Nothing like the NFL. We all predicted the Seahawks would lose, or the Rams would blow a two-touchdown lead. The San Francisco 49ers beating the Cardinals was expected, but it didn’t go nearly as smoothly as everyone had hoped.
But a win is a win, and Week 3 proved that just because you are a big favorite, it doesn’t guarantee a victory. The 49ers won a game with effectively a backup defensive line that had practice squad members mixed in the rotation.
Escaping that game with a win with all of the
injuries should not be taken for granted, especially when you look around the league.
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If everybody feels this way, I have no problem bringing back game threads, and that’ll start tonight with a couple of NFC and potential playoff teams.
On to today’s links.
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan Drops Concerning Mike Evans Injury Update After Cardinals Win
“We don’t know yet [if he’ll miss a couple of weeks],” Shanahan told reporters. “We couldn’t tell if it was a broken rib, we couldn’t tell if it was an oblique. It’s something we’ll probably find out more tomorrow.”
Shanahan also admitted that losing a player the caliber of Evans really affects the team’s offensive game plan.
“When you lose guys, especially guys like Mike, it changes stuff on your call sheet, changes wristbands, things like that,” Shanahan continued. “You don’t have time to think about anything else. So when guys go down, you hope they return, but you adjust and wait until they’re back, and if they don’t [return], you keep it moving.”
49ers to sign veteran DE with 72 career sacks as injuries pile up
Tillery reported Judon had a workout with the 49ers on Saturday and will officially sign with the club Monday. It’s unclear whether he’ll be joining via the practice squad or the 53-man roster.
Judon in his interview explained how injuries played a role in him joining the 49ers.
“With all of the injuries piling up over there I think I can just come in and help until some of those guys get back,” Judon said. “I know the D-line coach. I know him well. He’s a great D-line coach.”
How the 49ers Fared When Things Went Against Them in Win Over Cardinals
So, despite an aging roster, the 49ers showed they were able to dig in when faced with adversity. This was their biggest test so far, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be the story all year. Arizona’s roster punched above its weight, but they are unlikely to be in the playoff hunt. Still, taking confidence from a game like this will be huge with tougher opponents awaiting them.
It also provided echoes of last season. Even when injuries impacted many players, which is a recurring challenge this year, Kyle Shanahan can still find ways to ensure his offense scores heavily.
The cracks began to show in this matchup with all their injuries, and losing offensive starters is a concern when the defense is already struggling to shut down teams that aren’t going to make the playoffs.
49ers’ stunning trick play helps Deebo Samuel set a bizarre NFL record
Samuel was not credited with a catch on the play, which went to Evans (who later left the game with a rib injury.) But Samuel was credited with 80 receiving yards on the play because of Evans’ lateral to him.The touchdown turned out to be the only time Samuel had the ball on a passing play. (Samuel had two rushes for 14 yards and also returned four kicks.) As it so happens, 80 receiving yards is the most ever for a player who didn’t register a reception.
A surprising number of players have recorded receiving yards without recording a catch (although of the top 20 marks, Samuel was one of just three that occurred this century). The previous record for receiving yards without a catch was 65, set by Timmy Brown of the Eagles in 1961.
5 49ers Whose Stock Is Surging After Week 3
Jordan Watkins was inactive for the first two weeks of the 49ers season. However, the injuries to the position were too much, and the team had to activate him. He only played 15 snaps, but he recorded 60 yards.
Watkins averaged an impressive 1.73 yards per route run as a rookie; he just barely played and had a small sample of work. Still, when he plays, he produces. With Mike Evans banged up, the 49ers should try to start Watkins.
