George Kittle was his usual awesome self.
Before kickoff in Miami, it was official: The San Francisco 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention in 2024. The team was undoubtedly aware of its playoff status before taking on the Dolphins. Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers were playing for pride, and as 49ers players have put it throughout the week, “finding out who wants to be here.”
The ninth loss of the season was just as frustrating as any loss in 2024 as the 49ers had a chance to win the game with over two minutes left before a Brock Purdy interception and 50-yard touchdown run from De’Von Achane closed the book on Week 16.
It is Monday, so let’s hand out some gold jackets on offense and defense.
Offense
Deebo Samuel
Yes, get it all out. Where was this performance earlier in the season? Too little, too late? Am I on the right track? I’m not here to put Samuel’s season on trial, but on Sunday, Samuel turned in a vintage performance in Miami.
Seven catches, 96 yards, 13.7 yards per catch, five rushes, 25 yards, a receiving touchdown, and finished as the highest-graded offensive player with an offensive grade of 89.4 on Sunday. Oh, and 93 yards after catch for Samuel Sr.
Despite his disappointing season, Sunday was a glimpse of the player’s juice and ability. Whether Samuel is here or not next season, it was fun to see Samuel breaking tackles and finishing tough runs. The former all-pro finished with six missed tackles forced, a team-high 2.67 yards per route run, and an average depth of target of 2.3 yards.
Honorable Mention: George Kittle
It pains me to keep Kittle as an honorable mention, but Samuel hit pay dirt on Sunday. Kittle was a tipped pass away from joining him, and Eric Saubert scored the tight end touchdown for the 49ers. Sunday was another stellar performance from the all-world tight end with eight catches, 106 yards, 13.3 yards per catch, and 71 yards after catch.
Kittle remains the highest-graded tight end in the NFL, with a 91.4 offensive grade and a 91.8 receiving grade in 2024. Brock Bowers leads all tight ends with 1,067 yards, and Kittle is second with 967 despite 33 fewer receptions and 51 fewer targets.
Best tight end in the game.
Defense
Dee Winters
Dre Greenlaw exited Sunday’s game with a leg injury, and Winters turned in his finest performance against Miami. Winters finished with the highest defensive grade of 83.9 and five tackles, two assists, zero missed tackles, and three defensive stops.
On 32 coverage snaps, Winters finished with the highest coverage grade at 84.0 and allowed six receptions on seven targets for 35 yards with a PBU. Let Winters play the last two games and develop!
Honorable Mention: Renardo Green & Deommodore Lenoir
In a game where the 49ers generated six pressures, Lenoir and Green were tested, and both answered the bell. Lenoir allowed four catches on five targets for 33 yards, and Green allowed five receptions on eight targets for 69 yards. Green and Lenoir combined for two forced incompletions also, including a potential touchdown broken up by Green in the end zone defending Tyreek Hill.
The future is bright for the 49ers secondary.