The 49ers traveled south and pull out a gritty win in Los Angeles. This win is significant. Tonight’s game came on a short week. Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings were out for tonight’s game. Nick Bosa is out for the season. George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk are still on injured reserve. During the game the Niners lost two defensive linemen to injury. Yet, the Niners believed in Coach Shanahan, and they believed in themselves as they found a way to win. This team has character, grit and intestinal fortitude.
Mac Jones the Warrior.
Mac Jones is playing with a strained PCL. Tonight, he battled thru cramps as he suffered hit after hit after hit. Yet, he led his team. Mac 10 never gave up. If young players want to know what is expected of them, turn on tonight’s film, and watch Mac Jone’s effort. Watch his mental and physical toughness on display as he led his team for a chance at victory.
Early in the third quarter, Mac led the team to a third and goal. On the third down-play he was hit hard on his release of the football. As he writhed in agony on the field, we all wondered what Adrian Martinez would look like under center. Then, Mac gathered himself, and trotted of the field.
Mac continued to play as he battled thru cramps. He was not as mobile as he was in the first half. Mac moved and threw with authority in the first half leading the team to a 17 -7 score by halftime. As the game wore on, the constant hits began to take a toll, then came the cramps.
Mac stuffed bananas and liquids down on the sideline to minimize the cramping. After his last game winning drive, he hobbled off the field dry heaving. When asked about how he felt after the game, chuckling…he said, “that’s what happens when you don’t practice for a few weeks.” Mac Jones finished the game connecting with seven eligible receivers for a total of 33 completions for 342 yards and two touchdowns. Mac’s play earned the respect of his whole team as well as the 49ers fandom.
Kendrick Bourne the Comeback Kid.
Bourne had a tough week last week. He had multiple key drops contributing significantly to the loss to the Jaguars. Tonight, Bourne had a career night in receptions and yards. He collected ten receptions for 142 yards, dropping only one pass. That one pass was a potential third down reception and he completely owned his drop.
Bourne’s receptions came at key points throughout the game. He had multiple third down receptions, consistently being at the right place at the right time. He ran a multitude of routes from low crossing routes to deep overs and comebacks. Bourne is a complete receiver, and the 49ers are fortunate to have him back on the roster.
Christian McCaffrey is Mr. Consistent.
Christian McCaffrey has been the leader in the club house in all-purpose yards as well as receptions through five weeks of play. Tonight, he was the second leading receiver collecting eight receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown. McCaffrey plays with guts as well. He slammed into the Rams defense 22 times for a mere 57 yards today as the offensive line struggled to make rushing lanes against the stout Rams defense.
McCaffrey’s touchdown reception was a thing of beauty. The Niners were on the goal line, and they rolled out in 23 personnel (meaning two running backs and three tight ends). No wide receivers were on the field. The Niners aligned the tight ends in-line with the offensive line with both backs in the back field. Then, the team shifted, splitting two tight ends out wide on either side of the formation and McCaffrey moved to the slot. At the snap, he ran a simple out route, shielding the defender away with his back as he collected a touchdown reception. McCaffrey may just be on the way to another MVP type season.
Jake Tonges, the Unsung Hero
Jake Tonges has been the primary playmaker at tight-end for the 49ers since George Kittle has been out. When Kyle Juszczyk sat out a game, Tonges played fullback. Tonight, Tonges kept the chains moving as he collected seven receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. His abilities make linebackers and safeties hesitate, knowing that he is a potential playmaker in the Niners offense. He must always be accounted for by opposing defenses.
Alfred Collins – Mr. Constant Improvement.
Alfred Collins is a big, imposing defensive lineman. He is also a rookie. Collins started training camp with an injury. He has slowly had to build up his strength and stamina over the last few months. Collins play has consistently improved every week, as noted by Trent Williams. Tonight, it culminated in a key forced fumble and fumble recovery on the goal line at the end of the game. Collins timely punch on the ball, stopped Kyren Williams and the Rams from scoring a potentially game sealing touchdown. That one play changed the outcome of the whole game. I can’t wait to see how he improves next week!
Marques Sigle is the Sultan of Swarm.
Marques Sigle continues to make his presence known on the field. For the second time this year, he led the team in tackles with seven individual and an additional six assisted. He deflected a key pass in the end-zone. Then, he ended the game by stuffing Kyren Williams, preventing him from gaining a first down on a fourth and one. Sigle is a hitter. Hopefully he will turn into a ball hawk as well.
Eddy Pineiro the Sniper.
Pineiro projects confidence. Since he has joined the team, he hasn’t missed a field goal and has only shanked one extra point. Today, he hit four field goals out of four attempts. His long was a 59 yarder. Coach Shanahan has confidence that if his team drives within field goal distance, his kicker will hit it.
Summation.
The 49ers are starting six rookies. One is on offense and five on defense. Every single rookie is making a significant positive impact. The Niners brought back Kendrick Bourne in week two, and he has nested nicely with the team. In two out of three games, Bourne has stepped up significantly. Players like Jake Tonges are making the most of their opportunities, showing that 49ers that they can win in a variety of ways.
Christian McCaffrey had the quote of the game. “When guys go down, the whole unit has to step up…the whole team has to step up.” He noted that you don’t replace players like George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, Brock Purdy or Brandon Aiyuk. What you do is play as a team, maximizing every opportunity. Tonight, that is exactly what happened. The 49ers executed consistently in all three phases of the game, earning a rivalry victory and first place in the NFC West.
