Struggling in Silence: 49ers Battle Internal Turmoil Amidst Public Criticism

Struggling in Silence: 49ers Battle Internal Turmoil Amidst Public Criticism

 

SANTA CLARA – The San Francisco 49ers had a lot to say after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s NFC Championship Game, playing much of the game without an active quarterback.

They are much calmer heading into Sunday’s long-awaited rematch in Philadelphia, confirming that the bitterness of not having a real chance last January has subsided and the focus has been on fully winning this year’s game.“People try to blow it up because of its weight.

“It’s the biggest one, though, because it’s next,” defenseman Fred Warner said Wednesday. “This game has many consequences. But does it help you focus on those things in this game? Not at all. You have to focus on playing smart, smart football and performing at a high level to go into someone’s house that is a 10-1 football team and one of the best teams in the league and win.Remembering Last Season’s GameThe Niners entered last season’s NFC Championship Game with a 13-game winning streak and high hopes of returning to the Super Bowl.

 

But that chance was quickly snuffed out on San Francisco’s first drive of the game when Haason Reddick hit quarterback Brock Purdy so hard that Purdy tore a ligament in his pitching elbow. Backup Josh Johnson stepped in but was seen with a concussion early in the third quarter before leaving.

That forced the Niners to play Purdy at quarterback for most of the second half and couldn’t throw the ball more than a few yards.The Eagles won the game easily, defeating San Francisco 31-7 and advancing to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs..