SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers experienced the challenges of their defense without Nick Bosa during the second half of their recent defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.
If Bosa is sidelined for an extended period, it could significantly impact the 49ers’ chances of making the playoffs.
Despite struggling initially, the Seahawks managed to score two touchdowns on three drives after Bosa exited the game due to injury, resulting in a 20-17 comeback victory over San Francisco.
Following the game, Bosa voiced his worries about needing time off after sustaining hip and oblique injuries on both sides over the past weeks. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated on Monday that it is still uncertain if Bosa would miss any games.
“We’ll see how it goes this week,” Shanahan commented. “There’s an equal chance he could play or not play. Unless it’s an obvious injury that rules him out, we can’t make decisions this early in the week.”
The 49ers’ issues extend beyond Bosa’s absence, despite his departure coinciding with Seattle’s offensive resurgence late in the game.
This loss marked the third occasion this season where San Francisco squandered a fourth-quarter lead against a division rival, failing to secure the game on either offense or defense.
Currently, the 49ers (5-5) find themselves in a three-way tie for second place in the NFC West, trailing by a game to Arizona. With three divisional losses already, the 49ers face a narrow margin for error as they strive for a return to the playoffs, having reached the Super Bowl last season and the NFC Championship in the previous two years.
“That was a tough loss,” Shanahan reflected. “We had every opportunity to secure the win, and we let it slip away. The team is understandably disappointed. We all know each other’s expectations, and we held a constructive meeting to address the fourth-quarter issues.”
Aspects That Are Working
Passing to Jauan Jennings was a bright spot for San Francisco. Jennings stood out as a reliable asset in the offense, catching 10 of 11 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown. He contributed seven first downs, four of which converted on third down. Quarterback Brock Purdy recorded a passer rating of 131.4 when targeting Jennings, whereas his overall rating was only 48.2.
Areas Requiring Improvement
The ability to close out games remains an issue. The 49ers have relinquished fourth-quarter leads in losses to the Rams, Cardinals, and Seahawks. In each instance, the offense possessed the ball with a chance to seal the victory but failed to score, giving the opponents the opportunity to make a comeback.
On Sunday, with a four-point lead and just under four minutes remaining, San Francisco was unable to continue their momentum. Following two quick first downs, the offense stalled; Christian McCaffrey lost a yard on first down, Purdy missed an open Deebo Samuel on second down, and Jennings was halted after a five-yard catch on third down.
Stock Rises
Right guard Dominick Puni continues to impress as a rookie, allowing only one pressure and avoiding penalties in the last game. He has yet to permit a sack or any quarterback hits this season, according to Pro Football Focus, and he stands alongside Kansas City’s Joe Thuney as the only guards with at least 500 snaps without allowing a sack or QB hit.
Stock Declines
With Brandon Aiyuk out for the season due to a knee injury, the pressure is on Deebo Samuel to step up, but he has not met expectations. Samuel managed only four receptions on seven targets for 22 yards and lost a yard on his single rushing attempt. After previously achieving over 100 yards from scrimmage in nine of 19 games in 2021, he has managed only eight such performances in his last 43 outings.
Injury Updates
Brock Purdy is dealing with a sore right shoulder sustained during the game and is classified as day-to-day. Tight end George Kittle is expected to return to practice on Wednesday after missing the match due to a hamstring injury. Cornerback Charvarius Ward has rejoined the squad following a personal tragedy, and wide receiver Jacob Cowing is under concussion protocol. Linebacker Tatum Bethune suffered an MCL injury in his knee and will be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Key Stat
5. The 49ers have become the fifth team since the merger to lose three division games within a season while leading in the final two minutes of regulation, as recorded by the Elias Sports Bureau. The other noted teams include Carolina in 2001, San Diego in 2000, Baltimore in 1996, and Washington in 1994.
Upcoming Challenge
The 49ers will be facing off against the Green Bay Packers this Sunday.