Niners Nation
That’s back-to-back 40-point games for the 49ers with Brock Purdy totaling ten touchdowns. Adding the context of no George Kittle and Trent Williams leaving the game after one snap, Purdy and Kyle Shanahan’s offensive performance is even more impressive. It’s hard to envision the 49ers offense keeping up this pace, especially when the defenses get tougher, but the 49ers have beaten the Los Angeles Rams and Bears and have a chance to sweep Seattle with Week 18’s matchup for the number one seed and NFC West title.
Let’s review the snap counts and grades from Sunday night’s win, according to Pro Football Focus.
Offense
Quarterback
Brock Purdy 72 (81.9)
Purdy is on such a heater that even his mistakes are touchdowns. Sorry, couldn’t resist. It can be argued that this latest stretch of football is Purdy’s best as the 49ers quarterback. Sure, 2023 was magical, but given the missing players and how much Purdy is lifting this offense, I’ll lean with this stretch, and it doesn’t feel like a prisoner of the moment take.
24/33, 303 yards, 9.2 YPA, three touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and an interception. Not to mention an NFL QB rating of 118.6. The 49ers will need another huge performance Saturday night (seriously, what the hell are you doing, NFL?) against a formidable Seattle defense. Kittle should be back, but Williams is probably in danger of missing Saturday, given the injury and short turnaround.
Running Back
Christian McCaffrey 61 (81.1)
Kyle Juszczyk 39 (58.0)
Brian Robinson, Jr 11 (74.4)
If you had a Christian McCaffrey is washed, take, throw it in the trash, and apologize to the man. Actually, just look in the mirror and apologize. Another 2,000-yard scrimmage season and the longest run of the season with his 41-yard rush, which looked just like the vintage CMC. With 140 yards on 23 rushes for 6.1 YPA and another touchdown, McCaffrey continues to be the engine of all the skill position players around Purdy. Oh, 102 yards were after contact.
Juszczyk was the recipient of the ridiculous Purdy scramble and touchdown throw. Even Juice was shocked the ball landed safely in his chest after all of Purdy’s scrambling.
Wide Receiver
Jauan Jennings 65 (57.7)
Ricky Pearsall 58 (67.4)
Demarcus Robinson 25 (68.3)
Kendrick Bourne 19 (74.6)
Skyy Moore 4 (63.8)
Ricky Pearsall led all 49ers receivers with five catches for 85 yards and looked great running his routes. He even shook off an early limp to continue to deliver on Sunday night. The 49ers will need his separation at the position down the stretch. Speaking of separation, Jauan Jennings has to run a better route and seal off Jaylon Johnson on the first throw of the game. Sure, maybe you don’t want Purdy throwing there, but Jennings leads the team with seven interceptions when targeted. In the end, all was forgiven as his second catch went for a touchdown.
Tight End
Jake Tonges 50 (86.7)
Luke Farrell 27 (91.8)
Brayden Willis 1 (60.0)
Jake Tonges has been...
