Every coverage/defensive scheme has vulnerabilities… Can the QB identify them and find the solution within his play call - this is, has been, always will be the core concept of playing QB. Defensively for the 49ers they were able to stop the Colts running game and when it mattered most towards the end of the game, rookies Collins and West both got their first sacks of the season. Dee Winters heard, "Orlando" earlier in the game and when he heard it again, he was ready, picking off Old Man Rivers and taking it to the house for the final nail in the Colts coffin. The defense for the 49ers just earned valuable lessons on how a hall of fame quarterback can beat you with their mind. Rivers' performance just highlighted why arm strength is inferior to mind strength when evaluating quarterbacks.
The next test is the Chicago Bears and although Caleb Williams is the more talented quarterback, Brock Purdy is the BETTER quarterback and should lead this team to another victory Sunday Night. Until then, let's all enjoy this win together and dream what could be on the horizon for San Francisco!
Purdy was having fun out on the field last night. He pitched a masterpiece and no doubt gave all upcoming opponents a cold chill down their back. Great showing.
ReplyDelete...a cold chill down their back.
DeleteIt was a really good showing by the offense and special teams. Defense came up big when they needed to but still has lots of work to do. Teams probably don't want to play the Niners right now.
Malachi Lawrence, Edge, UCF is a prospect I'm high on. Dominated Baylor and could show out at the Shrine Bowl.
ReplyDelete6'4 1/8", 261, 35" arms. Can be more consistent sequencing power & sustaining base load, but he's got burst, twitch, bend, motor, a vast rush arsenal, & counter quickness. Late day 2, early day 3 prospect.
Niners haven't punted since November.
ReplyDeleteRazor,
ReplyDeleteJust a thought. Do you think that the Jets would be willing to give up their two 2nd rd picks in exchange for the 49ers 1st rd pick? This would give the talent hungry Jets three 1st rd picks. And the 49ers three 2nd rd picks.
Possible, just depends on many different variables like who's projected to be left on the board/team needs picking above them, along with how important is that 5th year option, etc. as to the rationale behind such a move.
DeleteAES,
DeleteFrom what I have been reading the Jets are trying to trade up with the Giants to get the #1 pick. The trade would likely included the Jets 2nd round pick
Thanks, guys.
DeleteFirst 2 Colts drives: 21 plays, 158 yards, 7.5 YPP
ReplyDeleteFinal 7 Colts drives: 37 plays, 154 yards, 4.1 YPP
Purdy was only pressured 22% of the time, and the running backs averaged 1.69 yards before contact, both of which are 2nd best marks this year for the OL.
ReplyDeleteIf the 49ers are going to win the SB they'll need the offense to play like that for 5 more games. If they do, Brock will surely get the flowers across the league he's deserved since his rookie year.
ReplyDeleteElite offense, average defense and solid special teams seem to me to be a viable way to get to a Super Bowl in a year where every team in the mix has their weaknesses.
DeleteThey're a chance if the offense continues to be elite. But like every team, they have their own weaknesses that can be exploited.
DeleteThey're now entering the stretch where every game from here will be against playoff teams.
The offense looks to me to be in playoff mode right now. A perfect time to begin their ascension.
DeleteThey were awesome last night.
DeleteNot only was Brock Purdy's PFF grade of 96.6 last night a career high, it was the highest grade of any QB in a game this season in the NFL.
ReplyDeleteAiyuk has posted a video of him driving over 100 mph on a street with a speed limit of 40. I think he is signaling he is done with football. If not, he’s doing it accidentally.
ReplyDeleteC.J. West led the team with 4 defensive pressures last night, including his first career sack. He was also the highest-graded defensive player on the team last night, with a 90.9 grade, per PFF.
ReplyDeleteThe defensive ceiling for this team is a mystery, but one thing is certain in my mind, and that is they are learning on the fly, improving and maybe taking on an identity. Thoughts?
I am thinking defense will be fine next year. Maybe better than fine.
DeleteWest and Collins are getting better each week. Bodes very well for the future.
DeleteHowever, the lack of pass rush is a huge limiting factor on how good the defense can be this year. It will be a point of focus for the offseason.
Scooter
DeleteI agree with you, but I also demonstrates how much difference one player (Bosa) can have on a defense.
Yeah, also highlights how little help Bosa has. Needs to be a priority this offseason.
Deletescooter
DeleteYou thinking EDGE first Rd? If so, who do you like?
I think their top 2 picks will be WR and pass rusher.
DeleteScooter
Deleteyea, I agree. I had been thinking WR Rd #1, but after watching Rivers, who understands how to exploit the weakness of a Defense, I'm rethinking drafting a De that can get pressure on the QB! I'd like to resign JJ, but don't think the 9ers will pay him what he wants. I Like WR Denzel Boston, but looks like he'll also be gone, especially if the 9ers keep winning. Chris Bell is an option if he drops?
It doesn't really matter if Hawks win or lose against Panthers, if Niners win out they will be NFC champions.
ReplyDeleteBrock Purdy’s TD% is 7.6% (2nd in the NFL). Matthew Stafford leads the league at 7.7%. No other QB is over 6.3%.
ReplyDeleteHuff out a minimum of the next 2 games with a hamstring.
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess the positive side of that is the pass rush can't really get much worse.
DeleteAgainst Caleb Williams I'd imagine it will be more of a cage rush which might play to our strength.🤷♂️
DeleteMain thing against the Bears will be to avoid turnovers. They've been good at taking it away, but outside of that their D looks pretty vulnerable. If the offense plays another good game I think the D can make enough stops to get a pretty comfortable win.
DeleteI know teams have won SBs with a dominant D and very mediocre O. Has there ever been a SB champion with a dominant O and a very mediocre D?
ReplyDeleteIt's got to be rare. Only ones I can think of are the Giants in 2011 (who were probably the worst overall team to ever win) and the 2006 Colts, who were awful in the regular season, particularly against the run, but pulled themselves together in the playoffs.
DeleteJude Bowry, OT, BC (6-5, 311) has 20+ starts @ LT/2 @ RT, his build & 🖐️ placement is a likely convert candidate for OG in their OZ.
ReplyDelete♦️Good upper-body strength & grip
♦️Feldman's Freak (athleticism)
♦️Great laterally as a puller seeking contact
🦶mover out stance/PPro mirroring
Roman Hemby, RB, IN (6-0, 208) 50+ starts (38 at Maryland/13 at IU) in the CFP (Day 3 prospect):
ReplyDelete♦️Home run speed
♦️Solid stop/start
♦️Diverse route tree
♦️Vision on outside zone & stretch plays
♦️Physique & long arms
♦️Career 5.0 YPC
I like a pounder type RB for the 49ers inside run game. The guy I like is Penn St's Nicolas Singleton. 6' 220 lbs with a tad under 4.4 40. Quick excelloration at the LOS. Decent receiver as well.
DeleteAES
DeleteBeen looking at tape on him...A lot to like. He improved his power clean to 395. His 40 is 4.35s, and his shuttle time is 4.18s. His max velocity was measured at 23.5 mph. He broke Barkley’s RB record in the squat last year, doing 665, then 'did 660 this offseason. Singleton’s broad jump also went up four inches to 10' 5."
On tape, it looks like he Lacks the natural wiggle of a true make you miss back, relying more on speed and power, due to some hip tightness that limits his agility.
GEEP,
DeleteThanks for the breakdown. I was just thinking that the 49ers may already have that RB in Gerrendo if he can ever get on the field.
The 49ers finally activated Jordan James last night. I wonder if that means he is out of KSs/Bobby Turners doghouse?
ReplyDeleteBlown-Block Percentage, Run Blocking, OTs, 2025:
ReplyDelete1. Colton McKivitz, 0.5% (!!)
2. Orlando Brown Jr., 0.7%
3. Penei Sewell, 0.9%
McKivitz leads all tackles in blown-block percentage on run plays and leads all 49ers' OL on all run/pass plays.
Go figure, McKivitz got his second contract extension that he has immediately outplayed. Just keeps getting better each year.
Delete8 missed tackles for the 49ers defense against the Colts as opposed to the 15 and 11 they had against the Browns and Titans respectively.
ReplyDeleteHaving a sure tackler in Bethune is a big help. But the entire D (especially the young players) looked much better. They are maturing very quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe Chargers and Niners in the Super Bowl? Very well could happen.
ReplyDeleteUC,
Delete49ers making the SB would be nothing short of a miracle. But, then again, I believe in miracles.
To you, and the Inspired 49ers family, have a safe and wonderful Merry Christmas.
I will be out of service till Friday. Merry Christmas to all.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to everyone!!
ReplyDeleteThanks razor, Merry Christmas all!
DeleteTacario Davis, CB, WA, 2nd Team All-PAC 12 & Big 12 between 30 starts @ Arizona & UW, 6-3, 197, Late Day 2/Early Day 3
ReplyDeleteLong wingspan, better hips/speed than expected for a big CB; tough to stack & casts a wide net to challenge WRs
Man & zone versatile, good tackler (6% missed tackle%)
R Mason Thomas, DPR, OK (6-2, 249) was ‘25 1st Team All-SEC & ‘24 2nd Team All-SEC, Mid-Late 1st Rounder
ReplyDelete♦️Genes: Dad played ED for FSU
♦️Elite speed & bend, turns the corner with low pads
♦️Great change of direction all the way to the sideline with a constant motor
A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR
ReplyDeleteDenzel Boston has declared for the draft.
ReplyDeleteYup, he's a big target and big redzone threat.
ReplyDeleteThey need an X unless Watkins is their guy.
DeleteExactly. In terms of WRs I will be looking at for this draft it will be focused on guys that can play X. They're likely losing both of their X options this offseason.
DeleteMerry Christmas to the crew
ReplyDeleteLooking like the best LB class since '20 and likely top 100 dominant.
ReplyDeleteKyle Shanahan: "I think our team believes that we can change the game on special teams. And when you do believe that, I think everyone plays a little more inspired.”
ReplyDeleteI think the 49ers should beat the Bears fairly comfortably, but, it will require a couple of things - one, the offense has to avoid too many turnovers, and two, they have to stuff the run fairly often to force 3rd and longs. I think if they do those things, the rest will take care of itself.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, GB just set a pretty gd blueprint to follow
ReplyDelete🔸Joshua Josephs, DPR, Tennessee, 6-3, 240, 33 tackles, 4 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles this season
ReplyDelete🔸Explosive first step for moves like a club, push-pull, bull rush, & bending the corner
🔸17 starts; forced 6 fumbles, along with leveraging a well set edge & looping on stunts
Kage Casey, OG, Boise St. NFL Draft scouting notes:
ReplyDeleteGets good downhill push as a run blocker.
Likes to finish run blocks.
Maintains his distance early as a pass protector, delays engagement.
Pretty good lateral quickness.
Picks up on stunts fairly well.
Has good recovery against power.
Outside puncher, does a good job keeping his target centered.
Good hand strength.
Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (6-0, 185) experience & stats🔥(Wisconsin) 14 starts (🐺) 25 starts 2025:
ReplyDelete🔷101 REC (3rd in D1)
🔷1,278 yards (2nd)
🔹12.6 YPC
🔷13 TD (2nd)
🔹Biletnikoff finalist also had seasons of 14.8 & 17.2 YPC
🔹24 MTF from ‘24-25
🔹63.2% contested catches wins
Has the 49ers defense given up an opening drive score this season?
ReplyDeleteOld Man Rivers scored first drive last week.
DeleteThat the first one?
DeleteKaden Wetjen, WR, Iowa 2025 NFL Draft scouting notes:
ReplyDelete5090v
193v
7118v
2968v
838v
Solid receiver underneath.
Dangerous RAC weapon.
High level gadget player.
Has some ball security issues.
Makes defenders miss pretty well.
Acceleration is so good, excellent short burst.
Explosive kick returner.
Uses his blockers really well.
Has good contact balance.
Has some very good punt return ability.
Deion Burks, WR, OK NFL Draft scouting notes:
ReplyDelete5094v
182v
7200v
2958v
928v
Works the sideline well.
Extends well outside of his frame.
Very high level route runner.
Goes down low to secure catches.
Has good contact balance.
Has some issues with concentration drops.
Very good short burst, very good speed.
Bears OT Darnell Wright has been added to Chicago’s injury report due to an illness and will not travel with the team Saturday. Wright is now questionable for Sunday night vs. the San Francisco 49ers per Schefter.
ReplyDeleteD'Angelo Ponds is one of the most technically sound CBs in this class.
ReplyDelete- Excellent mirror skills & route ID in man coverage
- 0 penalties & 3.8% missed tackle rate in 2025
- Hasn't allowed a 20+ yard completion to anyone besides Jeremiah Smith this year
Pat Coogan, Indiana (6-5, 310) projects a Gap/Inside Zone OC/OG (adequate laterally)
ReplyDelete🙌 Punch on contact, anticipates stunts & blitzes well
🤼 Always love when an IOL wrestled in HS
(NOTRE DAME)
☘️13 starts at LG
☘️13 starts at OC
(INDIANA)
♦️13 starts at OC
Niners elevated LB Eric Kendricks and TE Brayden Willis from the practice squad.
ReplyDeleteKendrick will play. I wonder if Willis is Kittle insurance or just a reward for him
DeleteMissouri OC Connor Tollison may be <300 pounds w/questionable length, yet totes 47 starts in the SEC
ReplyDelete🐯Wide Zone scheme fit
🐯Climbs & pulls w/short-area quicks
🐯Good pad level to pick up stunts & blitzes
Texas Tech OG Davion Carter (Rd 5-6):
ReplyDelete+ 4-year starter
+ Explosive first step
+ Control climbing to second level
+ Agility in pass pro
+ Nasty demeanor
+ Good spatial awareness vs. pass rush
- Undersized
- Size/length could struggle with big DTs in pros