The San Francisco 49ers are in a familiar October funk, with fans hoping for a repeat of last year’s late-season magic. A year ago, the 49ers turned a rocky start into a Super Bowl run, taking advantage of a mid-season bye to regroup and hit a six-game winning streak that carried them to the NFC’s No. 1 seed.
Now, with another Week 9 bye on the horizon and a tough matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, the Faithful are hoping for a similar bounce-back. But unlike last season, the 49ers’ struggles seem deeper and more complex.
Here’s what’s really going on with Kyle Shanahan’s team, and why their Super Bowl hopes might require more than just a quick fix.
Injuries: A Season-Long Battle with the IR List
Every team deals with injuries, but the 49ers are facing a particularly brutal stretch. Star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk tore both his ACL and MCL last weekend, ending his season early and adding to a growing list of injured key players. He’s the 10th 49er to land on IR this season, joining defensive pillars like Javon Hargrave and Talanoa Hufanga. And they’re not alone – Christian McCaffrey, who led the NFL in rushing and touchdowns last season, is still recovering from an Achilles injury and is at least a few weeks away from his 2024 debut.
The offensive line is also feeling the pressure. While Jordan Mason has stepped up admirably, ranking second in the NFL in rushing, the 49ers sorely miss McCaffrey’s versatility as a receiver. On defense, linebacker Dre Greenlaw’s absence has left a gap in the middle, and he’s still on the mend after rupturing his Achilles during last season’s Super Bowl. Even the kicking game isn’t safe; Jake Moody remains sidelined with a high ankle sprain, and the 49ers have cycled through three different kickers in recent weeks.
The injury struggles are almost a flashback to 2020, another season following a Super Bowl loss when the team led the NFL with 18 players on IR. While all teams battle attrition, the 49ers have been hit particularly hard, forcing Shanahan to adjust game plans and lineups weekly.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Also Read: San Francisco 49ers Announce Major Update On Deebo Samuel’s Condition
Brock Purdy: Growing Pains Under Pressure
After a stellar rookie year, quarterback Brock Purdy’s second season has been shaky. Last year, he led the league in passer rating (113.0), boasting an impressive TD-to-INT ratio of 31-to-11. This season, however, his numbers are down. Purdy now ranks 16th in passer rating (91.2) and has struggled to replicate last year’s deep-threat success.
Some of Purdy’s struggles are due to the team’s revolving door of injuries on offense. Without McCaffrey and receivers like Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel, Purdy has had to adjust to backups stepping into critical roles. But the pressure is mounting. In last Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, Purdy threw three interceptions, a reminder that he’s still learning to handle the heightened expectations that come with a second-year spotlight. Though the drop-off isn’t all on Purdy, the 49ers need consistent play under center to stay competitive in the increasingly tough NFC West.
Also Read: Why San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy Is Nicknamed Mr. Irrelevant?
San Francisco 49ers Defense
For years, the 49ers’ defense has been a force, known for stifling opponents and setting up the offense with favorable field position. In 2023, they ranked third in scoring defense, allowing just 17.5 points per game. This season, however, injuries and lapses in performance have left them in the middle of the pack, giving up 22.6 points per game (16th in the league).
The once-dominant run defense has shown clear signs of vulnerability, surrendering an average of 112.9 rushing yards per game compared to last year’s 89.7. While the team hopes Hargrave and Greenlaw can return and stabilize the unit, the defense has yet to find its rhythm. Inconsistencies on this side of the ball have left the offense with extra pressure, especially as the special teams unit struggles with kicker instability. For a team that relied heavily on its defense to carry them through tough stretches, the 49ers are finding it challenging to maintain that level of dominance.
A Looming Showdown with the Cowboys
Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys offers the 49ers a golden opportunity to get back on track. The Cowboys, who sit at a similar 3-3 record, have their own struggles, including one of the NFL’s worst run defenses. San Francisco has beaten Dallas three times in a row, including twice in the playoffs over the past three seasons. In those games, the 49ers kept the Cowboys under 100 yards rushing while averaging 150 rushing yards per game themselves. With Dak Prescott throwing six interceptions in those contests, the 49ers seemingly have the matchup stacked in their favor.
But this season’s 49ers aren’t quite the same as last year’s. The Super Bowl hangover is real, and they’ll need to find a new identity to break out of their October slump. The Week 9 bye offers a chance for rest and recovery, but San Francisco will have to dig deep if they’re going to make a serious run in the postseason.
Also Read: Who Is Ricky Pearsall And How Can The San Francisco 49ers’ Rookie WR Boost Their Offense?
