The San Francisco 49ers still control their own destiny in the NFC. That is the good news, bad news is that the Baltimore Ravens came to Santa Clara on Christmas.
MVP favorite Brock Purdy had a night to forget throwing three first half interceptions, one he was late getting the football out, the second he was trying to get the football out quickly and did not even see that a blitz was coming from that side, Brandon Stephens did not really need to jump that high to bat the ball up to Marlon Humphrey, and the third he tried doing too much.
Even with those three interceptions by Purdy, the 49ers defense did its job. It also seemed that the offense found a key to its success, getting the football to another MVP candidate running back Christian McCaffrey.
With that being the case play calling by Kyle Shanahan was suspect. As it was obvious that Purdy was struggling throwing the football, simply put 14 carries for McCaffrey was nowhere near enough even worse he only had five carries in the second half for 19 yards, after he had nine carries for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Yet any momentum from that did not last. The 49ers opened the second half with a three and out, special teams then allowed a good punt return and punter Mitch Wishnowsky gave the Ravens an additional 15 yards for a hit out-of-bounds. Lamar Jackson took advantage of the great field position and found Nelson Agholor for a touchdown.
Purdy on the ensuing possession threw his fourth pick of the game, this one by linebacker Patrick Queen. Also, Trent Williams injured his groin after nearly getting the football back. Jackson then found Zay Flowers for a 9-yard touchdown reception.
49ers offense continued to sputter, Purdy nearly threw his fifth interception. Baltimore’s offense drove down the field yet the drive stalled and Justin Tucker kicked a field goal to push the lead to 33-12.
Still this game is a reminder of a quote from Magic Johnson when facing Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, in which he said “I can’t feel bad, they’re just giving us a nice butt kicking.” That is exactly what the Ravens did to the 49ers tonight.
Now there are some questions that need to get addressed by San Francisco and Shanahan. What is the health status of Williams? His back-up Jaylon Moore also left the game to get evaluated for a head injury. Purdy then left with an injury though it was not deemed serious and he was able to go back in yet with the deficit the 49ers elected to play it safe. Making matters worse is that right guard Aaron Banks got injured and it took some time to take a look at him.
Beyond the injuries, penalties played a role as well especially on the defensive side.
While the 49ers may control their own destiny right now for the no.1 seed in the NFC, it has become more difficult with the injuries to the offensive line. Which makes a first round bye that more important.