Unless a miracle happens. The San Francisco 49ers will not make the playoffs this season. So what is next for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan?
Nothing really went right in 2024 for the 49ers. Injuries played a role, the defense struggled to stop the run, missed tackles, blew coverages, and special teams was a disaster. Tight end George Kittle was a bright spot as he had one of his better seasons, Jauan Jennings is a must to get re-signed, and Dre Greenlaw made his triumphant return from his torn achilles.
Still tonight’s loss epitomized the season for the 49ers. Plays that needed to get made, did not. Matthew Stafford twice threw the ball directly to a defender only to have it dropped, with one likely getting returned for a touchdown. Two other throws were tipped and hung up in the air begging to get intercepted.
Deebo Samuel who had tweeted about not getting the ball enough was targeted seven times, there were two plays where the Los Angeles Rams defended him well knocking the ball away, one quarterback Brock Purdy threw over his head, and he dropped a pass that would have easily gotten a first down and possibly gone for a touchdown. Instead, San Francisco was held to a field goal.
With the season on the line Talanoa Hufanga who had also returned from an injury lost tight end Colby Parkinson in the soft coverage of the 49ers zone defense on a third and four. Stafford found him for an easy 14 yard completion.
Even more head scratching for the defense was a call that led to the third field goal of the game for the Rams. After a three and out by the 49ers offense. Deommodore Lenoir was used on a blitz to create pressure and for the first time on the night Puka Nacua was able to truly beat the defense for a 51-yard gain.
Excluding that one catch, Nacua caught six other passes for 46 yards. Cooper Kupp was held without a reception. Still somehow San Francisco found a way to lose. There was one other piece of information that came after the game. Shanahan reported that De’Vondre Campbell Sr elected to not enter the game during the third quarter to take over for Greenlaw.
With the season essentially over now, the 49ers now need to look at the 2025 NFL Draft. Needs include the offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, cornerback, and safety. The only question now is what selection the 49ers will have in the first round? Prior to tonight’s loss San Francisco held the 17th pick.
Of course Purdy does need to get his contract extension as well. Which he will likely get and hopefully is around $35-$40 million per year.