49ers Stumble Against Ravens: Turnovers and Offensive Challenges

49ers Stumble Against Ravens: Turnovers and Offensive Challenges

The San Francisco 49ers fell to 11-4 with a 33-19 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens in a game where they struggled against a main contender on both sides of the ball. On offense, the 49ers committed five turnovers, four of which were committed by quarterback Brock Purdy.

Defensively, San Francisco looked lost in the second half as the Ravens could do whatever they wanted in a 14-point victory. Here are three quick takeaways from the 49ers’ 33-19 loss to the Ravens on Monday. Coming into the game, turnover margin was a big factor because of how well both sides played on the offensive end.

The Ravens dominated the turnover margin on Monday, securing five interceptions and giving up zero. Baltimore was able to pick off Brock Purdy four separate times, two of which came in Ravens territory. With the game over and the 49ers pressing the red zone with two minutes left, Baltimore picked off quarterback Sam Darnold to seal the game. Since the game, Baltimore has moved to first in the NFL in turnover margin, while the 49ers have dropped to fourth. San Francisco was at the top in turnover margin this season, but the Ravens and their stingy defense got away with it. Those turnovers cost them the game.

Turnovers

Coming into the game, turnover margin was a big factor because of how well both sides played on the offensive end. The Ravens dominated the turnover margin on Monday, securing five interceptions and giving up zero.

Baltimore was able to pick off Brock Purdy four separate times, two of which came in Ravens territory. With the game over and the 49ers pressing the red zone with two minutes left, Baltimore picked off quarterback Sam Darnold to seal the game.

Since the game, Baltimore has moved to first in the NFL in turnover margin, while the 49ers have dropped to fourth. San Francisco was at the top in turnover margin this season, but the Ravens and their stingy defense got away with it. Those turnovers cost them the game.

Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy struggled on Monday. There is no other way to put it. After an ugly first interception on rising safety Kyle Hamilton, Purdy could never settle as the quarterback looked shaky in the pocket behind a collapsing offensive line and eventually finished with four interceptions.

Purdy has some questions as he smiles afterward, as the second-year quarterback likely saw his MVP probability right in front of him. Is Purdy ready? Not at all. But the 49ers now need two wins to take first place for sure, and the quest for that job starts with Purdy.

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, Purdy left the game in the fourth quarter with a concussion and did not return despite being medically evaluated. It looked like Purdy might go, but Shanahan discouraged the idea due to injuries to the tight end and offensive line.

Run/Pass disparity

After the game, many fans blamed head coach Kyle Shanahan’s play calling for the loss, specifically pointing out San Francisco’s 44 passes compared to their 16 sacks. Despite the tough starting script, the 49ers were still pretty consistent in the first half, rushing 12 times and rushing 16 times.

Diving deeper into the numbers, the 49ers got into Ravens territory on each of their first three drives, executing a difficult script, though a field goal and two interceptions derailed their plan. After those three drives, the 49ers finished the half with five passes and four rushes rushing for three first downs. As the half ended, the 49ers ran for a first down again, but were stuffed, leading to a long second and 9.

San Francisco was never able to dig itself out of that hole as the Ravens scored a touchdown on the next possession before Purdy’s second interception of the game made it 30-12. That second half lasted about three minutes, but the Ravens outscored the 49ers 14-0 and completely took over the game.

From there, down three points, the 49ers were forced to throw at a much higher tempo to keep pace. If there’s one stretch that cost the 49ers the game, it would be their response in the second half. San Francisco had a chance to take the lead and ultimately couldn’t put it all together. Next week, they will try to right the ship against the Washington Commanders, who have struggled mightily this season.