The 49ers are ramping up for a big game Sunday, as their team faces off against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Niners mania has taken over the fans too, some of whom are traveling across the country to watch their team.
Some 49ers fans have packed their bags and headed east to catch this game.
49ers’s tight end George Kittle could be seen getting on the bus, along with his teammates as they took off for Philadelphia, for a must-win match up against the Eagles.
Faithful fans lined the streets of Santa Clara, waiving on the buses as the players made their way to Mineta San Jose Airport.
Alyssa Goard has the full report in the video player above.
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Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games, including this week’s game. On top of Amazon Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription includes free shipping, exclusive deals, access to the Prime Day sales events, Amazon Music, a year of free GrubHub+ and more.
A standard Amazon Prime subscription is $15 monthly or $139 annually, but discounts are available for students and those on qualified government assistance. You can try Amazon Prime free for 30 days. You can also just subscribe directly to Prime Video and forego all the other Prime Benefits. A Prime Video subscription costs $9 monthly.
The 49ers caught the Rams slipping and took full advantage with Mac Jones at the helm
Credit: Los Angeles Rams
What was supposed to be a very winnable game for the Rams during Thursday’s divisional game against the San Francisco 49ers turned into a nonstop uphill battle thanks to a few mishaps that ultimately sealed LA’s fate.
Right from the opening kick-off of the match, the 49ers showed a higher intensity than the Rams, setting the tone in their favor immediately. Back-up QB Mac Jones stepped in after starting QB Brock Purdy was officially deemed unable to play due to a lingering toe injury. The Rams were unable to find their way into the end zone with a touchdown or a field goal in the first quarter, while the 49ers scored a touchdown thanks to a short pass to TE Jake Tonges and hijacked control of the momentum early on.
Upon the start of the second quarter, the 49ers picked up where they left off, scoring yet another touchdown via a 1-yard pass to RB Christian McCaffrey, jumping the score to 14-0. Things were looking extremely dire for the Rams. Despite a fumble from Stafford, the Rams were eventually able to get things rolling with a touchdown from RB Kyran Williams, who caught a 14-yard short pass to finally put LA on the scoreboard. However, the 49ers inched out an additional field goal, leaving the score at 17-7 at halftime.
The Rams’ woes followed them into the 3rd quarter with kicker Joshua Karty missing a crucial field goal, further cementing the despairing energy found in the first half. The 49ers responded with a made field goal from kicker Eddy Pineiro, upping the score to 20-7. The energy around the Rams began to shift a bit, and the offense started to lock in and pick up the pace. Stafford was able to connect with WR Puka Nacua for a 1-yard short pass leading to another touchdown, climbing the score to 20-14, and giving the Horns a glimmer of hope.
The Rams came out guns blazing in the 4th, with RB Kyren Williams finding the end zone once more for six points thanks to an 8-yard pass from Stafford. However, terror struck again when kicker Joshua Karty missed the extra point, leaving the score tied at 20-20. The Rams’ defense also began playing with a fiercer desire to win, containing the 49ers to only a field goal rather than a TD, putting the score at 23-20.
LA could smell the blood in the water, the opportunity to take the lead was here. Making their way down the field, the Rams arrived at the end zone, practically smelling victory. What should’ve been a routine goal-line penetration for RB Kyren Williams blew up in the Rams’ face due to a timely move by 49ers DT Alfred Collins, who was able to knock the ball out of RB Kyren Williams’ fingertips just inches from the end zone, completely shutting down the Rams’ drive.
You could feel the air being sucked out of SoFi. But thanks to a relentless effort from the defense, the 49ers were unable to put any more points on the scoreboard, while the Rams earned three points thanks to a vital field goal, tying the game at 23-23.
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Overtime was here, and along with it was a chance of possible redemption for the Rams. The 49ers got their hands on the ball initially, and thanks to the stellar Rams defense, had to resort to kicking a field goal for three points, gaining a 23-20 lead.
It was time for Stafford and company to close the game, to march into the end zone for a TD and move to a 4-1 record. But, head coach Sean McVay showed a little too much boldness that ended up costing the game. While in field goal range and having the chance to tie the game again on 4th and 1, McVay’s play calling took a questionable turn, opting to run the ball with RB Kyren Williams for the 1st down instead. It didn’t work, losing the game for the Rams. After the match, head coach McVay took responsibility for the loss and for putting his players in such a difficult position.
Now sitting at a 3-2 record, the Rams have some self-reflection to do. Despite solid individual performances from WR Puka Nacua (85 receiving yards and 1 touchdown on 10 catches), WR Davante Adams (88 receiving yards on 5 catches, RB Kyren Williams (65 rushing yards, 66 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns), and QB Matthew Stafford (389 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions on 30/47 throws), the team as a whole did not seem like their usual selves. Whether it was due to it being a Thursday night game or the 49ers simply catching them off guard, the Rams will need to be much more careful with protecting the football from fumbles.
Next week, the Rams travel to Baltimore to face a Lamar Jackson-less Ravens, and it should be the perfect opportunity for LA to get its mojo back. We’ll see how the Rams rebound in week 6 and find their way back on track to total dominance.
SANTA CLARA – The 49ers were mostly inert during free agency this offseason, choosing instead to focus on contract extensions with franchise cornerstones Brock Purdy, Fred Warner and George Kittle, while at the same time shedding salary to get younger following a 6-11 season.
It wasn’t looked upon favorably by a fan base hoping for some star power. There was one exception, and it was a big one in a physical sense. Luke Farrell is not big in terms of name recognition, but he plays big.
Almost lost in the whirlwind opening days of free agency was the team quickly reaching an agreement with tight end Luke Farrell. While throwing others overboard – allowing their own free agents to leave, as well as releasing some under contract – the 49ers extended a hand to Farrell, a 27-year-old four-year veteran with Jacksonville who received a three-year contract with $11 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $20.25 million.
Tight end Luke Farrell was the first and one of the few players the 49ers snapped up when free agency began in 2025. Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group
It was a pretty good chunk of change for a team looking to reduce payroll, especially with the presence of a Hall of Fame candidate in Kittle already on the roster and still in his prime.
“I’ve heard from guys that have been there,” Farrell said of former Jaguars teammates who once played for the 49ers. “I like how they operate and the opportunity to play in this offense with these coaches and players.”
Since he arrived in 2017, the year Kittle was drafted, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has cycled through eight more tight ends – Garrett Celek, Logan Paulsen, Ross Dwelley (he left and came back last year), Levine Toilolo, Jordan Reed, Tyler Kroft, Eric Saubert and Brayden Williams.
None received the kind of financial compensation afforded to Farrell.
“I think having a No. 2 tight end in the NFL is huge,” Shanahan said. “Usually, there’s one guy who excels in the pass game and one guy who excels in the run game.”
Farrell, at 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, has just 36 career receptions and has yet to score his first NFL touchdown. But he’s a people mover who operates almost as an extra tackle. Rather than rely solely on angles and leverage, Farrell can actually move the mountains that face him as edge setters or beasts coming on stunts from the interior.
Tight end Luke Farrell, right, works with Isaac Alarcon during a 49ers blocking drill at the club facility in Santa Clara. Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group
“Luke, his (game) tape was very, very impressive,” offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Foerster said. “He literally has an impact on defensive ends. When he blocks or hits one, there’s movement. You see things with him that you don’t see in a lot of tight ends.”
The presence of Farrell, a fifth-round pick out of Ohio State in 2021, will put Kittle in the passing game more often as a receiver, either flexed or put in motion, while he takes care of a big percentage of the dirty work along the line of scrimmage.
“I take a lot of pride in it,” Farrell said. “Since I was in college, I’ve just really bought into the team mindset and whatever I can do to help propel the offense forward and the team forward and that’s what my role has been. Also, all I can do on special teams. It’s allowed me to have the career I’ve had so far, and I have a lot of gratitude for it.”
The attention paid to Kittle could result in Farrell’s first NFL touchdown as well as increased opportunities for Brock Purdy for a reliable set of hands as a receiver.
“He’s got unexplored talent in the passing game,” tight ends coach Brian Fleury said.
Which is fine by Farrell.
“I’m always in the mindset of wherever they need me, I’m going to be there,” Farrell said. “I’m going to be where I’m supposed to be, when I’m supposed to be there, and that’s as a receiver, too.
Kittle, like Farrell, was a fifth-round draft pick. He was also from a Big Ten school, Iowa, and has morphed from unassuming rookie with close-cropped hair to big-time, big-haired personality on a national scale.
Rashod Berry #13 of the Ohio State Buckeyes and Luke Farrell #89 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate after a touchdown during the first half in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2019 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Farrell carries with him the same mentality he had at Ohio State, where he was a player simply trying to make a roster at the outset. He didn’t see himself as an NFL player. An excellent student, Farrell’s long-term goal for athletics was staying involved as a physical therapist.
“I was a developmental guy at Ohio State, redshirted, and really didn’t get any significant time until my third year,” Farrell said. “Then it was like, `OK, this is a real possibility.’ Once it became possible, I just wanted to keep doing what I was doing and perform the role they wanted me in. When you have success on a team like that, you’re going to get the exposure.”
Farrell cuts an impressive figure among the position group, and Kittle is excited to see what he brings in terms of physicality.
“I like that he’s a big dude. I’m a huge fan of that,” Kittle said. “He’s got great tape. He’s excited to be here, and I’m excited to get to work with him, too. He’s an experienced guy and has played a lot of reps, so it’s not like you’re teaching a rookie.”
During the offseason, Farrell attended Tight End University in Nashville, the yearly summit for the position hosted by Kittle and fellow Pro Bowl tight ends Travis Kelce and Greg Olsen. Before that, Farrell’s connection to Kittle came in a Zoom meeting during the COVID pandemic.
“He was on because his dad had a connection with Kevin Wilson, who was our tight ends coach at the time. They both coached at Oklahoma,” Farrell said. “George had some down time, and we were just studying a lot of ball and were trying to pick up any skills we could just from film study.
“He hopped on with us, told us what he was about, gave us some of his experience and wisdom, having a handful of years in. (When I signed with the 49ers), he reached out right away and welcomed me.”
San Francisco 49ers tight end Luke Farrell (89) makes a catch next to Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Farrell joins the 49ers, a Super Bowl contender, from a Jaguars team that went 4-13 last season after twice going 9-8. In Farrell’s rookie year, they were 3-14, so he knows what a losing locker room can feel like.
The 49ers, Farrell believes, don’t have the vibe of a team that went 6-11 a year ago.
“If you didn’t know what happened last year, you’d have no idea of their record,” Farrell said. “That’s a testament to the people in the building, and their resiliency and how professional they are. You don’t dwell on the past when you’re looking forward to the season.”
This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Casey Murphy/Unsplash
After a strong season last year, the Philadelphia Eagles remain among the top contenders in 2025.
As the new season is before us, sportsbooks are already showing the first odds that would let fans place their bets.
While you’re analyzing and placing bets, fans can also have more fun playing casino games with a sports theme. You can even find NFL-themed games among the best-paying pokies that are available at https://onlinepokiesmates.com/best-paying-pokies/, which are a popular way of spinning the reels if you’re a football fan.
Some of these games feature the Super Bowl theme because it’s the biggest sports event in the US.
If you’re considering betting on the Philadelphia Eagles, here are the odds that are currently available.
Keep in mind that the odds are subject to change, the same way past Super Bowl point spreads changed over time, especially when the competition progresses and teams’ performances become obvious.
First Games in September
PHOTO: Casey Murphy/Unsplash
The first week of the league is placing the Eagles as favorites in both of their matches. The first one is against the Dallas Cowboys, and the second one is against the Kansas City Chiefs. The spread odds are -120 and -122, respectively. For the moneyline, the Eagles are stronger favorites with odds being -310 and -110 for the first and the second game.
Overs and unders are a bit different. The odds against the Dallas Cowboys for under 46.5 are -115, whereas the game with the Kansas City Chiefs offers -105 for over 46.5.
This is the first sign that the whole team is still perceived as being strong and ready to go far in the competition. This is somewhat normal due to the success of the team last time.
Super Bowl Odds
This year, the Eagles are considered the favorites. Here’s how the odds compare to the past Super Bowl scores and spreads.
Eagles currently share +750 odds to win the Super Bowl, placing them among the top 4 contenders alongside the Chiefs and 49ers. There are a couple of other teams with the same odds, but the majority of the others have lower odds of winning.
Playoffs Odds
When it comes to the playoffs, the odds are again saying that the Philadelphia Eagles will reach them. Odds of them making it to the playoffs are -350. On the contrary, the odds of them not reaching the playoffs are +265. That’s not so surprising, given how well the team played last season.
Win Totals Odds
Win Toals is the type of bet that you place on how many games the team will win over the regular season. Players can bet on to win 6, 8, or 10. If you want to bet on six, that’s impossible because there are no odds for this number of games. However, to win 8, the odds are -800, and to win 10, the odds are -250.
These odds imply that the team will most likely achieve more than 10 wins in the regular season.
Futures Specials
In the futures section, there’s just one unique bet that includes the Eagles, but it’s not exclusive to them. The bet means that the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs need to make it to the playoffs.
Eagles, Chiefs, and Ravens each have a chance to make it to the playoffs. As these teams are likely to achieve that, the odds are -110.
Division Winners
Placing a bet on the NFC East Winners and the NFC Championship winner this early relies on a lot of luck. Still, that is reflected in somewhat appealing odds. The Eagles are considered favorites to win the NFC East with odds of -130. They are also the favorites to win the NFC Championship, with the odds being +370.
PHOTO: Caleb Woods/Unsplash
Awards
These are not the best for the whole team, but for the individuals on the team. The highlights include Saquon Barkley, who you can bet on as the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year with the odds of +600. He is the favorite with these odds that place him at the top.
Lane Johnson is considered among the best protectors in the league, which is reflected in the odds of +650, which are putting him as a favorite NFL protector of the year 2025/2026.
Even though not a favorite, Vic Fangio is the fourth candidate to be the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year, with the odds of +1000. So, plenty of nominations from the Eagles team.
Team Specials
This is where things get fun, as there are team specials odds that also show the strength of the Philadelphia Eagles. Here’s a list featuring the top specials:
Eagles to score at least one touchdown in every regular season game, with the odds of -160.
Eagles to beat the Dallas Cowboys at home and away in the regular season, with the odds of -125.
Eagles to beat the Washington Commanders at home and away in the regular season, with the odds of +110.
Saquon Barkley is expected to get 500+ regular-season receiving yards, with the odds of +160.
Saquon Barkley & Jalen Hurts to combine 2500+ rushing yards in the regular season, with the odds of +250.
Jalen Carter is expected to achieve 10+ sacks in the regular season, with the odds of +300.
First Odds Are Promising
According to the first and betting lines that have appeared, the Philadelphia Eagles are still considered a team that could repeat the success they had last year.
While being different from the past Super Bowl spreads, they still show who is considered to be the favorite.
Legendary San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana was in Alameda Wednesday morning promoting his new ready-to-drink whisky cocktail in a can.
The drink features a retro looking package that celebrates the 40th anniversary of the 49ers’ Super Bowl win in 1985, which was played at Stanford Stadium.
In the video clip above, Montana reflects on the “golden era” of the Niners’ dynasty and talks about expectations for current 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
The family of a San Francisco 49ers player is mourning after the death of their 1-year-old daughter.Charvarius Ward posted on social media Tuesday saying his 1-year-old daughter, Amani Joy, died Monday morning.”She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear,” Ward said in the statement. The 49ers issued a statement Tuesday saying, “The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.”We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”Ward’s Instagram account @itslilmooney shows two photos of Amani Joy, including one posted on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day. Amani Joy was born on Nov. 17, 2022 with Trisomy 21, Ward said in the post. Ward’s update on Tuesday said Amani Joy overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile.”Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better,” Ward said. “She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”
SAN FRANCISCO —
The family of a San Francisco 49ers player is mourning after the death of their 1-year-old daughter.
“She was the best blessing we could have asked for, and her joyous spirit made us smile from ear to ear,” Ward said in the statement.
The 49ers issued a statement Tuesday saying, “The 49ers family is devastated by the sudden passing of Charvarius Ward’s beloved one-year-old daughter, Amani Joy. Amani truly embodied pure happiness and brought joy to all those around her with her sweet demeanor and contagious laugh.
“We will continue to grieve with Charvarius and Monique, while sending them our love and support during this unimaginable time.”
Amani Joy was born on Nov. 17, 2022 with Trisomy 21, Ward said in the post.
Ward’s update on Tuesday said Amani Joy overcame adversity at a young age and was always happy, lighting up every room with her smile.
“Having the privilege of being her parents and seeing the world through her eyes has changed us for the better,” Ward said. “She will forever be daddy’s best friend and mommy’s little girl. We’ll miss you and love you forever, Amani Joy.”
Brock Purdy threw a touchdown pass and ran for another score to send the San Francisco 49ers into their bye week on a high note with a 30-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night.
The Niners (4-4) bounced back from a loss last week in a Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City with a strong performance against the Cowboys (3-4) that they hope will set them up for another big push in the second half of the season.
San Francisco went 16-2 following its Week 9 bye week the past two seasons to make it to the NFC title game in 2022 and the Super Bowl last season.
Purdy led three straight touchdown drives to turn a 10-6 halftime deficit into a 27-10 lead, but San Francisco had to hold on late after Dak Prescott threw two TD passes to CeeDee Lamb to cut the deficit to six.
Prescott had a chance to complete the comeback but threw four straight incomplete passes after getting the ball back with 3:05 left in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco took control in the third quarter, driving 60 yards after the opening kick of the half to score on rookie Isaac Guerendo’s 4-yard run.
Deommodore Lenoir’s interception that set up San Francisco in Dallas territory, leading to Purdy’s 2-yard touchdown pass to George Kittle, who finished with six catches for 128 yards.
The Niners then drove 75 yards for another TD when Purdy scored on a sneak from 2 yards out.
Purdy bounced back from a three-interception performance last week against the Chiefs to go 18 for 26 for 260 yards against Dallas.
The Cowboys returned from their bye and didn’t look a whole lot better for most of the game than they did in a 47-9 loss at home to Detroit two weeks ago.
Prescott threw two interceptions for a third straight game — the first Cowboys quarterback to do that in 32 years — and struggled to generate any consistent offense until the fourth quarter.
The defense struggled to slow San Francisco down at all outside of when the Niners committed penalties or Purdy was off-target on a few passes. It added up to another loss that will increase the outside pressure on coach Mike McCarthy, who is in the final year of his contract.
Prescott finished 25 for 38 for 243 yards. Lamb caught 13 passes for 146 yards.
Injuries
49ers: RB Jordan Mason went to the locker room in the first half with a shoulder injury. He missed time with an injured shoulder in Week 6 at Seattle. … LB Dee Winters left the game in the second half with a concussion. … WR Deebo Samuel (ribs) left in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco 49ers fans and local businesses are gearing up for Sunday’s matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, some literally.
The enduring rivalry between the 49ers and Cowboys, which has its roots in the 70s, is a testament to the rich history of the sport. This is why Valerie Burrescia, like many other fans, is stocking up on much-needed merchandise from the team store.
“It’s the legacy. It’s the history,” Burrescia said. “It goes way. Back to the days of Montana and rice, I was there watching this stuff.”
With football fans from all over the nation coming to Santa Clara for the game, businesses, including Pizza My Heart, are earning extra profits from the increased crowds.
“Every game day, the lines are out the door with people buying beer, whole pizza, and slices,” said Jonathan Le, supervisor of Pizza My Heart.
Nearby hotels are also benefiting. NBC Bay Area checked reservations, and most hotels only have a few rooms left.
Rideshare drivers are also expected to reap the rewards of hauling hundreds of fans to and from the big game.
Fans who could not secure a ticket still have a chance to do so. On Saturday, available tickets ranged from $200 to $700.
You can watch the 49ers and the Cowboys matchup on NBC Bay Area; coverage starts at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Raj Mathai and Janelle Wang will be live from Levi’s Stadium, and kickoff is at 5:20.
After the game, NBC Bay Area will broadcast “Sports Sunday,” which will be live from Levi’s Stadium.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KTXL) – Following the 49ers 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, 49ers rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall speaks to reporters about making his NFL debut on Sunday, 50 days after being shot in the chest in San Francisco.
Pearsall reflects on the life-changing event this past August, his path back to the football field, the support from the 49ers organization and how he feels going forward.
49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall took a big step on Monday in returning to the team on the field.
All eyes were on Pearsall as he began practicing with the team. He is recovering from a gunshot wound to the chest. The incident happened Aug. 31 during a robbery attempt in San Francisco.
The 49ers have opened up an evaluation window to decide whether Pearsall will be taken off the injured reserve’ status and activated for games, including the team’s upcoming Super Bowl rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Moment in Time When Nick Sirianni’s Eagles Were Changed Forever.
Shortly after you absorb that euphoric feeling of your team winning a Super Bowl — you immediately want to feel it again.
Not fifteen minutes after Tom Brady’s final Hail Mary Pass in Super Bowl LII fell short in the end zone — the priority shifted from celebration to preservation.
What would it take for the Eagles to return to claim another Lombardi Trophy?
The wait for another shot at NFL immortality wasn’t as quick as initially wished for, but it wasn’t as long as it could have been.
Just two years after the Eagles hired 39-year-old coach Nick Sirianni and committed to 23-year-old quarterback Jalen Hurts — the Eagles whose seemed like its bold offense could never be stopped from scoring — were back in the Super Bowl once again.
When the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII and powered their way to a 24–14 lead through two quarters — it looked as though not even a short halftime to regroup could save Andy Reid’s Chiefs and a hobbled Patrick Mahomes.
PHOTO: Denny Medley/Imagn Images
During that fifteen-minute window — with Rhianna crescendoing her greatest hits on a stage at the 50-yard line — something happened to the Eagles. Perhaps it was arrogance, overconfidence, or inexperience. Perhaps it was a feeling that they were better than the game itself. Perhaps it was a combination of all of these.
What happened during the next 30 minutes was that a Head Coach—once skewered in Philadelphia for nearly fourteen years for not being able to make in-game adjustments—flipped the script on the Eagles. He gave his injured quarterback quick throws, attacked the Eagles’ defense in different ways, and contained Philly’s devastating offensive attack.
The team that wins the second half wins the game. That is exactly what happened.
Nick Sirianni’s Eagles never recovered from that moment. Even when the Eagles were eking out wins at 10–1 last season, something didn’t look right. When they went 1–6 the rest of the way, something certainly didn’t.
Many people didn’t want Nick Sirianni back this season. But making a convincing argument to stay — he did. At an early bye week, the Eagles are 2–2. They return from Tampa after yet another shellacking to a team that doesn’t have a talent level equal to Philadelphia.
Since 2016, the Eagles have spent too much time purging themselves of coaches and players who utilize arrogance as a defining quality. The last coach and franchise quarterback to try to plow forward, driven by this sense, left the Eagles in an eventual rebuild.
For the Eagles to return to the euphoric feeling of the NFC Championship Game win against the 49ers in 2023, it will take an adjustment of this team back to good fundamental football and a new approach for one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
SANTA CLARA — There are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the 49ers in the wake of a 1-2 start even if many of their issues are self-inflicted and remain correctable with 14 games remaining.
Yet a leaky defense, poor special teams play and myriad injuries don’t come close to the biggest reason to be worried about a franchise looking to reach its fourth straight NFC Championship Game with an eye toward a long-awaited sixth Lombardi Trophy.
It’s of some consolation that Deebo Samuel and George Kittle look as if they’ll play Sunday against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium, but Christian McCaffrey’s cloudy long-term status is a major concern.
Hall of Famer Steve Young tried his best to put a good face on McCaffery’s battle with Achilles tendinitis Wednesday during his weekly spot on KNBR-680.
“Even with our depletion, with guys running around trying to get healthy in Germany, we can still thrive because we have the people,” Young said.
Whether the 49ers can actually thrive without McCaffrey, the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is a fair question. It’s also fair to wonder how much we’ll see McCaffrey this year. If McCaffrey does return, when will that be? And even if he does, will he be anything approaching what the 49ers have come to expect in the 33 mercurial regular season and postseason games since he arrived by trade on Oct. 20, 2022?
McCaffrey hasn’t been healthy for a long time, rendering the ultimate practice warrior unable to feed his obsessive nature for repetition.
To review, McCaffrey was a spectator at the 49ers’ mandatory minicamp for an unspecified medical issue. McCaffrey told an on-site NFL Network crew not to worry, that he’d be on the field if there were a game to play.
Then came training camp, when he was out with a “calf/Achilles” problem. McCaffrey said his absence was a precaution.
When the regular season began, McCaffrey stated his intentions of playing in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He didn’t. Then before the 49ers faced Minnesota in Week 2, he said sitting out the first week was a “chess move” to be ready for the rest of the season and that his mentality was always going to be that he would play if humanly possible.
Shanahan, meanwhile, initially rejected the notion of McCaffrey going on injured reserve to give him four extra weeks to heal. Two days later, McCaffery was indeed on injured reserve, guaranteeing a five-game absence to start the season.
Then it was off to Germany for treatment. Athletes such as Peyton Manning, Kobe Bryant and others have undergone blood treatments to promote healing in Germany that are not available in the United States.
Tight end George Kittle said Thursday he’s been in contact with McCaffrey, but imparted no other information.
“I think he’s doing really well,” tight end Kittle said. “Time zones are funny – I think I talked to him yesterday. But he’s doing really solid. Just looking forward to seeing my really good friend.”
While McCaffery is eligible to play on Oct. 10 when the 49ers visit Seattle on a Thursday night, Shanahan said Thursday on KNBR that the absence was open-ended. It sounds as if the Seattle game is a pipe dream.
“I think we’ll have a better idea over the next couple of weeks,” Shanahan said.
And the 49ers are good with whatever McCaffery determines is the best for his own body because of how serious he takes his health and recovery. It sounds as if the visit to Germany was only one of McCaffery’s stops as he looks for a way to get back on the field.
“Christian is seeing every specialist he can, doing all the little stuff more than anybody I’ve ever been around,” Shanahan said. “He has a full-time commitment to everything for his body year-round. He’s been doing that stuff while not pushing it hard in rehab. Now we’ll probably turn it up in the next couple of weeks.”
As of Wednesday, Shanahan said he hadn’t talked to McCaffery. When asked if there was a possibility McCaffery wouldn’t play at all in 2024, Shanahan said, `Not that I know of.”
Young, however, stated the obvious.
“It’s a bad thing that you have to do such desperate measures,” Young said. “You go to Germany for a particular procedure . . . if it’s something you can’t get in the U.S. then something’s not right . . . it’s super worrisome. You can easily say, ‘Where’s this season going to go for Christian?’”
If and when Christian McCaffery returns, Jordan Mason (24) will probably have a big role in the 49ers’ offense. Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group
Shanahan was just fine running an offense with multiple running backs the way his father did for so many years with the Denver Broncos. Then McCaffrey came along, and in the words of general manager John Lynch “unlocked” the 49ers offense.
McCaffrey is one of the NFL’s top runners from scrimmage. His receiving skills and route running are such that he would instantly be one of the league’s top slot receivers if moved there full-time. And at its most basic, McCaffrey’s nose for the end zone — he’s got 39 touchdowns in 33 regular-season and postseason games — enabled the 49ers to put games away by capitalizing on scoring opportunities and gave Shanahan another versatile option aside from Samuel.
The 49ers were a playoff team before McCaffrey arrived, but it’s hard to imagine them making another run to the Super Bowl without him. And given McCaffrey’s “practice makes perfect” approach, it remains to be seen if and when he can get back up to speed with such a long layoff in terms of physically working on his craft.
The best hope may be easing him into a role that includes Mason doing a lot of the between-the-tackles running, something Shanahan said he was considering anyway because of McCaffery’s NFL-high 339 touches (rushing and receiving) last season.
Flash back to Feb. 11 and a 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime of Super Bowl LVIII. McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 80 yards and caught eight passes for 80 yards including a 21-yard touchdown from Jauan Jennings. McCaffrey also lost a fumble on the 49ers’ opening possession deep in Chiefs territory.
“I’m still a little numb and angry and going through all of the emotions,” McCaffrey said afterward. “I’ll just have to wake up tomorrow and try again.”
That was eight months ago. When McCaffrey takes the field again is anybody’s guess. An anxious fan base awaits an answer that could determine the course of the season.
Brock Purdy was efficient in completing 9 of 12 passes for 96 yards, but also threw a red-zone interception as the San Francisco 49ers concluded their preseason with a 24-24 tie with the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday night.
Daniel Carlson’s 43-yard field goal with 16 seconds left pulled the Raiders (0-2-1) even with the 49ers (1-1-1). Joshua Dobbs’ 10-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Cowing late in the third quarter put the 49ers ahead 24-21.
Each team took an opposite approach to the game with the regular season two weeks away. The 49ers played most of their starters in the first quarter and the Raiders went with backups auditioning for roster spots in Las Vegas or another NFL team.
One player fighting for one of those slots was quarterback Nathan Peterman, who received the surprise start after coach Antonio Pierce said Wednesday that Carter Bradley would open the game.
Peterman played the first half and completed 12 of 19 passes for 108 yards a touchdown. Bradley led the tying drive for the field goal and finished 9 of 21 for 169 yards with a TD and interception in the end zone.
Tyreik McAllister, another Raiders player competing for a spot, returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown and caught a 35-yard TD pass.
On the other end, the 49ers wanted to get a close look at most of their starters, which included the preseason debuts of wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle. Kittle made a highlight 19-yard grab between two defenders and finished with three catches for 34 yards. His previous preseason career total: four receptions for 47 yards.
Not all the 49ers starters played, however, in the team’s first appearance at Allegiant Stadium since losing in the Super Bowl six months earlier to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Among the missing were All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey because of a calf injury. Also, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and second-team All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk have been in contract disputes that remain to unresolved even with the season just two weeks away.
Aiyuk, however, was at Allegiant Stadium on Friday night and even chatted with Pierce before the game. Pierce was the linebackers coach at Arizona State when Aiyuk played there in 2018-19.
Aiyuk didn’t travel with the team two weeks earlier when the Niners played at Nashville and watched last week’s home game against New Orleans from a private box.
Purdy played just into the second quarter against the Raiders’ reserves, taking a 10-0 lead and nearly going up three scores.
The first possession resulted in a 49-yard field goal by Jake Moody, and then Purdy guided the 49ers on a 12-play, 85-yard touchdown drive. San Francisco was at the Raiders’ 16-yard line early in the second period when Purdy’s pass to Samuel was broken up by cornerback Sam Webb and picked off by safety Chris Smith II.
It’s Been 30 Years Since the Eagles Dominated the World Champions at Candlestick Park.
Thirty years ago — in an early October meeting in 1994— two of the NFC’s most formidable teams faced off at Candlestick Park. Since the 1980s, Buddy Ryan’s Eagles and Bill Walsh’s 49ers had some truly memorable games.
Much like in 2024, the Eagles and 49ers were two of the most formidable teams in the NFC.
From the opening kickoff, the 2–2 49ers were out-hustled and outplayed by the 2–1 Eagles in almost all phases. With Randall Cunningham directing the opening drive, Charlie Garner sprinted for a one-yard touchdown run. After Eric Allen then intercepted Steve Young, Garner scampered 24 yards for the second score — a play that included a great block by Fred Barnett on Deion Sanders at the goal line.
By the time Randall Cunningham found Victor Bailey for a 32-yard score — the Eagles were up 23–8, and the rout was on. One highlight for Eagles fans came in the third quarter, with the Eagles up 33–8. In the middle of a Steve Young play call, backup quarterback Elvis Grbac raced onto the field and replaced Young — leading to a sideline tirade by Young with Coach Gary Kubiak.
Garner would end up with 111 yards on 16 carries and another 28 yards receiving.
As with most great Eagles moments in the 1990s, the victory was short-lived. George Seifert’s 49ers would go on to beat Stan Humphries and the San Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl that year, 49–26. The Eagles would squander at a 3–1 start and finish 7–9. New Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie would fire Rich Kotite at the end of the season and hired Ray Rhodes. One year later — in a bitter quarterback controversy with Rodney Peete- Randall Cunningham would play his last game as an Eagle in Dallas in 1995.
Even though they didn’t as much win their division, the Philadelphia Eagles looked like they might hold the top record in the NFC in back-to-back seasons, starting their 2023 season with a 10-1 record.
Philadelphia’s severe regression to an 11-6 record by the end of the season was a pretty wild scene, and it obviously took them out of contention for the one-seed.
Acquiring it might not have changed their fate, which ended up being a one-and-done finish in the postseason, but having it is essential in the NFL. Once they didn’t, there was little chance for a run to be made.
Considering each of the Eagles’ three Super Bowl appearances in the 21st century were guided by a first-round bye week, they probably want to make that happen again. Can they?
Eagles’ Path to NFC Glory
Since the Eagles didn’t win the NFC East, they get the benefit of having a somewhat easier schedule than they did in 2023. They face the entire NFC South (which might be the weakest division in the conference), the entire AFC North, the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Los Angeles Rams, the Green Bay Packers, and every single NFC East team twice.
There are obviously some pretty good teams here, but there are very few that the Eagles aren’t better than. They should be able to handle themselves, especially considering their upgrades in the offseason. There is no true ceiling or floor for Philadelphia, but getting 13 wins is not out of the question. It’ll be a challenge, but achieving this would set them up nicely.
Predicting the 49ers’ Record
Since they were the top seed in the NFC in 2023, the San Francisco 49ers don’t have the easiest schedule. While they could certainly do some damage, they face five teams that won at least a playoff game (Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, Packers, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers). In addition, playing the Rams twice, the Dallas Cowboys once, the Miami Dolphins once, and the New York Jets once isn’t exactly the easiest set of games, either.
That said, the 49ers are quite possibly the best team in the NFL entering the 2024 season. Sure, they play some tough teams, but they should also win most of them. At 12-5 last season, they were the NFC’s best team. Having a potentially tougher schedule this time around, just matching that campaign would be a likely success for them.
Even though the 49ers are a very good team, the Eagles can expect them to be at 12-5 again. If that ends up being the case, that should be beatable for Philadelphia.
Predicting the Lions’ Record
The Lions are a fascinating team to analyze, considering the massive jumps they have made. When the Eagles had a 38-35 showdown against them in Week 1 of the 2022 season, even then, it was obvious that they could be a special club. After going 9-8 that season, they had their first 12-win season since 1991 and their first playoff win since that time in 2023. How much further can they go?
Just like the 49ers, they are being punished somewhat heavily for their success. Considering this is something the Lions didn’t really have to deal with in 2023, their breakout was made just that much easier. They have the Bills, the 49ers, the Packers twice, the Bears twice, the Houston Texans, the Jaguars, the Buccaneers, the Cowboys, and the Rams, which could all give them issues. It’s hard to see a world where they improve upon their 2023 campaign, especially considering they didn’t make any major upgrades in the offseason.
The Lions are certainly a team to look out for, but an 11-win season seems to be about right. Depending on how well some of the younger teams on that list develop, 2024 could be a seriously challenging campaign for Detroit.
Predicting the Cowboys’ Record
The Cowboys are probably the biggest team for the Eagles to look out for, and they will remain that for a long time. For as much as Eagles fans don’t want to admit it, Dak Prescott played sensational football in 2023 and was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Dallas didn’t do much of anything in the offseason, but their core is formidable.
As for their schedule, it is pretty similar to Philadelphia’s, with some slight changes. They take on all of the same teams, minus the Packers, Jaguars, and Rams. Instead, the Cowboys have to face the Lions, Texans, and 49ers. Considering the Eagles are in the same tier as the Cowboys, if not better than them, in terms of where they rank in the NFL, making Dallas suffer just a little bit more is a good sign. It’s a big reason why the NFC East is notorious for never having repeat champions.
Overall, a 12-5 record seems right for the Cowboys. Other than the Eagles, they consistently have their way with the division’s bottom feeders, the New York Giants and Washington Commanders. No team beats the rails off of bad NFL teams quite like Dallas does, so it would only make sense for them to do it again.
Other NFC Contenders?
There will surely be another team in the NFC that emerges as a legitimate threat. In 2023, the Rams, Buccaneers, and Packers were all surprisingly competitive.
In 2024, a team like the Atlanta Falcons could see some improvement now that they have a solid quarterback in Kirk Cousins, and perhaps the Bears could see their young core see a progression like the Texans did in 2023. Still, the true top-end regular season contenders are minimal in the NFC.
The Packers are another team that could build off of what they did, but they still only had nine wins. Seeing a boost of three or four would be possible but unrealistic.
By no means are the Eagles in the clear, but they have a really good chance of being the best team in the NFC. It took an utter disaster in 2023 to get them out of the race, and even then, they were two wins shy of doing so.
Now that they are stronger, the Eagles should put up an even better fight.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – Former 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead talks to FOX40’s Sean Cunningham about his departure from the Niners after nine seasons, the new beginning with the Jacksonville Jaguars, explains why things didn’t work out to keep him with San Francisco.
The 30-year-old from Elk Grove’s Pleasant Grove High School also discusses hosting his annual charitable weekend in his hometown of Sacramento, bringing a VIP fundraising gala to the Sawyer Hotel, along with his youth football camp to Sacramento City College, which included an opportunity for kids to tour the campus.
Kyle Shanahan went back to his comfort zone to find a defensive coordinator to replace Steve Wilks, but it apparently isn’t fully a one-man job.
Nick Sorensen, who joined the 49ers’ staff as a defensive assistant in 2022 and was the passing game/nickel defense coach in 2023, will become the team’s third defensive coordinator in four years, according to ESPN.
In a surprising twist, Shanahan is also hiring former Los Angeles Chargers coach Brandon Staley to help the defensive staff and presumably take on the title of Assistant Head Coach, which Anthony Lynn held (also after his stint as Chargers’ coach; Lynn left last month to become the Commanders’ running backs coach).
Sorensen, 45, like predecessors Robert Saleh (2017-20) and DeMeco Ryans (2021-22) had a working relationship with Shanahan lessening the likelihood he wouldn’t carry out the wishes of the head coach. Saleh worked with Shanahan on the staff of the Houston Texans from 2006-07 and Ryans joined the 49ers’ staff as a defensive assistant in 2017 before moving on to linebackers and then defensive coordinator.
Both coaches left for head coaching jobs, Saleh to the New York Jets in 2021 and Ryans to the Houston Texans in 2023.
Wilks, who had never worked with Shanahan before being hired on Feb. 7, 2023, was fired three days after the 49ers lost 25-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
Wilks has been characterized as a scapegoat for the 49ers not winning a championship. It’s also clear Shanahan was never comfortable with his choice of schemes during the 49ers’ 12-5 season in which they were susceptible to the run late in the season and had poor first-half performances in playoff wins over Green Bay and Detroit en route to the NFC Championship.
Included in the regular season was a zero blitz call that resulted in a Minnesota touchdown that Shanahan publicly criticized in the aftermath. Wilks, who coached from the coaches’ booth, was summoned to the sideline during the 49ers sideline after the bye week and coached there for the rest of the season. In the Super Bowl, Shanahan abruptly called a timeout in overtime because he wasn’t comfortable with one of Wilks’ defensive calls.
Despite finishing third in points allowed, the 49ers never seemed to find a defensive personality, vacillating from an aggressive blitzing team with elements of man-to-man to one that relies on front-four pressure and top-down zone defense in the secondary.
Before joining the 49ers, Sorensen was special teams coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also worked on Pete Carroll’s staff with the Seattle Seahawks from 2013 through 2020 as an assistant special teams coach, an assistant defensive backs coach and secondary coach.
The Chargers fired Staley on Dec. 15, the day after they lost 63-21 to the Las Vegas Raiders in a game they trailed 42-0 at halftime.
Presumably, Staley’s firing after going 24-24 as a head coach with the Chargers had nothing to do with his defensive acumen. He was a defensive coordinator for just one season in 2020 with the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay before getting the Chargers’ job.
Although Staley has run a 3-4 defense, he’ll run the defense to Shanahan’s specification with the requirement of getting the most out of edge rusher Nick Bosa, who prefers to operate primarily in a 4-3. Any formulation of defensive scheme will include the council of Kris Kocurek, the 49ers’ defensive line coach who has said on previous occasions he would prefer to work with players “with their hand in the ground” along the point of attack.
Staley learned as an NFL defensive coach under Vic Fangio, the former 49ers’ defensive coordinator under Jim Harbaugh and some Shanahan respects for advice and counsel.
McVay and Shanahan, having come up together under Kyle’s father Mike Shanahan in Washington, are like-minded in terms of scheme on both sides of the ball. Under Staley, the 2020 Rams were 10-6, finished second in the NFC West and led the NFL in scoring defense, giving up 18.5 points per game.
Also interviewed the past week were a trio of defensive backs coaches: Daniel Bullocks (49ers), Dave Merritt (Chiefs), and Gerald Alexander (Raiders).
PHOTO: Denny Medley/Imagn Images
