The San Francisco 49ers took advantage of a fourth-quarter George Kittle touchdown run to beat the Denver Broncos 24-14 on Sunday night, overtaking 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 came up for San Francisco in the fourth quarter.
Nonetheless, they pulled off a big win and now lead at Lumen Field for their third divisional game of the season. Before that, let’s look back at the Broncos game and discuss some observations.
1. Brock Purdy looks like an MVP candidate
For the first time in his NFL career, Brock Purdy received plenty of national praise this season, as he jumped into the MVP mix as a legitimate contender.
So far, Purdy has totaled 1,007 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception, while his QBR of 89.7 ranks first in the NFL. One thing I’ve noticed that used to be a problem for Purdy is that he doesn’t make as many clean pockets anymore. He has more confidence in his offensive line, which gives him more time to process reads and track his progress.
Purdy also looks ready. He doesn’t seem angry, and that’s what makes him look like an NFL quarterback. I know development isn’t a big word in the NFL anymore, but I definitely think we saw Purdy continue to grow as a quarterback in a big way in year five.
2. Raheem Morris is a special coordinator
Man, Raheem Morris called a hell of a game. The 49ers came into this one seriously injured along the defensive line. They were facing what many assumed was an elite offensive line, and yet San Francisco was regularly winning the line of scrimmage in the running game.
Morris’ ability to create pressure situations on Bo Nix on Sunday was tremendous. Corners are played aggressively under him, and that happened again on Sunday. The linebackers move freely. There is a clear defensive alignment on the field with what Morris wants to do.
I was impressed with how Morris kept some factors similar to San Francisco, but also proved why he is an elite defensive coordinator with his own sprinkles.
As much as Brock Purdy had faith in his offensive line, it’s clear that didn’t extend to his receivers. And rightly so, given their struggles on Sunday.
Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins combined for 46 snaps, many of which came from the outside. They were both completely non-factors, and we saw several times that Purdy was a little more hesitant than usual to tear it up, instead of checking it out.
Brandin Cooks also had a series of tough plays and looked like someone who was still grasping the playbook. Mike Evans is clearly lingering and the 49ers are out of steam at receiver. This seems to be the only thing that could slow down this attack.
5. Kyle Shanahan calls another good finish to the game
I continue to like Kyle Shanahan’s aggression to end games, as the 49ers didn’t capitulate after the Broncos cut it to three on Sunday.
I thought Shanahan definitely could have been more aggressive with the passing game in the first half, but with the Heat and his play at receiver, it made sense that the game played out the way it did early for the 49ers.
But the 49ers found their way to explosiveness, both through Purdy’s action and Shanahan’s aggressive attitude to cap off the game. He’s had another great start to the season as a point guard.
Gn sports
