SANTA CLARA, Calif. — De’Vondre Campbell’s abrupt departure from the field during a game has diverted attention from larger concerns affecting the San Francisco 49ers. Once considered one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses that propelled the team to a Super Bowl appearance last season, they have now struggled significantly throughout much of the 2024 season. In a disappointing 12-6 defeat against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night, the 49ers faced near-certain elimination from playoff contention.
In this game, the 49ers (6-8) managed a mere 191 offensive yards, their lowest output in a regular-season match during Kyle Shanahan’s eight-year tenure as head coach. This performance also marked the fewest points scored since Shanahan took charge in 2017, and the evening is set to be remembered for Campbell’s unusual exit, which occurred while he had a towel draped over his head.
The contest further showcased San Francisco’s difficulties on offense, with quarterback Brock Purdy struggling to find a rhythm amongst his receivers, leading to no points on four separate three-and-out drives. Star receiver Deebo Samuel missed a potential touchdown play after expressing dissatisfaction with his lack of touches during the week, while Purdy overthrew Ricky Pearsall on a deep pass attempt in the fourth quarter before throwing an interception in the end zone that squashed any hope of a comeback.
“I feel like I had plenty of opportunities to help my team,” Purdy commented post-game. “The defense and special teams did a phenomenal job. What weighs heavily on me is the feeling that I let the team down. I should have performed better, and that could have translated into more scoring for us.”
Scoring has been a persistent hurdle for the 49ers this year, as injuries have kept critical players like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk sidelined for extended periods. The team is averaging 8.5 points less per game compared to the same point in the previous season.
On a positive note, the red-zone defense showed signs of improvement. After conceding touchdowns in 13 consecutive red-zone drives across their last four games, the 49ers successfully held the Rams scoreless in three red-zone efforts.
However, issues remain, particularly with the wide receiver corps. Purdy posted disappointing statistics, completing just 6 of 20 pass attempts for 63 yards, with one interception and a meager 19.4 rating when targeting receivers. Samuel recorded only 16 yards on seven targets, marred by a crucial drop. Jauan Jennings also struggled, dropping a catch and being the intended target on the interception. Pearsall contributed minimally with just one catch for 16 yards on four targets.
On the injury front, linebacker Dre Greenlaw made his long-awaited return following a ruptured left Achilles tendon suffered in last year’s Super Bowl and significantly impacted the game, achieving eight tackles in the first half. He brought a much-needed intensity that had been absent for much of the season. Conversely, Campbell’s future with the team is uncertain after he lost his starting position upon Greenlaw’s return and chose not to participate when needed. Shanahan commented on Campbell’s actions, indicating they are assessing the situation, stating, “What he did is not something you can do to your teammates and expect to remain on the team.”
As for the injury update, Greenlaw experienced some knee and Achilles soreness but is deemed day-to-day. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown (groin) and linebacker Dee Winters (neck) are also subject to day-to-day evaluations. Meanwhile, left tackle Trent Williams, who has been recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out for the last four games, is progressing slower than anticipated according to Shanahan.
A significant statistic from the game indicates the 49ers failed to enter the red zone even once, marking their deepest advancement to the Rams’ territory at the 27-yard line during a third-quarter field goal opportunity. This marked the first instance since Week 11 in 2010 that the 49ers did not engage in a single play within the opponent’s 25-yard line.
Looking ahead, the 49ers are scheduled to face the Miami Dolphins on December 22.