In what many pundits and fans had called a preview of Super Bowl XVIII, the San Francisco 49ers played the worst game of their 2024 season, as the Baltimore Ravens forced their will with a 33-19 thumping while breaking the 49ers six game winning streak. This was a litmus test for the 49ers and QB Brock Purdy, and they both failed in almost aspects of the game.
In the first half of the game, 49ers leading MVP (Most Valuable Player) candidate quarterback Purdy threw three interceptions, though in fairness, two of his passes were tipped and landed in a Ravens player hands. After a safety (two points) and a field goal, Purdy was able to lead the 49ers on a touchdown drive, with running back and MVP candidate Christian McCaffery bull-dozing into the end zone. The Ravens added a field goal at the end of the half to make the score 16-12 at halftime.
Christian McCaffery vs Ravens. 12-25-2023. Photo Credit: 49ers.com/Austin Ginn
The start of the second half was a disaster for the 49ers, as Purdy threw an awful interception, and the Ravens capitalized, this after Baltimore had marched down the field on their first possession, meaning the Ravens scored two touchdowns in 18 seconds to make the score 30-12 early in the third-quarter quarter. Baltimore added a field go to make it 33-12; that is seven straight possessions Ravens had the ball and scored.
The fourth-quarter saw several 49er players leave due to injuries, including Purdy, but back up Sam Darnold came in and lead a TD drive to make it 33-19. The 49ers had one more scoring drive in them, but that ended the game with another interception.
Sam Darnold vs Ravens. Dec 25th, 2023. Photo Credit: 49ers.com/Kym Fortino
Baltimore Ravens quarterback and also a MVP candidate, Lamar Jackson, had his way, throwing for 23-35 for two touchdowns and 252 yards, while running for 45 yards. The Ravens defense was relentless, sacking the 49ers quarterbacks six times, combined with four sacks, with a pass rush that kept constant pressure on Purdy and Darnold. Missed tackles and ten penalties also did not help the 49ers cause. Probably the only bright spot was McCaffery rushing for over 100 yards, continuing his streak. 49ers need to shake this off, and prepare for the Commanders in Washington next Sunday, the 49ers are still in the drivers seat for the #1 seed and the bye week for the top playoff spot.
Comments