You may’t fault the 49ers’ effort in Sunday’s 29-17 loss to the Dolphins.
You may, nevertheless, knock the group’s execution — or lack thereof — within the loss.
The 49ers had ample alternatives to win in South Florida — and it’s clear they needed to win — but 11 penalties for 90 yards, a missed subject purpose and horrible situational play on either side of the ball did San Francisco in.
Have we heard that from the 49ers earlier than?
Oh, proper, we’ve heard it almost each week this season.
Listed below are the studs and duds from a sport that was, total, a dud:
Studs 💪
Deebo Samuel • WR
The place has this man been all season?
Samuel appeared like his previous self on Sunday, breaking tackles, dragging defenders and making crucial performs whereas chipping in as a operating again.
Samuel had seven catches for 96 yards, a landing (his second receiving landing this season) and added 25 yards on the bottom. He broke a minimum of a dozen tackles, too.
If this man had been enjoying all yr, I ponder the place the Niners can be right this moment.
George Kittle • TE
You may all the time depend on Kittle.
The Niners ran some screens for the tight finish and it labored many times and once more Sunday. This man is unmatched on the place, catching eight passes for 106 yards regardless of bleeding all through the second half.
He’s the 49ers’ MVP.
Ricky Pearsall • WR
Sure, Pearsall. Good issues occur whenever you throw him the ball. I’m glad the 49ers began doing it. Pearsall had 4 catches for 37 yards Sunday. Why’d they cease throwing to him within the significant parts of the second half? Beats me.
Duds 📉
Kyle Shanahan • HC
I actually appreciated the offensive play calls Sunday — Shanahan took benefit of a Dolphins protection that didn’t obtain the memo that it’s best to play press man-to-man towards San Francisco.
However it was so lame that Shanahan didn’t go for a fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line on the finish of the primary half.
What do it’s important to lose, Kyle?
As a result of no matter it’s, I doubt it’s extra embarrassing than kicking a 21-yard subject purpose in a sport that has no that means within the standings.
The Niners’ coach simply can’t assist however be conservative and by-the-book. It’s a disgrace that aggressiveness is critical to achieve success when you have got middling expertise, which the Niners definitely have.
Fred Warner • LB
The Niners’ center linebacker appeared misplaced with out Dre Greenlaw subsequent to him on this sport, notably because the Dolphins quick-passed and screened the Niners to dying. Understanding that Warner is injured and enjoying subsequent to Dee Winters (who had a pleasant sport, in my view) and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (not unhealthy), this might sound unfair, however he was not good.
Patrick Taylor • RB
He can’t run the ball properly, can’t move defend and completely can’t catch the ball. So, what’s the purpose of enjoying him? The Niners should have a greater possibility, even with Taylor being the No. 5 possibility this season.
Each 49ers offensive lineman
Did any considered one of them play properly? Sure, I’m asking about all seven of them.
If you happen to had any doubt that the 49ers have to rebuild their line this offseason — inside out — this sport is all you want.
The starters appeared horrible and the backups for Jaylon Moore and Aaron Banks (who each had disastrous video games earlier than accidents sidelined them) have been one way or the other worse.
It’s, frankly, unbelievable that Brock Purdy was in a position to full as many passes as he did. The Niners’ offensive line was abysmal.
The 49ers’ unusual pass-game formations
Have been Pearsall’s two unlawful formation penalties unhealthy? Yep! Each got here with the Niners placing their outdoors receiver — Jauan Jennings — off the road in an effort to present him extra cushion to launch. It’s an odd factor to want to do and I wish to present some deference to a rookie who has practiced little or no for not considering he ought to be on the road whereas enjoying flanker. Alas, it was his mistake, although. Add it to the Niners’ pile.
Initially Printed: December 22, 2024 at 4:51 PM PST
