The end of the 49ers’ playoff run provides a conclusion to another season of 49ers Overreactions.
San Francisco 31-7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles In the NFC championship game does not require a lot of analysis.
After all, the 49ers played five snaps with Slim Brock Purdy at quarterback, and the offense saw two first downs.
In the sixth play, Purdy He had a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow. And that was the game. It’s that easy.
But other things aren’t quite so simple, as we explore in this installment of 49ers Overreactions:
Birdie’s injury opens the door for Jimmy G to return next season. (phb: Walt Darwin)
Overreaction? yes.
As great as Jimmy Garoppolo has been to the 49ers franchise – and yes, we used the word “great” – it’s time for him to move on.
The veteran has remained with the 49ers in 2022 to serve as a backup to Trey Lance after accepting a significant pay cut.
Garoppolo was a professional. And he played some of his best football after taking over when Lance was injured. But when Garoppolo was knocked out with a broken foot, the 49ers’ offense wasn’t down.
In fact, it has gotten even better.
And the second half of the season seemed to prove that Purdy was the real deal. The initial belief is that Purdy will be ready for boot camp.
So, if that’s the case, where does Garoppolo stand on the depth chart? Start? Support? Third series?
Garoppolo will probably go to a team in free agency that can give him a lot of certainty.
He was a starter elsewhere in the NFL. And of course he will sign a contract that reflects this situation.
Tom Brady to the rescue. (phb: Andrew Schmitz)
Overreaction? yes.
There was just something different about Tom Brady in 2022.
He didn’t look like the same guy. He had a lot of things going on in his personal life, but we wouldn’t guess why he looked and played the way he did.
Brady turns 46 years old in August. He says he doesn’t know if he will continue playing.
Usually, when a player or coach isn’t sure if they want to continue, it means they’re already halfway there.
Only five teams have scored fewer touchdowns than the Buccaneers this season. So it’s not quite like he worked wonders in Tampa Bay.
The Brady-dink-and-dunk style definitely suits the 49ers. But San Francisco will sacrifice the movement and agility that they valued from Purdy and Lance.
When the 49ers were preparing for the Dallas playoff game, they watched the film of the Cowboys’ first-round game against the Buckeyes.
No one with the 49ers yearned for the Tampa Bay quarterback they saw on film on the rookie they already had at the position.
You need to build in the trenches. Eagles intimidate the Niners on both sides of the ball. I have no idea what will happen in the middle. (phb: Rick Hogan)
Overreaction? number.
The 49ers have focused on their offensive and defensive lines over the years. The loss to the Eagles proved they still have more work to do.
Although the 49ers defensive line has been good this season, it doesn’t even come close to what the Eagles have built.
Four Philadelphia players have had 11 or more sacks. They led the NFL with 70 sacks. Meanwhile, Nick Bossa was running away with bitterness and no one else.
They need to get more second round draft pick Drake Jackson. Show some good signs early in the season. After that, he fell so low that he didn’t even fit in five of the last six games, including three in the postseason.
Meanwhile, the 49ers have selected five offensive linemen over the past three drafts.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey would likely move, leaving Colton McEvitz as the odds-on favorite to take his place. The 49ers are expected to recruit more linemen this year – both offensively and defensively.
The organization should be in shape as the offensive line gains more experience and continues to work together.
The defense wouldn’t be the same if Ryans left. (phb: Sean Wilson)
Overreaction? number.
Defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans was the most famous assistant coach in the modern history of the 49ers.
Nick Bossa explained it: “I think he really figured out how to push us perfectly but not push us too hard.”
So yeah, defense will never be the same. It will be different. Could it be better? Doubtful. After all, the 49ers defense ranks as the best in the NFL in yards and points allowed.
It is uncertain who 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan will target to run his defense. Whatever step in this role it will be difficult to follow.
Nothing to overreact when you’re trying to win a fourth-string QB and an injured third-string QB. You just have to accept the loss (FB: Rune knee)
Overreaction? number.
We can talk about a lot of things, like…
—The official blasted call for the Eagles’ fourth-down completion on the first drive of the game.
– the lack of good replays, the Eagles’ rushing approach and Shanahan’s decision not to throw the challenge pennant.
– the stage call that Purdy got injured. It was a play pass with a deep shot designed for Brandon Ayuk.
But, really, with wide receiver Hasson Reddick lined up and defensive lineman over Mike McClinchey, who was supposed to block Reddick? Tyler Kroft has been active on Ross Dwelley because of his ban.
—decision to try for points at the end of the first half, resulting in Josh Johnson fumbling a perfect shot.
Yes, we can discuss all of these things. But once Purdy was hit, that game was over.
fact.
That’s why, really, the only heartbreaking thing in this game for the 49ers is Birdie’s injury.
This was a clear score with seven minutes left in the first quarter, when Purdy was hit.
Life as we know it will never be the same. (phb: Zack Smith)
Overreaction? number.
The 49ers have 23 players scheduled in unrestricted free agency.
Most of the core team will be back – players like Christian McCaffrey, Debo Samuel, George Kittle, Trent Williams, Nick Bossa, Fred Warner, etc.
But there will be a lot of turnover for that team, maybe somewhere in the 30 to 40 percent range. This means that life is changing inside the locker room.
New relationships must be built, and chemistry will be tested.
Related: Maiocco: Purdy injury opens 49ers’ QB door for Lance and others
And when the 49ers meet next, they have no wins or losses.
The team will work for months and months and months with the goal of another shot at the ultimate prize.
After approaching a team they thought had what it takes to win it all, they must start on the ground floor when the regular season begins in September.