The San Francisco 49ers used a fourth-quarter touchdown from George Kittle to beat the Denver Broncos 24-14 on Sunday night, getting past another marquee opponent as they climbed to 4-0.
This game was a different type of win for the 49ers, as the offense didn’t hum at its usual level, while the defense mitigated the damage until things popped up for San Francisco in the fourth quarter.
Nonetheless, they got a big victory, and now lead to Lumen Field for their third divisional game of the season. Before
that, let’s take a look back at the Broncos game and talk through some observations.
1. Brock Purdy looks like an MVP candidate
For the first time in his NFL career, Brock Purdy has been receiving a ton of national praise this season, as he’s jumped into the MVP mix as a legitimate contender.
So far, Purdy has thrown for 1,007 yards, 11 touchdowns, and one interception, while his 89.7 QBR ranks first in the NFL. One thing I’ve noticed that was previously a problem for Purdy is that he’s not bailing clean pockets nearly as much anymore. He has more trust in his offensive line, and that’s given him more time to process through reads and hit his progressions.
Purdy also just looks poised out there. He doesn’t seem flustered, and that’s what makes him look like an NFL quarterback. I know development isn’t a big word out in the NFL as much anymore, but I really think we’ve seen Purdy continue to grow as a quarterback in a big way in Year 5.
2. Raheem Morris is a special coordinator
Man, Raheem Morris called a heck of a game. The 49ers entered this one badly injured along the defensive line. They were facing what many presumed to be an elite offensive line, and yet, San Francisco regularly won the line of scrimmage in the run game.
Morris’s ability to create pressure situations on Bo Nix on Sunday was great. Corners are playing aggressively under him, and that happened again on Sunday. The linebackers flow freely. There is clear defensive alignment on the field with what Morris wants to do.
I’ve been impressed by how Morris has kept certain factors similar in San Francisco, but also proven why he’s an elite defensive coordinator with his own sprinkles.
3. The Niners need a WR
While Brock Purdy trusted his offensive line, it’s clear that didn’t apply to his receivers. And rightfully so, given their struggles on Sunday.
Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins combined for 46 snaps, with a lot of them coming out wide. They were both complete non-factors, and we saw several times when Purdy was a little more hesitant than usual to rip it, instead checking it down.
Brandin Cooks also had a rough stretch of plays, and looked like someone still grasping the playbook. Mike Evans is clearly lingering, and the 49ers are stretched thin at receiver. That feels like the one thing that could hold this offense back.
5. Kyle Shanahan calls another good end to the game
I continue to like Kyle Shanahan’s aggressiveness to end games, as the 49ers didn’t capitulate after the Broncos cut it to within three on Sunday.
I thought Shanahan could’ve definitely been more aggressive with the passing game in the first half, but with the heat and his receiver play, it made sense why the game played out the way it did early for the 49ers.
But the 49ers found their way to explosives, both thanks to Purdy’s doing and an aggressive outlook from Shanahan to cap the game. He’s had another excellent start to the season as a play-caller.
