Following three consecutive defeats, including consecutive thumpings, the San Francisco 49ers required a win.
That was made possible in part by the Chicago Bears.
San Francisco’s defense overwhelmed the Bears in a 38-13 victory Sunday, looking much more like the team that won the Super Bowl the previous season than the one that has struggled in 2024. Brock Purdy broke up Chicago’s defense to lead San Francisco to its biggest offensive output of the season.
“I think just the biggest thing was just getting some energy and momentum,” Purdy stated. “This league is challenging. It’s difficult. It can be quite difficult if you lack momentum, enthusiasm, and belief within a building.
San Francisco’s (6-7) issue is that it could be too late to save its postseason ambitions.
With just four games remaining, the Niners are two games out of the playoffs after blowing three fourth-quarter leads to division rivals and suffering crushing defeats at Green Bay and Buffalo the past two weeks.
Since their three division losses will make it difficult for them to win any tiebreakers in the crowded NFC West, they may need to win out in order to return to the postseason for a fourth consecutive season, and even then, they might require some assistance.
“If we win every single game, I think we’ve put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into playoff contention,” George Kittle, our tight end, said. “I assumed that everyone was concentrating on this one week…. Whether you’ve lost opportunities, played poorly, or scored a lot of touchdowns, forget about it for the duration of the season. Whatever it is, put everything else aside and concentrate just on this one game.
What’s working
huge plays. The passing game appeared to be as strong as it has been this season, and the Niners kept hitting the Bears for big plays. Purdy matched for the most completions for at least 20 yards in a 49ers game since at least 1991 with eight, including four from Kittle, two from Isaac Guerendo, and one each from Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings.
What needs help
kickoffs. San Francisco tried to pin Chicago deep rather than allow a touchback, and Jake Moody tried two line-drive kicks. However, the Bears got the ball at the 40 after both kicks missed the landing zone at the 20.
Stock up
DL Gross-Matos Yetur. With Nick Bosa out, the Niners have been having trouble producing a pass rush, but Gross-Matos had a significant impact on Sunday. He entered the game with just one sack this season, but ended up with a career-high three.
Stock down
S. Ji’Ayir Brown. Talanoa Hufanga’s recovery from a wrist injury cost the second-year safety his starting position. In his little action, Brown was beat on a touchdown pass to Rome Odunze and played 15 defensive snaps in a spot role.
Injuries
Guerendo will be assessed later this week to determine whether he can play despite having a sprained foot. OL After sustaining a high ankle sprain on Sunday, Ben Bartch is probably going to be placed on injured leave. LB This week might be Dre Greenlaw’s first comeback since he tore his Achilles tendon during the Super Bowl. DL LT Trent Williams (ankle) and Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) will be assessed this week, but there is no estimated return date. LG Aaron Banks is expected to play this week after passing the concussion protocol. LB Everyday players include LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, S Malik Mustapha (shoulder, chest), and Dee Winters (ankle).
Key number
305 For the ninth-best first-half advantage since at least 1991, the 49ers outscored the Bears by 305 yards in the first half. San Francisco’s first half total of 319 yards was the highest of any club this season, and they gave up the fewest, at 4 yards.
What’s next
On Thursday night, the 49ers will host the Los Angeles Rams.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.