The 49ers' season is basically over following their loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. The defense allowed four field goals but only scored six points on offense, which was overshadowed by De'Vondre Campbell's selfish act and suspension. Thursday's loss was a microcosm of the 2024 49ers. When one unit shows up, another unit lets the team down.
How does the NFL world view the disappointing season for the 49ers going into Week 16?
ESPN.com - 49ers drop one spot to #19
Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com highlights the 49ers inability to slow down explosive passing plays as their biggest area of improvement.
"The 49ers averaged 11.2 yards per reception allowed (24th in the NFL) and yielded 18 plays of 20-plus passing yards (tied for 16th) in the first seven weeks. Since Week 8, the Niners have dropped those numbers to 9.3 yards per reception (second lowest in the league) and given up just ten pass plays of 20-plus yards (fewest in the NFL). Teams have had to work harder to finish drives with touchdowns, though the 49ers' improvement in this area has been mitigated by their struggles against the run and in the red zone."
USA Today - 49ers move down one spot to #19
Nate Davis was as disappointed as anyone with the 49ers offense on Thursday and writes: "They had 191 yards in their latest loss, their fewest in a regular-season contest since HC Kyle Shanahan was hired in 2017." Ouch.
Six points is inexcusable despite injuries or weather issues. The offense was non-existent.
CBS Sports - 49ers fall to #20
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports dropped the 49ers behind their opponent on Sunday, the Miami Dolphins. Prisco hasn't given up on the 49ers playoff chances but wasn't happy with Brock Purdy's performance on Thursday.
"Brock Purdy came up small in a big game against the Rams. They have an outside shot at the playoffs, but they can't afford another loss."
Pro Football Talk - 49ers fall three spots to #20
Mike Florio isn't a stranger to piling on the 49ers' misery but writes, "Sometimes, it's your year. Sometimes, it's just not."
Some factors for the 49ers were out of their control. The problem is that the team didn't control what was in their power to control.
Bleacher Report - 49ers fall three spots to #19
Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report worries about Brock Purdy's upcoming extension and the effects of the 49ers roster.
"The disappointment of this season is still fresh in San Francisco's minds, but the general manager needs to turn his focus to 2025. The 49ers aren't short on high-priced talent, whether it's McCaffrey, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle on offense or Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner on defense. Adding a massive deal for Purdy to the team's books isn't going to be easy -- and some tough decisions may need to be made."