteYup. If it was the same guy that overloads this blog with negativity it was 49...something. Let's see, two 2yrs ago Shanahan provided a Championship game and last year a Superbowl appearance. Something must really be wrong with him, lol.
DeleteThe big positive for me from this game was seeing more positive plays from some of the youngsters. Really good day for Pearsall the highlight. But he wasn't the only youngster to show some good things - I thought Green, Mustapha, Guerendo and Winters had some nice moments too. Puni also continues to look good.
ReplyDeleteAlso some negative plays for a few of those guys, but overall things to be excited about.
Interested to see Robinson and Winters development- while not crazy w Hufunga's coverage speed, he is noticeably faster on the field than Brown.... Johnson from Michigan worth the 1st w his injury?
DeleteRobinson was apparently having a great camp before his injury.
DeleteIf Johnson is the best player on their board when they pick they should take him, but I see CB as a lower priority then DL and OL.
Shanahans hubris may have set Purdy and the 49ers a year back.
ReplyDeleteMoody, Moody, Moody...boy was I wrong with that guy.
ReplyDeleteUC,
DeleteMe too
With this loss the 49ers 2025 season opponents will be:
ReplyDeleteHOME
Cards
Rams
Seahawks
Falcons
Panthers
Jags
Titans
Bears (NFCN last place)
AWAY
Cards
Rams
Seahawks
Saints
Bucs
Texans
Colts
Giants (NFCE last place)
Browns (AFCN last place)
I'll be going to that Colts game.
ReplyDeletePer Adam Schefter
ReplyDeleteKS told the reporters that BP is dealing with a nerve issue in his right elbow and the QB will undergo testing Tuesday.
Brock Purdy VS Lions: The good and the bad!
ReplyDeleteMatt Maiocco said it best, "The 49ers’ passing game was really, really good ... until it wasn’t."
* THE GOOD: Purdy had a perfect passer rating for much of the game. He set career high, 8 catches for 141 yards and 1 TD.
* THE BAD: He also had 2 costly second-half interceptions. Lions S Kerby Joseph picked him twice in crucial situations.
TO EVERYONE ON THE BLOG:
ReplyDeleteBe safe and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Thanks and right back at ya!
DeleteThanks GEEP.
DeleteHappy New Year to all the Inspired Blog.
Per, 49ers news source.
Delete"Kyle’s update, Tuesday, December 31, 11:06 a.m.: Kyle Shanahan said that Brock Purdy avoided a serious injury to his right elbow. Purdy’s MRI revealed a right elbow bruise with some nerve inflammation. Brock won’t play in the season-finale against the Arizona Cardinals. The good news is that Purdy did not suffer from any long-term implications."
Happy New Year!
DeleteAnd good to hear it's just nerve damage, though even that can be bothersome for some time if serious enough.
About Ricky Pearsall
ReplyDeleteThe 141 yards were the third-most ever in a game for a 49ers rookie, and the most since Jerry Rice had 241 yards in a Week 14 game back in 1985. The only other 49ers rookie with more receiving yards in a single game was Dave Parks, who had 146 in a game in 1964.
-Kyle Madson
Parks one of my favorite boyhood players.
UC,
DeleteJohn Brodie said that if Parks hadn't left the team that the 49ers would have won 2 SBs. Just imagine Brodie throwing to Parks, Washington, Kwalick, Willard and V. Washington
Happy New Years to everybody.
ReplyDeleteCurious what the harm would be in having Brock wear an arm sleeve with an integrated D3O Elbow Pad or similar device to protect that elbow.
ReplyDeleteRazor
ReplyDeleteI'm told that wearing a sleeve may not be a problem, but for a QB getting the pad to stay in place on his throwing arm, is a problem.
Also, pads, especially bulky pad, can restrict a QB's arm movement, hinder their ability to throw accurately and with the desired velocity.
Niners are 6-11 in last 17 games and Jed York is eager to bring back Lynch and Shanahan. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteThere is so much delusion on this blog. Never cease to be amazed.
ReplyDeleteOH LOOK! 49Reasons has a new moniker, or should I say sobriquet?We should all be "AMAZED," he's so transparent!
ReplyDeleteGEEP, as often as I'm expunged by the host of this blog, I'll keep coming back. I'm the Donald J Trump of this blog.
ReplyDelete49ersUnderKSraBust
DeleteYou are cognizant that patients with a Persecution Complex, exacerbated by "Dissociative Identity Disorder, can lead to a martyr complex that act in a way that is defensive, self-righteous and passive-aggressive?
There are some really impressive looking CBs in this draft. Obviously everyone loves Travis Hunter, but Will Johnson is probably the better player. And a bunch of others likely worthy of first round picks.
ReplyDeleteOne guy I really like, who may be there day 2, is Azareye'h Thomas. Big, fluid and athletic, he looks a guy that whose best days are ahead.
Scooter
DeleteA CB I like: Davison Igbinosun Ohio State, should go late 3Rd Rd.
Scooter
DeleteI also like S Andrew Mukuba, Texas. He can play both S and CB.
Good coverage skills in both man and zone schemes
Jack Sawyer, Ohio St. has been a disruptive force in today's Rose Bowl against Oregon. Will he drop to the 3rd rd in the 25 draft?
ReplyDeleteRight now I'm going with 1st rd, Mason Graham, DT.
2nd rd, Emery Jones, OL.
3rd rd, Jack Sawyer, DE.(though it may be a big ASK to have him drop to the 3rd rd).
AES
DeleteI seriously doubt DT Mason graham will still be available when the 9ers draft at #11...I haven't seen a draft board that he's in top
10.
** That he's NOT in top 10**
DeleteYeah I dont see Graham as being there.
DeleteThis draft I dont love the top end talent at OT, or DT and Edge is so Deep that I really think SF should trade back.
If they could back to 20 or so and pick up another top 60 pick I would be all about it.
The Edge Rusher I love is Mike Green but he is a day 2 pick.
Tyleik Williams, 3t, Ohio St., 6'3 327 lbs., 10-yard split 1.62.
ReplyDeleteRazor
DeleteWilliams would be a great replacement DT for Hargrave.
I know he is relatively short, but what do you guys think about Dillon Gabriel as a very late round pick? Unlike Lance, he has a lot of experience; but the lack of height might mean that he will be UDFA.
ReplyDeleteJosh Conerly Jr., Oregon is my favorite OT in this draft.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, I really like him too. Prefer him to the guys being touted as potential top 10-15 picks (aside from Simmons, so long as his knee checks out).
DeleteRazor / Scooter
DeleteLate 4th Rd prospect: Jack Nelson OT Wisconsin. excelling in zone and reach blocks.
Happy New Year guys!
ReplyDeleteDisappointing season at many levels, hopefully KS and BP both come roaring back in '25.
Rooting for the Lions even though I live in Vikings Territory.
Mug:
DeleteInjuries will make it difficult for Lions to beat Vikings this weekend. Should be good game to watch Goff VS Darnold.
Mug,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the Lions. They have never won a SB and Goff is a former Cal Bears QB. Actually, any team that can knock off the Taylor Swift Chiefs is fine with me.
LB Jalon Walker, DL Mykel Williams and SAF Malaki Starks probably make up 3/10ths of your top 10 draft picks in todays matchup of Notre Dame vs Georgia.
ReplyDeleteI mentioned the fine play of ND QB Riley Leonard last week. And in today's game against Georgia he's looking good again.
DeleteIn terms of Brock and an extension, something I have been wondering is what people would be comfortable with in terms of a percent of salary cap space he takes up each year?
ReplyDelete12%
DeleteThat seems pretty reasonable to me. And it actually isn't difficult to achieve even giving him a 5 year, $275M extension, so long as the cap keeps increasing in line with expectations.
DeleteI hope whatever happens it happens quickly and not into training and beyond.
DeleteUnder, I think Purdy's deal gets done early and quick. Like we won't hear anything until, surprise it's done.
DeleteOof, Skattebo says he wants to play in Kansas City.
ReplyDeleteNick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina has declared.
ReplyDeleteThe Good:
ReplyDeleteBrock Purdy ranks 2nd highest EPA/Play on play-action in the NFL, trailing only Lamar Jackson.
The Bad:
The 49ers are in the bottom 3rd in the league in play action rate.
I think that's the main tweak Shanahan might need to look at when evaluating the offense this offseason.
Razor,
ReplyDeleteAccording to Google the Avg QB pay is 22% of the salary cap. Do you think BP is willing to take 10% lesson the cap than the Avg QB makes? It comes to about 32 mill a year.
I'm betting that any team that's at 22% isn't sniffing a SB unless he's Mahomes or Brady. I wouldn't be comfortable going over 14%.
DeleteOC, don't trust Google. Or agent speak.
DeleteSomething commonly misunderstood is that extensions only quote additional money over additional years. The money and years on any existing deal still remains on these new deals. For Purdy, this means any new deal will have 1 more year on it than quoted, and around $1M more in it, in line with his remaining year. Most of the contracts then also pro-rate the cap hit beyond the actual length of the deal.
I've been playing around with some numbers and by my calculations they can do a deal paying Purdy $275M in new money over 5 additional years that keeps Purdy at less than or around 12% of the salary cap in any year of his new deal.
I hope they have BP signed by the time FA opens. That way they will have an idea who they might be able to sign or who they may have to release.
ReplyDeleteAgreed.
DeleteThree things offenses do not want to see…
ReplyDelete1. Even techniques on the line of scrimmage
2. Press coverage
3. Overload pressure/blitz
Good coaches understand the opposite side of the ball — and scheme to make the offense uncomfortable.
Razor,
ReplyDeleteIf BP and his agent play hardball and demand well more than 14% of the cap what would you do? If he holds in and then holds out once the season starts? Oh and how bout the Irish.
Not really much you CAN do if that's the direction he decides to take. Bring in Cousins on the cheap and soldier on I guess.
DeleteIrish are on point and I don't miss Brian Kelly one iota! We'll see if they can hold up with the injuries to their DL.
Justin Fields might be available at a reasonable price if BP decides to play hardball. I doubt BP plays hardball in fact in think he is smart enough to understand that if he takes too much then the Niners won't be able to afford other talent which would probably hinder BP. I have said this before, how many millions does one need.
DeleteIf he's asking for well over 14% of the cap he is likely asking for a contract well over $65M+ per annum. If that's what he's after then I agree with razor, trade him, get some decent draft picks, and bring in Cousins.
DeleteRazor / Scooter
ReplyDeleteWhat is your impression of Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard? With a 12W - 1L record, he looks like a QB that should be drafted in the 2nd
or at least Rd #3, yet he's project to go in Rd #6. When I look at his tape at Duke, I agree he's not a top tier QB. His mechanics hint at a need for refinement under center, ranging from poor ball placement on vertical routes to tossing ducks under pressure. He had a toolbox of skills, yet he struggled with reading the full field at times and he telegraph his intentions to a seasoned DB.
At Notre Dame, the problems aren't as obvious, except for week 2
when he lost to unranked Northern Illinois 16-14. So is it better
coaching? The Notre Dame Defense carries the team? Or has he
improved that much?