The 49ers overcame two crushing defeats to defeat Chicago 38–13 on Sunday, spoiling interim coach Thomas Brown’s Bears debut. Brock Purdy threw for 325 yards and two touchdowns.
With numerous studs including Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, and Trent Williams out due to injuries, the 49ers (6-7) had lost to Green Bay and Buffalo the previous two weeks, losing by 53 points, leaving their dreams of making the playoffs in shambles.
However, San Francisco gave the Bears (4-9) their seventh consecutive defeat with a performance more reminiscent of the Niners’ Super Bowl run a year ago.
George Kittle had six catches for 151 yards, fill-in back Isaac Guerendo gained 128 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns, and Purdy had his third 300-yard throwing performance of the season with two touchdowns to Jauan Jennings. That contributed to the 49ers’ season-highest scoring performance.
Caleb Williams, a rookie, was sacked seven times as a result of the defense’s intense pressure from the four-man line.
After firing Matt Eberflus for a late-game clock mishandle on Thanksgiving at Detroit, the Bears needed an emotional boost from the first in-season head coach termination in the team’s history.
Rather, they were the victims of one of the most unfair first halves in modern history. Chicago recorded just one first down, trailed 24-0 at the half, and was outscored 319-4 in the first half, the ninth-largest deficit since 1991.
With three touchdowns and one field goal in their first five possessions, the Bears gave Purdy and the San Francisco offense no opposition as they moved down the field.
Chicago was unable to move the ball offensively, losing 37 yards on five failed third down tries and producing minus-3 yards passing as a result of four sacks.
Although Williams was able to get the Bears back into the game in the second half by throwing two touchdown passes to Rome Odunze, it was too late. Despite losing a fumble and finishing 17 for 34 for 134 yards, Williams recorded his ninth consecutive start without an interception.
With 56 sacks this season, Williams leads all Chicago quarterbacks since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
Injuries
Bears: DeAndre Carter departed the game in the first quarter due to a hamstring injury and did not return. RB In the second half, Travis Homer (head) exited the game.
49ers: Due to a foot injury, Guerendo left the game in the fourth quarter…. LG In the first half, Ben Bartch (ankle) exited the game and never came back. The Niners had to utilize third-stringer Spencer Burford for the remainder of the game since Bartch was starting in place of Aaron Banks, who was injured.
Up next
Bears: On Monday night, travel to Minnesota.
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.