Defensively it was an atrocious performance, but they made the stop they needed to when they needed to do it. Saleh has no answers for 12 personnel. Pinnock is a liability in the run game and Gifford is a liability in the pass game. Back to the lab and figure it out.
This 3-game stretch for the 49ers is their highest 3-game point total since 1994. I will continue to enjoy this team for what they are and not focus on what they aren't, and what they are is an offensive juggernaut the likes of which we haven't seen for 30 years! My congratulations to the 49ers organization for a 12-win season. They could've very easily gone in the tank after Bosa and Warner went down and no one would have faulted them. Really proud of this team.
It's been a heck of a season, that's for sure. And it definitely feels like right now this is the best 49ers offense since Steve Young was the QB.
ReplyDeleteI'm just enjoying the season no matter what happens from here - they've already exceeded my expectations, and by a long way.
As bad as the 49ers defense is, imagine what Bears fans are thinking about their defense right now. They just watched their team put up 31 points on offense with 0 turnovers and get spotted 7 points at the very start of the game, but still got beat. Against a team missing their all pro TE and LT, and the #1 WR sitting out the season.
ReplyDeleteI hear a lot of people talking about the loss of Bosa and Warner. I think people are under estimating the loss of Mykel Williams. Certainly his loss hasn't affected the team as much as Bosa and Warner but the run D went to hell. I can't remember the exact numbers but the yards per carry before Williams went out versus the yards per carry after his injury was very big. Also the loss of Renardo Green the last 2 games has hurt the pass defense. I think the 49ers chances of getting to the SB are 70% better if they get that first round bye. The extra week of rest will really help T. Williams, CMC, Pearsall, Kittle and Green.
ReplyDeleteIn a word ... "EPIC!"
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
DeleteThe Niners were 8-for-11 tonight on third and fourth downs, and have converted 66.1% of their attempts over the last four games.
ReplyDeleteI love this offense—Brock Purdy is an outstanding QB and playing at an elite level. In my opinion, he’s the best Niner quarterback since Montana. For the first pick in the draft, forget the wide receiver; it has to be a pass rusher. Trade Jones and use that capital to land one. Then, sign Mariota for two years—he’s better than both Jones and Darnold.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping Kurtis Rourke will develop into our next QB2. He would come cheap and he would be under team control for 4 years. Greatest since Montana? I would still take Young.
DeleteI have never been a huge Steve Young fan, he was really good no doubt, never could put my finger on my discontent with him.
DeleteHis very existence forced the Montana trade?
DeleteI am sure that's part of it.
DeleteSteve Young was never revered as was Montana and he knew that. Nor, did he ever asked to be in Montana's u-verse. What Steve Young did do was win the 49ers last Superbowl and he gets my highest respect for that.
DeleteI won’t argue who is better but I would put Purdy in the same class as Montana and Young. Who’s got it better than us?
DeleteYoung imo is the most talented 49ers QB I have watched - in terms of combination of physical and football IQ skills to play QB.
DeleteHowever, Montana (and I think Brock) had more of that inner willpower and belief to make plays at key moments.
I'm right now in Vegas after spending few days in Death Valley NP and Joshua Tree NP. Maybe it's watching the game in Vegas, but I feel like we are playing with House money this season.
ReplyDeleteThere is absolutely no expectations and I think that is a major reason why we are on a 6-game streak!
Brock is playing with no pressure on him and he is dealing....I hope that continues on Saturday against the 'Hawks who he has owned in his short career.
People can't say the 49ers aren't battle tested anymore with wins against the current #1, #2, #4 and #6 seeds in the NFC playoffs.
Delete49ers offensive line pressures allowed against the Bears:
ReplyDeleteColton McKivitz: 0
Jake Brendel: 0
Spencer Burford: 1
Dominick Puni: 1
Austen Pleasants: 2
After TW went down with a hamstring on the 9ers first play from scrimmage and then didn't return, you could say that Austen Pleasants was a PLEASANT SURPRISE?
DeletePleasants played 71 snaps and helped anchor the O-line that paved the way for 42 points and nearly 500 yards of offense.
While TW has not been ruled out for Saturday’s game, its likely
Pleasants will make his first start for the 9ers....
Ji'Ayir Brown in coverage against the Bears:
ReplyDelete• 47 coverage snaps
• 7 targets
• 107 yards allowed
• 1 pbu
• 1 forced incompletion
• 2 touchdowns allowed
• 40.6 coverage grade
• 141.4 passer rating when targeted
Need to add a veteran coverage safety in F/A next year.
49ers cornerbacks in coverage vs the Bears
ReplyDeleteDeommodore Lenoir:
▫️3 targets
▫️21 yards allowed
▫️86.8 passer rating when targeted
Darrell Luter Jr.:
▫️2 targets
▫️9 yards allowed
▫️62.5 passer rating when targeted
Upton Stout:
▫️2 targets
▫️27 yards allowed
▫️95.8 passer rating when targeted
Chase Lucas:
▫️5 targets
▫️31 yards allowed
▫️77.9 passer rating when targeted
They all look good.
DeletePurdy was 9-11, 194 yards, 1 TD, 149.1 passer rating on throws of 10+ yards downfield last night.
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers generated 16 pressures and had 0 sacks as a team against the Bears:
ReplyDeleteYetur Gross-Matos: 3
Clelin Ferrell: 2
Keion White: 2
Sam Okuayinonu: 2
Jordan Elliott: 2
C.J. West: 1
Bryce Huff: 1
Chase Lucas: 1
Alfred Collins: 1
Dee Winters: 1
Caleb Williams dropped back 46 times, didn’t get sacked, and was only hit 3 times.
Maybe it’s just me, but I was hoping for more from Huff this year.
DeleteColton McKivitz didn't allow a single QB pressure in pass protection. His 83.9 overall PFF grade on the season ranks second among right tackles behind only Penei Sewell.
ReplyDeleteHighest-graded 49ers on offense against the Bears (PFF):
ReplyDelete• Luke Farrell: 91.8
• Jake Tonges: 86.7
• Brock Purdy: 81.9
• Spencer Burford: 81.5
• Christian McCaffrey: 81.1
Dee Winters in coverage against the Bears:
ReplyDelete• 44 coverage snaps
• 7 targets
• 21 yards allowed
• 0 touchdowns allowed
• 59.4 coverage grade
• 79.2 passer rating when targeted
Highest-graded 49ers on defense against the Bears (PFF):
ReplyDelete• Keion White: 82.4
• Tatum Bethune: 73.8
• Jordan Elliott: 68.8
• Deommodore Lenoir: 64.5
• C.J. West: 62.8
I’ve been impressed with Kion since he joined the Niners. That was a good pickup.
Delete49ers DVOA through Week 17:
ReplyDeleteTotal: #9 (weighted #6)
Offense: #2
Defense: #26
Special Teams: #12
Brock Purdy's career passer rating is now 104.8, which would rank him No. 1 all-time -- over Aaron Rodgers' 102.4 -- if Purdy had 1,500 career pass attempts (he has 1,326 now).
ReplyDeleteHis QBR and EPA scores must be right up there as well.
DeleteI'll probably get laughed at here, but the Seahawks are imo the 49ers worst matchup. Mike McDonald vs Purdy scares me ever since 2023. They are also good against the run, and it's the one team we don't have a STs advantage against.
ReplyDeleteIt's a strength vs strength matchup, which often means the game will be decided by weakness vs weakness. And I think the Seahawks weakness (offense) is currently better than our weakness (defense).
I can’t disagree with this at all. That’s exactly how I look at it. Strength against strength and weakness against weakness. It most likely will go down to the wire. This is a 50/50 game in my opinion.
DeleteI think you are spot on, Scooter. Niners D has to take away JSN like the Colts did. That probably means the Seahawks will put up significantly fewer points than in games where JSN ran wild. If they can do that, I like our chances a lot.
DeleteEach week for the past 5 or 6 I say this will likely be the week where reality sets in for the 49ers and I have been wrong. This week I feel the strongest that reality will finally set in. Heres hoping I am wrong again.
ReplyDeleteThe Seahawks have really improved their offense over the past few years. It's no surprise that they are at the top of the division. They're defense is darn good and will bring it full-speed against the 49ers. I will definitely not predict a score except to say that if Selah can't scheme up ways to stop Seattle's run game, it won't be pretty.
ReplyDeleteStafford ties Brett Favre for the most pick sixes in NFL history. (32)
ReplyDeleteStafford is showing why it's so hard to just rely on one side of the ball to dominate each week. He's been great most of the year, and had a stretch in the middle of the season that was as good as what we've seen from Purdy the past 3 weeks. But even great players having great seasons can have bad games and can have tough stretches.
DeleteStafford also has, 39 4th qtr comeback wins. Hopefully, he doesn't get number 40 tonight.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that Cousins can rise to the occasion here.
ReplyDeleteWhy do the Rams have the tie breaker with the 49ers for the 5th spot?
ReplyDeleteRams did better against the AFC South than the 49ers, so they'd get 5th based on common opponent record.
DeleteOh damn, I thought they used conference record after head to head
DeleteThe NFL playoff picture had the Niners seeded fifth even though the Rams and Niners had identical win-loss records. Moot point now, as the Rams lost last night.
DeleteFound this to be hilarious.
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/itsfickybaby/status/2005456391276986451
Issue at Dime- I wonder if they can entertain Sigle or Robinson vs Pinnock/Gifford`
ReplyDeleteBud Clark, S, TCU, 6'2 185lbs., 11 career int's, excels in zone, oily hips, smart and shows up in big games. Needs to add bulk and improve his tackling but he'd be the kind of safety I'd target early day 3.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if anyone on this blog has heard of, seen the Cohn (father and son) podcast. Caught part of it yesterday. Both are predicting a
ReplyDelete49ers' win Saturday and subsequent Super Bowl appearance, which I thought was surprising given that this was the Cohns. But they actually made some good points on behalf of their prediction, which also was surprising.
Haven't paid them any mind since leaving the Press Democrat, lol.
DeleteGeo,
DeleteI watched that video. The feeling I got was Lowell was offering his honest opinion but that Grant was picking the 9ers for 2 reasons, #1 so he could say I told you so if they won. #2 so that if they lost he could say they should have won and they lost only because KS choked. I only watch GC when he appears with his Dad. He seems to back off his juvenile takes when he is with his Dad.
Can't watch or read anything Grant does. He only cares about clicks and arguing, and he knows outlandish statements get clicks and lead to arguments, so that's his shtick.
DeleteIf you like pure sensationalism and hit pieces on 49ers players and coaches, then GC is the 2nd best, after his dad.
DeleteLooks like there are two Georges now. I’m the one whose avatar used to be Telly Savalas. So to avoid confusion, I’ll start going with Savalas. Who loves ya, baby!!
ReplyDeleteCool.
DeleteHmmm, being such a high volume blog site that attracts new commenters all the time... I think we can guess who the new "George" is. Explains why he's quoting Cohn.
DeleteHighest passer rating on outbreaking routes this season, per NextGenStats:
ReplyDelete1. Brock Purdy - 138.7
2. Mac Jones - 118.8
I'm fishing here for upcoming bright spots on our defense. Eric Kendricks. Is there a chance he'll be a difference maker? I have no idea. Any thoughts, anybody?
ReplyDeleteIf you want a positive, how about this - the Bears have one of the best offenses in the NFL (3rd most yards, 10th most points) and the 49ers defense held them to 31 points.
DeleteOnly two teams in the NFC playoffs (aside from the 49ers) average more points per game - the Rams and Seahawks - so good chance we'll get at least one playoff matchup that isn't as rough on the defense.
Another positive - while the defense gives up a lot of yards, they don't give up a lot of points that often. 13th in terms of fewest points allowed per game.
One more bright spot is that most D coaches save their most exotic game plans/blitzes for the playoffs. Saleh should be no different.
DeleteSo the ceiling for the D should be in the playoffs.
"The locker room feels it, the fan base feels it, and every Sunday, the rest of the NFL is reminded that the 49ers’ Super Bowl ambitions now run directly through number thirteen."
ReplyDelete- Whitcomb
Little and Green practiced today.
ReplyDeleteKittle
DeleteGood news. Trent Williams is going to try and give it a go, but I hope this isn't like the time he did against the Rams and sucked. He admitted afterward he shouldn't have played.
DeleteTD % on Goal-To-Go since Week 11
ReplyDelete1. SF 95.5%
2. ATL 93.8%
3. LAR 89.5%
4. DEN & IND 88.9%
Greg Cosell on Brock Purdy and one of the reasons why he went so late in the draft:
ReplyDelete“He sees the defense as he’s dropping back and immediately knows where to go with the football. It’s just innate. He’s a master at that. These are the details, nuances, and subtleties of the position that are very, very hard. And one reason he was the last pick in the draft is because the college game guys are so different that you don’t have to do this in college. So people didn’t know he had this innate trait. And it’s really high high level. It’s quarterbacking at a high level.”
You couple that with elite reactionary quickness, along with Shanahan and you've got The Brockness Monster!
DeleteThe Cowboys have released cornerback Trevon Diggs. He goes through the waiver process and if unclaimed, he will be a free agent. The move comes just two years after the team signed Diggs to a five-year, $97 million extension.
ReplyDeleteThe Cowboys are back to doing what they do best....I see.
Niners have converted 64% of their third downs over the last four weeks and the Seahawks defense on third downs are allowing conversions at 32.4%.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone. So looking forward to Saturday's game and the playoffs to follow. Maybe, just maybe, this will be the Niners' year
ReplyDeleteand they will surprise the football world. We can only hope.
TO ALL ON THE BLOG:
ReplyDeleteEnjoy watching the college playoffs, have a happy New Year and
BE SAFE!
Happy New Year everyone!
ReplyDeleteScooter is already in 2026!
Thanks razor and everyone that makes this blog a great community - happy 2026 to you all! Year of the 49ers!
DeleteGo blue
ReplyDeleteI'm pulling for Michigan today only because Jim Harbough was their former head coach. But I'll be cheering for Ohio St. to win it all again this year. Distance fan since the days of Woody Hayes.
ReplyDeleteBain is looking pretty dominant in the early going vs Ohio State.
ReplyDeleteBain is making a big statement for those that are worried about his arm length.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to all. I've been thinking lately that for Saturday's game, the offense should definitely run 12 personnel and even 13 like the Rams. Especially with the emergence of Tonges, who can take some of the focus off of Kittle.
ReplyDeleteI just read over on NN that Winters and Bethune called their own play on the final play by dropping into coverage. Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttps://hutchreport.substack.com/p/week-17-trench-grades-the-jake-brendel
The author thinks that it was bizarre to ignore Saleh's call when it mattered most. Of course it worked out well, but.....
This is a case of don't believe everything you read, cubus. This is a mistaken interpretation of something Bethune said after the game. The coaches have cleared it up - basically the csll was for Winters and Bethune to rush, but they also had the option to drop into coverage based on the blocking scheme.
DeleteThanks for the clarification, Scooter. I hadn't heard anything about this until I read the linked article.
DeleteOhio St, has not played in 25 days since their last game against Indiana. But, re Reuben Bain. He looks like he gained a few pounds during the time off. I believe that he can play with short arms. Not sure how effective he can be if he has weight issues at the next level.
ReplyDeleteIf you loved Melvin Ingram you should love Reuben Bain.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteDefense: Tackling Stats:
ReplyDeleteDee Winters: 99 tackles, 12 missed tackles (964 snaps)
Tatum Bethune: 87 tackles, 3 missed tackles (446 snaps)
I don't care if Akheem Mesidor started receiving AARP mail selling the benefits of membership, I'd draft him!
ReplyDeleteBut where? 1st rounder on a 25 year old rookie is too rich for me. Day 2, fine.
DeleteHe's a day 2, late 2nd/early 3rd for mine.
DeleteI'd be on board with that.
DeleteWith EDGE and WR likely being drafted early for the Niners, who should we be looking at in today’s bowl games?
ReplyDeleteLee Hunter, iDL, Texas Tech, 6'3, 330 lbs., looks like a Round 4 player the 49ers should have interest in. Played well today. Showed he might be more than just a 2-down run stuffer.
ReplyDeleteJalen Walthall, WR, Incarnate Word late day 3 prospect who had a great career with good size and skillset.
ReplyDeleteJust watched a bit of him. What the heck was he doing in the FCS? Way too good for that level.
DeleteLooks like a guy that come year 2/3 could easily work his way into a WR2/3 position. Moves really well, speed out of his breaks is excellent, good long speed (though level of competition may make it look better than it is), good hands, decent size. Teach him up on his route precision in the 49ers offense and I think you have a player.
Going to be keen to see how he looks at the Shrine Bowl.
I didn't see anything special from star players like David Baily and Rom Height. No one from Oregon starred in the game as well except for their freshman DB that had two Ints. The kid I liked going into this game was safety Theineman, but he had an average game today. I'll wait to see his play going forward in their next game.
ReplyDeleteTough crowd:
DeleteDespite the loss, Texas Tech ED David Bailey had a day v Oregon (29 pass rush snaps):
• 5 total pressures
• 3 QB hits
• 1 sack
• 1 hurry
• 3 run stops
• 2 batted passes
• 1 TFL
Don't be surprised if they draft a player from each of these schools. I do have my doubts about this regime using a 1st round pick on a DPR.
DeleteAgree on that last - if they use a 1st round pick on a DL they need to be more than a DPR.
DeleteNice numbers. But not the game-changing numbers that I would expect from a star player and the end result reflected that. His early play was good, but he looked average late in the game, imo.
ReplyDeleteGood stats help on draft day and for big paydays.
Not many Myles Garrett's out there.
DeleteCorrect about Garrett. Heck, I'll be happy with an Edge that could help get the 49ers out of the basement in the sacks column. Bosa will still need help opposite him when he returns. Not sure that guy is on the current roster.
DeleteYes, they need to add pass rushers, no question.
DeleteMy point was more that if you only look for superstar calibre plays/ players you'll miss out on a lot of good ones. Bailey was good today, backing up the talk he will be a first round pick. He's not perfect, but he's got talent worthy of a high pick.
Bailey will likely be off the table when the 49ers pick next April. Hopefully, the 49ers resign Sam O, along with finding a gem Edge in the draft as well. I said after Bosa and then Warner went down that the offense would need to score between 24-30 pts per game. They have done that. But, at some point in the playoffs the D will need to put some good pressure on opposing QBs. They will need to do this against Darnold on Saturday for starters.
DeleteYep, agree with all of that. My point still stands though - if what Bailey did today was underwhelming to you, 49ers are going to be hard pressed finding someone that excites you when they pick.
DeleteHahaha! At my age not many things excite me anymore. But finding that Edge to help Bosa on the opposite side has been a work in progress for some time. That player is out there and he may not be well known name. How I'd love to see the 49ers find another Charles Haley where other NFL scouts have failed to look. 🤞🤞🤞
DeleteThey've not had a dominant pass rush since 2019. Adding a pass rushing edge and pass rushing DT should be top priorities this offseason.
DeleteJust got a look at Pleasants at practice and that dude is huge. Looks like he's the biggest on the OL. 6'7 330 lbs., and looks every bit of it.
ReplyDeletePleasants did a very good job against the Bears. He and Tonges filled in like champs.
ReplyDeleteRE Pleasants: I pointed that out on my post
DeleteGEEPDecember 30, 2025 at 7:26 PM
After TW went down with a hamstring on the 9ers first play from scrimmage and then didn't return, you could say that Austen Pleasants was a PLEASANT SURPRISE?
Pleasants played 71 snaps and helped anchor the O-line that paved the way for 42 points and nearly 500 yards of offense.
While TW has not been ruled out for Saturday’s game, its likely
Pleasants will make his first start for the 9ers....
Indiana's OL is bringing it hard against Alabama today.
ReplyDeleteYea, Indiana didn't leave any doubt! IND 38 ALA 3
DeleteThat what's known as getting you butt kicked!
And Oregon took care of business against Texas Tech.
DeleteORE 23 Texas Tech 0
Should be a good game, Oregon VS Indiana
GEEP,
DeleteI came away from this game impressed with Indiana wr Charlie Beck. He's listed at 6' 3" and 210 lbs. What I saw from him was very good hands along with good leaping ability to offer even more catch radius. I don't know what his 40 time is, but he seems to get open a lot when watching video on him. I'm hoping he drops to the 4th rd, but that may be wishful thinking on my part.
Sorry, Charlie Becker.
DeleteAES
DeleteRE Charlie Becker: He's only a sophomore, willy likely stay in school and won't declare for 2026 draft, but may for 2027? He's listed at 6'4" X 209, needs to add bulk. 40 = ~4.3s to 4.4s (likely with stopwatch)
* Scouting Report says he has excellent athleticism and strong hands, incredible leaping skills allows him to win jump balls and high-point passes effectively.
Thanks for the heads-up. Can he declare early? If he continues to have a good post season he may be tempted to leave early for two reason. 1. Strike while the iron is hot. 2. Consider the fact that Mendoza will be gone.
DeleteLooks like the NFL does not except college freshman or sophomore's. Becker will be back in Indy next season.
DeleteAES,
DeleteRed shirt Sophomores are eligible to be drafted.
I'd be shocked if Becker declared though. Only became a starter midway through the year. Would definitely benefit from staying another year at least.
DeleteI was thinking along the lines that with Mendoza gone after this post season that Becker could be tempted to declare. But sticking around for another year could be a good decision with Sarratt heading to the NFL. In any case, I've become a fan of Becker and will keep an eye on what he does going forward.
DeleteCMC:
ReplyDelete- Needs 5 receptions to pass LaDainian Tomlinson for the third most catches by an RB in NFL history (LT at 624).
- Need 4 receptions to reach 100 for the season and become the first Niner since TO in 2002 to hit century mark.
CMC leads the NFL with 91 missed tackles forced on runs and ranks 7th with 21 missed tackles forced (MTF) on receptions, per NextGenStats.
ReplyDeleteCrazy to think he has so many missed tackles forced yet is averaging under 4 ypc. What's even crazier is despite those MTFs, CMC ranks near the bottom in yards after contact.
DeleteR Mason Thomas looks like an interesting edge prospect in that 25-50 range. A little on the smaller side, but very quick and can still pack a punch for his size.
ReplyDeleteYea I like him.
DeleteKurtenbach has it 27-23 Niners this morning. That seems about right. Go Niners.
ReplyDeleteMatt Barrows is reporting that Fred Warner is telling teammates that he will be a go for a playoff game next week if needed.
ReplyDeleteHuge if he is actually ready to play as soon as next week. But I'd hate for him to rush back too early and reinjure the leg.
DeleteSame^
ReplyDeleteWeather report for Santa Clara predicts 40% chance of rain between 7 and 9 tonight.
ReplyDeleteIf it is raining steady at game time, I say keep Jones loose.
DeleteNot going to happen.
Delete