No Brock, No problem. The 49ers found a way to win their second game on the road. Despite a stuttering start, the 49ers found their rhythm. Matt Jones started the game missing all four of his first passing attempts. He finished the game with 26 completions out of 39 attempts, 279 yards and three touchdown passes. This was a true team win though. Defense held their own against a budding Saints offense and special teams delivered two field goals. The Niners are slowly figuring things out while they stack some early season wins.
49ers News Cycle.
It has been a tough week to be a 49ers fan. George Kittle was placed on the IR. Brock Purdy was first reported to be out two to five weeks until John Lynch said it was week to week. Purdy’s injury is both surprising and concerning. Apparently, he has a toe injury…a similar injury causing Patrick Willis to retire from the NFL relatively early.
Yet, despite the troubling news, we also learned that the 49ers signed Kendrick Bourne to the roster. We all have fond memories of his energy and his positive production. Finally, the Niners made a special teams move, cutting Jake Moody and adding Eddy Pineiro. Though he lacks the power of Moody’s leg, he is very efficient from 50 yards or less. He showed that today hammering in two field goals. I will choose to ignore the missed extra point for now…
Withering Defensive Line.
The 49ers defensive line is very aggressive. They have a deep roster of players who are impactful. Due to the depth and quality of their defensive line, they can run a rotation that consistently pressures opposing offensive lines.
Today Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams were moved around from edge to interior rush. Towards the end of the game, they were placed on the left side, and they collapsed the pocket together forcing a sack on Spencer Rattler. Finally, Kalia Davis, CJ West, Alfred Collins and Bryce Huff significantly impacted the game at various points.
The defensive line’s tremendous play allows Fred Warner and Dee Winters to play free and fast. Both linebackers led the team in tackles. Warner’s biggest play occurred when he forced and recovered a fumble late in the third quarter. Dee Winters flashed all over the field delivering bone jarring hits consistently in the open field.
Rookie Defenders Making an Impact.
Upton Stout is one of my favorite players to watch. He plays the nickel position as if he was born to it. He is sticky in coverage and a reliable tackler. His diminuitive size allows him to time his blitzes such that the quarterback doesn’t see him coming. Today, Stout notched his first sack of the season.
Marques Sigle struggled a little today in coverage but he cleaned it up late in the game. He still managed to nab five tackles. C.J. West, Alfred Collins and Mykel Williams made their presence felt. Offensive lines around the league will begin to take notice as these three young defensive linemen grow together.
Matt Jones Shines.
Matt Jones did not shy away from the moment. He trusted his coach and the game plan. He connected with eight different eligible receivers while deftly managing the pocket. His only real unforced error occurred on a botched hand off which he immediately recovered the ball.
Today was a confidence building day for Jones. He showed his coach, and himself that he can make all the throws required of him. He isn’t afraid to throw it down the field, and he can make the easy throws on time as well. On several occasions he was forced to throw the ball down the field on long third downs, and he delivered. He showed us that with competent coaching, Jones is a good NFL quarterback, and the 49ers are fortunate to have him backing up Brock Purdy.
Last Minute Notes.
Kyle Shanahan is an outstanding coach. Sometimes he can become a prisoner of the moment. There was a moment, late in the fourth quarter, that the game hung on a thread. The Saints scored their third touchdown of the game and it was the Niners ball. With six minutes left in the game, Coach Shanahan opted to call four passes in a row. The first two passes were completions. Yet the second two were not. On a 2nd and six, he should have called a run play. He has a great stable of backs, and he didn’t lean on them with the game on the line. Thankfully the defense forced a three and out their next possession.
In past years, the defense has struggled at ending games when called upon. The defense was forced to end today’s game on the Saint’s last two possessions of the game. The offense sputtered their last two possessions of the game, the defense was forced to shut the Saints down. The 49ers defense rose to the occasion. They played with aggressive discipline when it mattered the most. Hopefully this trend continues through the remainder of the season.
