The end of the 49ers’ playoff run marks the conclusion of another season of 49ers overreactions.
San Francisco’s 31-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game doesn’t require much analysis.
After all, the 49ers played five snaps with a healthy Brock Purdy at quarterback, and the offense grabbed two first downs.
In the sixth game, Purdy suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. And that was the game. As simple as that.
But other things aren’t so simple, as we explore in this installment of 49ers Overreactions:
Purdy’s injury opens the door for Jimmy G to return next season. (FB: Walt Drouin)
overreaction? Yes.
As great as Jimmy Garoppolo was for the 49ers franchise — and yes, we used the word great — it’s time for him to move on.
The veteran stayed with the 49ers in 2022 to serve as Trey Lance’s backup after accepting a large pay cut.
Garoppolo was a pro. And he played his best football after taking over when Lance was injured. But when Garoppolo left with a broken foot, the 49ers’ offense didn’t fall off.
In fact, it got better.
And the second half of the season seemed to prove Purdy is the real deal. The initial belief is that Purdy will be ready for training camp.
So if that’s the case, where would Garoppolo sit on the depth chart? Starter? fuse? third string?
Garoppolo is likely to switch to a team in free agency that can offer him a lot more security.
He appears to be a starter elsewhere in the NFL. And of course he will sign a contract that reflects this status.
Tom Brady to the rescue. (FB: Andreas Schmitz)
overreaction? Yes.
2022 was a little different for Tom Brady.
He didn’t look like the same guy. There was a lot going on in his personal life, but we’re not going to speculate as to why he looked and acted the way he did.
Brady will be 46 in August. He says he doesn’t know if he’ll continue playing.
When a player or coach isn’t sure they want to continue, it usually means they’re halfway out the door.
Only five teams have had fewer touchdowns than the Buccaneers this season. So it’s not exactly like he’s worked wonders for Tampa Bay.
Brady’s dink-and-dunk style would certainly suit the 49ers. But San Francisco would sacrifice the mobility and agility they valued in Purdy and Lance.
As the 49ers prepared for Dallas in the playoffs, they watched the film about the Cowboys’ first-round matchup against the Bucs.
No one at the 49ers craved the Tampa Bay quarterback they saw in the movie instead of the rookie they already had in that position.
In the trenches must be built. Eagles bullied the Niners on both sides of the ball. I have no idea what’s going to happen at quarterback. (FB: Rick Hogan)
overreaction? no
The 49ers have placed an emphasis on their offensive and defensive lines over the years. Losing to the Eagles showed they still have more work to do.
As good as the 49ers’ defensive line has been this season, it doesn’t even come close to matching what the Eagles have built.
Philadelphia had four players with 11 or more sacks. They led the NFL with 70 sacks. The 49ers, meanwhile, had Nick Bosa bringing down the passer and nobody else.
They need to get more out of second-round draft pick Drake Jackson. He showed some good signs early in the season. Then he dropped so much that he didn’t even appear for five of the last six games, including all three in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have picked five offensive linemen in the last three drafts.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey is likely to continue and Colton McKivitz is the clear favorite to take his place. Expect the 49ers to call up more linemen this year — both offensively and defensively.
The organization should be in good shape as the offensive line gains more experience and continues to work together.
The defense won’t be the same if Ryans leaves. (FB: Sean Wilson)
overreaction? no
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans was the most popular assistant coach in recent 49ers history.
Nick Bosa explained: “I think he’s really figured out how to push us perfectly, but not too hard.”
So yeah, the defense won’t be the same. It will be different. Could it be better? Doubtful. After all, the 49ers’ defense in yards and points allowed was the best in the NFL.
It’s uncertain who 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will target for his defense. Anyone who slips into this role will have a hard time.
Nothing to overreact trying to win with a 4th string QB and an injured 3rd string QB. You just have to accept the loss (FB: Ron Knee)
overreaction? no
We can talk about many things, such as
– The blown acting reputation of the Eagles’ fourth finish on the first drive of the game.
– The lack of a good replay, the Eagles’ rush and Shanahan’s decision not to fly the challenge flag.
– The game call where Purdy was injured. It was a play-action pass with a designed deep shot for Brandon Aiyuk.
But really, with Haason Reddick in a wide lineup and a defender over Mike McGlinchey who should block Reddick? Tight end Tyler Kroft was active against Ross Dwelley because of his block.
– The decision to try and score points late in the first half, which resulted in Josh Johnson fumbling with a perfect shotgun snap.
Yes, we could discuss all of these things. But once Purdy was injured, that game was over.
Fact.
That’s why Purdy’s injury was really the only heartbreaking thing about the game for the 49ers.
That was a result evident in the first quarter with seven minutes left when Purdy was injured.
Life as we know it will never be the same again. (FB: Zach Smith)
overreaction? no
The 49ers have 23 players earmarked for unrestricted free hands.
Most of the core of the team will be back – players like stars like Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner etc.
But there will be significant turnover on that team, probably somewhere in the 30 to 40 percent range. That means life in the dressing room changes.
New relationships need to be built and chemistry is tested.
RELATED: Maiocco: Purdy’s injury opens 49ers’ QB door for Lance and others
And the next time the 49ers get together, they’ll have zero wins and zero losses.
The team will work months and months and months to get another shot at the ultimate prize.
After coming so close to a team they believed had what it takes to win, they need to start on the ground floor when the regular season begins in September.
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