The Niners playoff chances are still slim, but they took care of business on Sunday.
The San Francisco 49ers ended their losing streak on Sunday with a commanding 38-13 victory over the Chicago Bears. The Niners path to returning to the postseason remains slim, but winning out would leave them at 10-7 with a reasonable chance. They took the first step to getting their this weekend and are now 6-7 heading into next Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
In the meantime, here are some highlights from today’s win:
The Niners hit the ground running offensviely. On the first drive of the game, Brock Purdy found rookie running back Isaac Guerendo on a crossing route for a massive game on third-and-three. Purdy found tight end George Kittle for a 33-yard gain on the next play, setting up Jauan Jennings for a touchdown reception a couple plays later.
LEVI’S LEAP AND A TD!
#CHIvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/6DN4stiRWI— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2024
After a trio of punts, the 49ers got another touchdown drive going with back-to-back big completions. This time Purdy found Kittle first, for 32 yards before a completion to Guerendo got the to the Bears one-yard line. Guerendo took a carry into the endzone on the next play.
There goes Guerendo! @isaacguerendo
#CHIvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4nCVJ pic.twitter.com/KDnsDI06hA— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2024
Another Bears punt resulted in the Niners longest drive of the first half. They chewed nearly half a quarter’s worth of clock across 12 plays. On the final play of the drive, Purdy found Jennings on an in-breaking route that he took to the house.
JJ out here going CRAZY!
#CHIvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/YZtfj6BsPw— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2024
The Bears ended San Francisco’s shutout on the first drive of the second half. A Niners field goal had extended their lead to 24-0, but Caleb Williams found Rome Odunze, who made an impressive catch on a corner route, for a touchdown. The Bears tried, and failed, a two-point conversion attempt to make it a two-possession game.
ROOOOOME ODUUUUUNZE
: #CHIvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/G3Ubg4mT0k
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 8, 2024
After the Bears got a stop, it seemed like the Niners might once again be imploding. The Bears drove into San Francisco territory, but Williams was sacked and turned the ball over on a fumble. Not letting that opportunity go to waste, Purdy immediately connected with Jennings for a 39-yard gain and Guerendo took a carry into the endzone four plays later.
ANOTHER ONE@isaacguerendo
#CHIvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/0XbvNIHS1l— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 8, 2024
Jennings and Guerendo wouldn’t be the only skill-position players to score multiple touchdows. Williams and Odunze didn’t have a comeback in them, but they did answer with their second connection for a touchdown of the day. This time attacking the middle of the field.
Another one for @RomeOdunze ‼️
: #CHIvsSF on FOX pic.twitter.com/569uUw3N9L
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 8, 2024
Guerendo was sidelined with a foot injury, which opened the door for new arrival Patrick Taylor Jr. to get some carries. Taylor took advantage of the 49ers continued dominance in the trenches, converted a fourth-and-short, before scoring his first touchdown in a Niners’ uniform.
First TD in the red & gold! @PatrickTaylorJr
#CHIvsSF on FOX
NFL+ // https://t.co/KTh0i4oaLh pic.twitter.com/XRQ86l01b8— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 9, 2024