Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers escaped with a victory on Sunday, despite playing what felt like their worst game to date. The offense had one turnover, but went 2-for-10 on third down, failed to score on a goal-line sequence, and once again struggled to run the ball. The offensive line looked overmatched throughout the game.
The defense fared better, but they were also the beneficiaries of a dropped touchdown near the goal-line and another drop by Marvin Harrison that could have been a touchdown.
Ultimately, both sides of the ball made plays when it mattered the most, and a short-handed squad won a divisional game with a backup quarterback. If the 49ers end up winning double-digit games this season and earn a home playoff game, it’ll be because they won games like the one they did on Sunday.
Let’s get into the winners and losers from Week 3.
We are watching a 21-year-old grow up in real time. He’s progressing as a player and improving each week. Williams continued to make plays in the backfield and at the line of scrimmage in Week 3. However, it’s his arrival as a pass rusher that has been noticeable. Look at the jumps Mykel has made in three games:
Mykel Williams’ pressure percentage in each game:
Week 1 – 0.0%
Week 2 – 3.4%
Week 3 – 13.8%
Mykel Williams’ win percentage as a pass rusher in each game:
Week 1 – 0.0%
Week 2 – 10%
Week 3 – 20.7%
I value win percentage over pressure numbers, as those are less fluky and more sustainable. This rep below is why the production is on the way for Williams:
Nick Bosa missing the rest of the season means the 49ers will rely on their first-round pick even more than they have through three games. He’s ascending faster than the team could have hoped. Now, we’ll see how the entire defensive line picks up the slack without their best player.
Week 2 felt like a “system” game for Mac Jones. He had a couple of impressive throws, but Kyle Shanahan’s scheme won the Niners that game. That wasn’t the case in Week 3.
Jones’ pressure rate from Week 2 to Week 3 jumped nearly 17 percent. He was under duress enough that throws were being made before Jones took a three-step drop. His understanding of where the receivers would be after deciphering what the defense was throwing at him pre-snap was impressive.
Jones did a lot of his damage underneath. He went 20 of 21 on passes from 0-9 air yards for 154 yards and a touchdown. But he dissected the Cardinals in both two-minute drills. On 4th & 2, taking a deep shot instead of throwing a 5-yard out route had to bring tears to Brock Purdy’s eyes, as it was the type of decision Brock makes every day of the week. Jones was rewarded for his decision, and ultimately, it led to a win.
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