End Of Year Press Conference

Kyle Shanahan said Gus Bradley is the main internal candidate to replace Robert Saleh as the next defensive coordinator.

Nick Martin was cleared from the concussion protocol today.

John Lynch was asked what fractured Brandon Aiyuk’s relationship with the organization: “I wish I knew. I can’t help you there.” John Lynch says it's safe to say Brandon Aiyuk has played his last snap as a 49er.

Alfred Collins injured his shoulder against the Seahawks and it might require surgery during the offseason, per Kyle Shanahan.

Kyle Shanahan said they would like to re-sign Eddy Piñeiro, Thomas Morstead, and Jon Weeks if possible.

Nick Bosa is tracking towards a return in training camp, however there’s no official timetable for his return, per John Lynch.

John Lynch on the possibility of re-signing Jauan Jennings: “He plays the game the right way. We would love to have him back. We’ll work to accomplish that and see how it goes.”

State Of The Franchise

Team needs into next year: Col 1 = 2026, Col 2 = 2027-29 Red = Needs addressing / major issues Yellow = Have options but could be upgraded Green = In a good spot

Playoffs Divisional Round: 49ers vs Seahawks

The Seahawks left the 49ers locker-room littered with their victory cigar butts and lingering odor like an animal marking its territory 2 weeks ago. Shortly afterwards, Brian Murphy II posted a picture of him tackling CMC on his Instagram story with the caption, "Little Ass Boy"!! 

Week 1 (with Williams): - 49ers had 7 carries for 43 yards (6.1 YPA) running behind Williams Week 18 (without Williams): - 49ers had 5 carries for 14 yards (2.8 YPA) running behind Pleasants

In Week 1: Purdy was 4-5, 120 yards on throws 20+ yards In Week 18: Purdy had 0 attempts of throws 20+ yards Result of no Pearsall and Williams to create spacing for shots downfield

Week 1 vs. Seattle: - 50% on third down -> 36 rush attempts Week 18 vs. Seattle: - 22% on third down -> 12 rush attempts

The Seahawks' rush defense is Top 5 in all stats (EPA, Success Rate, DVOA, Run Type). The only areas where there's some weaknesses are defending runs with motions at the snap: - YPC: #17 - Success rate: #22

- 16% success rate in the redzone against 49ers defense

Since becoming head coach, Niners have played 7 games in which they face a team they played within the last month. Kyle Shanahan is 5-2 in those games. He’s 3-0 when facing a team, a second time within 3 weeks. He'll be 4-0 as I have the 49ers magic continuing, 24-23. Shanahan was very smart in dangling that Warner carrot in front of his team if they can find a way to win this game. Go Niners!

49ers Inactives:

S Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring) RB Isaac Guerendo DT Kevin Givens DT Sebastian Valdez T Brandon Parker WR Jordan Watkins DE Robert Beal
 

Need an X WR?

You're in luck because this is your year:

Carnell Tate Denzel Boston Chris Brazzell II Chris Bell Ted Hurst Bryce Lance Malachi Fields Ja’Kobi Lane Eric McAlister

Outmanned But Not Outgunned

San Francisco stuns Philadelphia in a thrilling upset 23-19. Brock Purdy lost George Kittle early to an Achilles tear and threw 2 interceptions, but he made the critical plays to win the game in the end. It wasn't the team's best game by any means, nor was it a great coaching job however, Saleh's defense performed admirably and managed to end the game when they had to. 

If you told me Purdy would throw 2 interceptions' while at the same time losing Kittle, I would have said no chance in hell we win this game. I don't know how they did it and I don't care. All I know is we get an opportunity to get revenge on Seattle at their house next week. Can't ask for more than that. Congratulations on the win and let's get back to work to be our best in the next round after we celebrate knocking out the defending super bowl champions tonight. 🍻  

Playoffs Wild Card Round: 49ers vs Eagles

We've arrived at the moment this team has worked so hard for all year. The blood, guts and sacrifices everyone has made culminates in this win or go home game. 

Nick Sirianni & Jalen Hurts at home in the playoffs: • 5–0 record • Avg score: 35–14 • 0 turnovers forced • 14 takeaways • Trailed for just 5:43 total across 5 games.

Per NextGenStats, Purdy completed 72.6% of his passes on in-breaking routes (6th best). The Eagles have allowed 51.9% completion on in-breaking routes, the lowest mark in 10 seasons of NGS data.

Niners are #2 in the NFL in points scored on the road this season (258). They're also #4 in point differential on the road (+58). They had the 2nd-most road wins out of any team in the NFL, at 7-2 (only SEA and NE had more).

Eagles giving up nearly 5 yards per carry (4.74) on outside zone runs this season. Eagles blitz at the third-lowest rate in the NFL, only 18.1% of the time. They also run light boxes at the highest-rate in the NFL, over 60% of the time. The Niners are going to have to find a way to run against light boxes and protect against 4-man rushes on Sunday. Feels like Shanahan is going to need 30+ rushing attempts to have a chance in this game. I like the 49ers to upset the Eagles 21-20. Go Niners!

49ers inactives: WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) LB Dee Winters (ankle) LB Luke Gifford (quad) RB Isaac Guerendo NCB Chase Lucas DT Kevin Givens WR Jordan Watkins

Reality Check

 

San Francisco talked a big game but played small Saturday night against the Seahawks. The offensive game plan forced upon them without Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall was glaring. Keep Kittle and CMC into block which reduced their normal 5 eligible receivers to 3. Still didn't afford Purdy the protection they hoped it would, and it allowed Seattle's defense to defend a much smaller area. It was a vote of no confidence by Shanahan and his offensive staff in their OT's. 

Defensively, the 49ers lacked 2nd and 3rd level tacklers, missing 18 as a team, 12 of which were committed by LB's and S's. Conversely, Seattle's defense missed 3 tackles. Should this continue in Philadelphia, it will get out of hand quickly and I'd anticipate a blowout victory for the Eagles. 

49ers final strength of schedule was .498. Playoff teams with a worse SOS this year:

Chicago, Philadelphia, Green Bay, New England, Denver, Jacksonville, Buffalo, LA Chargers. Seattle also was at .498.

Saturday Night Football Week 17: Seahawks vs 49ers

Saturday night's alright for fighting. Time to get some action in! I think a talented team that's playing with a chip on their shoulders is very dangerous. This is a winner takes all match with the division title and the #1 seed throughout the playoffs on the line. 

Seattle's defense is arguably the best in the league; however, they rank 18th in DVOA against tight ends this season. They give up the 5th-most yards to tight ends of all teams in the league. George Kittle on if he will play in this game, "absolutely". The 49ers lead the NFL converting 51% of 3rd downs. Seahawks have the best 3rd down defense, allowing conversions on 32.4% of 3rd downs.

Seahawks* – 28 giveaways (31st) 20 of those 28 giveaways were committed by Darnold, whose been 39% on 3rd downs. A turnover in this game is huge. Make Darnold be consistent throwing the ball against that 3 deep zone. I doubt they'll have Lenoir follow JSN unless strategic circumstances warrant such a move. Force field goals.

Sky Moore returned one against the Seahawks with the Chiefs. Both teams rank 1 and 2 in Special teams.

No rain is expected during the 49ers — Seahawks game tonight  Field looks to be in great shape.

Niners have elevated T Brandon Parker and LB Eric Kendricks from the practice squad for today’s game.

“When you think about a business trip, you want to dress in a black suit and I feel like this is the type of game it is.” — Ricky Pearsall

49ers defense ranks: #24 in overall EPA/play however:

#15 in the red zone

#15 in Opp 3rd-down conversion%

The 49ers defense has to limit the explosives, something they were unable to do against the Bears, make 5 stops, and they should win this game, 24-20! Go Niners!

*UPDATE: Both Trent Williams and Ricky Pearsall are out for this game.👀

Niners in actives:

T Trent Williams (hamstring) WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) DT Kevin Givens RB Isaac Guerendo DE Robert Beal Jr. LB Curtis Robinson CB Chase Lucas Pearsall's absence means Jordan Watkins is active.