INGLEWOOD, Calif. — A Missed Opportunity for the 49ers
Kyle Shanahan likely sensed the looming potential of disappointment. Perhaps that’s why he was so determined to crush the Los Angeles Rams’ spirit. Throughout much of his time in the Bay Area, the San Francisco 49ers have consistently dominated his friend Sean McVay’s team. SoFi Stadium, on Sunday, once again transformed into a sea of red, showcasing the 49ers’ loyal fan base. The Rams were winless and had just come off a humiliating defeat. Shanahan recognized their vulnerability and understood that his team needed to extinguish any flicker of hope.
Shanahan’s instincts were accurate. The 49ers jumped to a 14-point lead in the first quarter, poised to deliver a decisive blow to the Rams. Coming off a tough loss in Minnesota, and grappling with a lengthy list of injuries, the 49ers could have greatly benefited from a blowout victory they were on the verge of achieving. However, they failed to deliver the final blow. Mistakes were made, plays were missed, and the Rams were kept in the game longer than they should have been. As the fourth quarter began, the 49ers found themselves leading 24-14.
Last week’s loss to Minnesota was somewhat understandable; the 49ers have historically struggled on the road against the Vikings, who now boast a 3-0 record. But Sunday’s performance in Los Angeles was disheartening.
The 49ers squandered this game due to their uncharacteristic shortcomings across the board: a leaky defense, an offense that faltered in clutch moments, unreliable special teams, and a coaching staff that struggled to stem the tide of momentum from the Rams. “I thought we had every chance to win that game,” Shanahan remarked. “We had multiple opportunities to really take control, especially early on when we had that 14-point lead.”
This loss has been brewing for some time. The 49ers have, over the past several months, been digging themselves into this hole. Losses like this stem from a collective failure, reflective of a team still searching for its rhythm. Now three games into the season, the 49ers appear to shine in bursts but are yet to find a sustained stretch of consistency. Even during their strong showing against the New York Jets in Week 1, they didn’t seem to be in sync, which is a common occurrence early in the season.
The success of the 49ers is traditionally rooted in their ability to operate in harmony. Defensive coverage feeds off the pass rush, linebackers wreak havoc in the middle, and the offense thrives on timing routes, balancing delicate choreography with a powerful run game. Despite their star-studded roster, the 49ers’ dominance is largely a product of their interconnected rhythm—a metronome of violence and grace, precision and explosion. However, at this moment, the 49ers are far from clicking on all cylinders.
“I think this loss comes from being too complacent,” stated cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. “We should’ve put them away. This is all about finishing.” The current disarray is a natural consequence of the last eight months—an agonizing Super Bowl loss, an offseason marked by contentious contract holdouts, significant changes in key positions, and injuries to pivotal players.
Indeed, from a broader perspective, this outcome was somewhat anticipated.
One of the most significant lessons learned during Shanahan’s tenure is this: when the intricate machine of 49ers football is disrupted, they risk becoming an average team, vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of the NFL’s parity. Unlike certain teams, such as Kansas City, whose success is built on a few strengths that can compensate for weaknesses, the 49ers rely on a more holistic approach. They wear down opponents through depth and a multitude of exceptional players strategically spread across the roster.
This formula has proven reliable, only matched by the talents of Patrick Mahomes. That’s why the 49ers still feel optimistic about finding the rhythm that defines their excellence.
If Sunday’s disappointing loss serves as a wake-up call for the 49ers, it could ultimately be a valuable lesson. “We have to feel this loss, for sure,” said Nick Bosa. “We can’t just brush it off as if it’s fine. We need to acknowledge it and begin stacking wins week by week. It’s definitely a rough start, but there’s a significant amount of football left to be played. We’ve encountered tough stretches before, and we just need to stay united. We have the talent to do it.”
Brock Purdy attempted to rally the 49ers to victory, showcasing his determination. The ongoing critique of Purdy revolves around the depth of the 49ers’ roster; skeptics argue that he benefits more from the talent around him than he creates success on his own. However, with the offense missing its three top playmakers—Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle—Purdy was required to shoulder a larger burden in this game.
He performed admirably, completing 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards and three touchdowns. He was a dynamic presence, scrambling for first downs and extending plays with his mobility. “Even though I focus on the defense,” remarked 49ers linebacker Fred Warner, “I still find myself on the sidelines watching the offense, and seeing him fight for every single yard out there, delivering the performance he did. That’s exactly why he’s the guy leading us at that position.”
Jauan Jennings emerged as Purdy’s favorite target, turning in a performance reminiscent of Randy Moss. Jennings caught 11 of his 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns, marking a career-best performance for a player who typically occupies the No. 3 receiver role. “He’s a beast,” Purdy said. “I absolutely love that guy.”
However, the offense faltered whenever it had a chance to secure the victory against the Rams. Six of Purdy’s eight incompletions resulted from drops, robbing him of an even more impressive day. The 49ers managed only three points in the fourth quarter after establishing an early 14-point lead. Meanwhile, the defense, with a two-touchdown advantage, was sliced apart for seven plays of 15 yards or more, including a crucial pass interference penalty in the final moments that set up the Rams’ game-winning field goal. The number of ball carriers finding space illustrated how disoriented the 49ers had become.
Special teams also contributed to the woes, with the coverage unit allowing a 38-yard punt return that initiated the Rams’ game-winning drive. Jake Moody missed a 55-yard field goal with less than three minutes remaining that could have sealed the game for the 49ers. Shanahan believes the game’s momentum shifted dramatically due to a second-quarter Rams fake punt that succeeded despite the 49ers’ anticipation of it. “That fake punt,” Shanahan said, “was a turning point in the game. We gave them hope to claw their way back in.”
The 49ers started the season 1-2 just two years ago. In 2022, they began with two road losses followed by a home victory. They found themselves at 3-4 seven games in, which was concerning enough that they traded for McCaffrey. The 49ers then went on to win 12 consecutive games. By the time they reached the NFC Championship Game, they were the best team in the conference, but an injury to Purdy in Philadelphia derailed their Super Bowl aspirations.
This experience became the catalyst for their subsequent Super Bowl run. They were eager to return, starting the season 5-0. Despite a three-game losing streak marked by injuries, they still made it to the Super Bowl.
If history suggests that the third time is the charm, it follows that they must conquer this lull. As they embark on their third journey toward the Super Bowl, the challenge lies in regrouping quickly enough to rediscover their rhythm. “Obviously, it’s early in the season,” Purdy said. “But every game matters. We’ll take it one day at a time, remain calm, but also focus on the areas where we need improvement, and actually get better.”
They failed to extinguish the Rams’ hope. The real test now is to unite and rectify their issues swiftly to avoid losing their own hope.
(Photo of Rams coach Sean McVay and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan: Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
