Niners Nation
The 49ers are closing in on the top 10 once agian
Sunday’s victory over the Buccaneers had it all. A game-winning drive, tense moments, Christian McCaffrey’s return, special teams gaffes, and a small skirmish on the sideline all contributed to the outcome. The 49ers’ win was more important overall. McCaffrey didn’t cure the 49ers red zone woes, but this game typically ended with a 49ers loss. However you slice it, the 49ers have their first two-game winning streak, and the win has boosted the team’s playoff probability.
How does the NFL media view the 49ers heading into another NFC West matchup with the Seattle Seahawks?
ESPN.com - The 49ers move up two spots to #12
George Kittle is the 49ers offensive MVP in 2024. Full stop. Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com agrees and writes: “Aside from the one game he missed,
Kittle has been Mr. Dependable on an offense that has had many moving parts. At 31, he is still one of the best-blocking tight ends in the league. He also ranks first among tight ends in receiving yards per game (70) and is second among all pass catchers in touchdown receptions (7).”
Kittle’s toe-tap catch on a scramble drill was a highlight following a long catch-and-run from Kittle to open a critical drive. Throw #85 the ball in high-leverage situations.
NFL.com - The 49ers stay at #13
Eric Edholm of NFL.com points out the 49ers red zone and special teams issues as a big issue for the 49ers. “There was a lot of postgame hand-wringing about how Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers played out, especially coming off a bye, suggesting the 49ers lack the same killer edge they had last season. They settled for six field-goal attempts and only made three of them. That plus a muffed punt left a lot to be desired. Despite outgaining the Bucs by nearly a 2:1 ratio, the Niners needed maligned kicker Jake Moody to make his final attempt for the game-winner in Tampa. Relying on a kicker to make six kicks was one thing in Week 1, but trying to go back to that well, on the road, in Week 10? Not ideal — especially considering Moody had missed more than a month with an ankle injury. Christian McCaffrey’s return to the field was steadier. He totaled 107 yards on 19 touches, including a 30-yard catch on a brilliant play from Brock Purdy. As long as the big dogs keep producing, the 49ers are in the race, but they still need some general maintenance.”
Pro Football Talk - The 49ers are just outside the top ten
Mike Florio believes the 49ers must execute their fundamentals and writes: “They’ll need to perform better than they did in Tampa if they hope to start stacking wins.” Bottom line, the 49ers resembled the team that kicked away losses before the bye week. Cleaning up the fundamentals and little things is more important than returning players at this point.
CBS.com - The 49ers move to #11
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