Niners on a Mission: Rebound Against Commanders after Tough Loss
Have the Baltimore Ravens unveiled a plan to deal Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers’ high-powered offense? That’s the question for San Francisco (11-4) as it prepares to play Sunday in Landover, Md. The 49ers have two games to go, including the regular season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.
Victories in both games would give San Francisco first place in the NFC and a spot in the divisional round of the finals. The Niners can also clinch first place with a win on Sunday, with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Detroit Lions on Saturday and the Arizona Cardinals defeating the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
The 49ers are coming off a shocking and humiliating loss at home (33-19 to the Ravens on Monday night) that could make even a confident team question their eligibility for the postseason. Baltimore collected four sacks and five interceptions, using a strong pass rush and daring to throw passes to Purdy and backup Sam Darnold. San Francisco also gained 102 yards in penalties, the second most in a game this season.
It was just a loss,andquot; 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. andquot;You play a good team and you have five innings and all those penalties, it’s hard to win.andquot; The San Francisco Brain Foundation has a short week to develop a countermeasure before traveling east to play Washington, which has lost its last six games, matching its longest losing streak since 2014.
Injuries to the offensive line of the 49ers will complicate the preparation. Among those injured Monday were All-Pro shortstop Trent Williams (groin), backup Jaylon Moore (concussion) and guard Aaron Banks (territory). On Wednesday, Moore and Banks were held out of practice while Williams was a limited participant. Few compare the Ravens to the Commander defense, which has given up more points (30.2) and yards (384.3) per game than any team in the NFL. On the offensive side of the ball, Washington coach Ron Rivera made a quarterback change, replacing Sam Howell with veteran Jacoby Brissett.
It’s a good opportunity to give Sam a break,andquot; Rivera said. andquot;It is about the continuous development of Samand. Things have not gone as well as in recent weeks. The battles of Howelland increased Commandersand#039; losing streak His 1.7 passer rating in Sunday’s 30-28 loss at the New York Jets was the worst of his career. andquot;I know my worth,andquot; Howell said.
I know what type of player I can be. It doesn’t make me forget all the things I feel I did well this year.andquot; Brissett has been in sharp relief the past two weeks, completing 18 of 23 passes for 224 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
Halfway through the third quarter Sunday against the Jets, Brissett threw three straight touchdowns to cut into a 20-point deficit for the Commanders before New York stepped up on Greg Zuerlein’s game-winning 54-yard field goal. Command starters who did not practice Wednesday due to injury were cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (concussion), left tackle Charles Leno (calf) and tight end Tyler Larsen (knee). Running back Chris Rodriguez (ankle), who scored two touchdowns against the Jets, also missed practice, while starting cornerback Brian Robinson (hamstring) was limited.
In addition to the injured offensive linemen, 49ers starters defensive end Arik Armstead (knee, leg), wide receiver Jajuan Jennings (concussion) and safety Jiand#039;Ayir Brown (knee) missed practice Wednesday. Wide receiver Debo Samuel (neck) was a limited participant. Purdy was a full participant when he left Monday’s loss with a sprain in his non-throwing shoulder.