Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Monday, December 9th, 2024
Hutchinson: It might mean nothing, but the 49ers didn’t throw in the towel
“In all likelihood, the 49ers need to win out in a four-game stretch that features the Rams this Thursday, a cross-country trip to face the Dolphins, a Monday night home game against the Lions, and a season finale against the Cardinals. Even if they do that, it may not be enough.
But playing like they did Sunday reestablishes a precedent.
It reminds rookies and those players who are new to the 49ers’ program what the standard is actually supposed to be. That matters, especially when San Francisco will likely draft double-digit rookies in April. Going out sad and gutless would make the climb next season exponentially harder. Playing like this makes it easier, even if it amounts to nothing but worse draft positioning.
Will they keep it up Thursday? Will they keep it up if/when they are mathematically eliminated? Those are better questions, especially given that this team has yet to beat a team with a winning record (at the time of the game). This is an unceasing battle against nihilism, and on Sunday, the 49ers warded it off for at least one more game.”
The 49ers hit the emotional reset against Bears — too late to save this season, but not 2025 (paywall)
“They’ve needed it all season, but in the wake of two horrible road losses that pushed them out of playoff relevance and an unceasing wave of injuries, Kyle Shanahan knew he had to try something else. He had to let his team hear some other voices. Some new voices.”
“On Friday, Purdy told reporters that good teams “don’t have excuses” and always “give it their all,” which seemed to be a reference to the 49ers’ need to keep battling despite a host of injuries to frontline players. His message Sunday touched on similar themes.
“I was just trying to keep it real and remind guys this isn’t easy,” Purdy said. “This job isn’t for everybody. But who we have in this building, we have what it takes. We’ve shown that the last couple of years. And we’ve just got to dig deep and find ourselves.”
3 takeaways after 49ers demolish Bears, get 1st win in a month
“The defense — which featured an elevated Dee Winters and Talanoa Hufanga starting over Ji’Ayir Brown — must be credited. They were sticky in coverage and made Williams’ life exhausting. He was sacked six times, with one from Maliek Collins, two from Leonard Floyd, and another three from Yetur Gross-Matos. One of Gross-Matos’ sacks took down Williams by pulling him down over left tackle Braxton Jones.”
Purdy relishes Faithful’s support during 49ers’ win over Bears
“A little bit of both. Obviously, I’m trying to go out and do my job and execute for our team, our organization, our fans and everybody,” Purdy said. “Just hearing them, sort of having my back like that, it was pretty cool man. I love playing for this organization, for our fanbase. Every time I step out on that field at [Levi’s Stadium], I’m thankful for it. Love playing for our fanbase.”
Purdy was fantastic in the 49ers’ win over Chicago, completing 80 percent of his pass attempts while throwing for 325 yards, two touchdowns and recording a 145.4 passer rating.”
Coach Kyle Shanahan makes it clear he wants to be with 49ers
“According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, San Francisco’s playoff chances improved from 8% before the game to 13% with the win. The only way for those to continue to climb, of course, is for the Niners to continue to win. They have four games left and almost no margin for error.
“We still have everything in front of us to play for,” Kittle said. “I know certain things might need to happen, but 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. … I definitely think everybody in this building still believes.”
49ers’ George Kittle balls out in win over Bears after speaking out after Buffalo loss (paywall)
“Last week, with our game plan, I thought I was going to have 100 yards and two touchdowns,” Kittle said. “And that’s just not the way it happens. I very much believe in the football gods. If you just go out there and you play your best, no matter what happens, receiving-wise, that ball is going to eventually find its way. And I think that’s what happened today.”
The gods were smiling on Kittle after his seven yards against Buffalo was the second-lowest total of his 109-game career. Kittle’s 151 yards against the Bears matched the fourth-highest total for a game in his eight seasons.”
49ers found their missing element — desperation — before dismantling Bears (paywall)
“The 49ers, however, said they’re not paying close attention to their opponents’ record. In their minds, they’re already in the playoffs: They have to win each outing to advance.
“We still have everything in front of us,” Kittle said. “I know that certain things might need to happen. But if we win every single game I think we put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into playoff contention.”
Maiocco’s observations: Guerendo, Kittle fuel 49ers’ win over Bears
“The 49ers made one notable change to their starting lineup, as safety Talanoa Hufanga was activated off injured reserve and replaced Ji’Ayir Brown. Hufanga lined up alongside Malik Mustapha in the defensive backfield.”
Shanahan forcefully squashes trade rumors, wants to remain with 49ers
“And my family feels just as strong — if not a lot stronger. You guys are going to have to kick me out of here, so there’s no way I’m making that decision.”
What Kyle Shanahan, others said after 49ers’ 38-13 win vs. Bears
“San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and several others spoke with reporters after Sunday’s 38-13 Week 14 win over the Chicago Bears. Here is what they said.”