San Francisco 49ers wide receiver (1) breaks through a tackle attempted by the Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler (92) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sun Dec 22, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

With not much left to play for other than pride, the San Francisco 49ers (6-9) took on the Miami Dolphins (7-8) on the road. The game was riddled with mistakes between two teams that had next to no chance for a wild card.

The Dolphins came out on top winning this game 29-17. Miami is still alive but barely breathing and the 49ers are finished for the season. San Francisco struggled throughout the game and capped it off with a Jake Moody, chip shot that missed, field goal in the third quarter. This was just how it went for the Niners in the 2024 season.

Game recap: The first quarter was a defensive battle throughout. The Dolphins finally got up on the scoreboard in the latter minutes of the opening quarter taking a 3-0 lead. Miami’s Jason Sanders kicked a 44 yard field goal to give the Dolphins the lead going into the second quarter. Neither team was able to generate much offense in the first quarter.

Both teams got some much improved offensive effort in the second quarter. Both teams scored a touchdown coupled with a field goal. San Francisco had the first touchdown of the game at 14:14. Quarterback Brock Purdy found Deebo Samuel for 16 yards, not only scoring the touchdown but taking the lead away from Miami 7-3.

The Dolphins Jason Sanders kicked a 38 yard field goal getting within one point 6-7. As the clock began to wind down on the half, Miami scored a Tua Tagovailoa to Tyreek Hill touchdown and the Dolphins were back in front 13-7. San Francisco’s Jake Moody kicked a 21 yard field goal with 1:36 left on the clock trailing at the half 13-10.

The third quarter show-cased two teams that had next to nothing to play for but pride. San Francisco did not score in the entire third quarter. The Dolphins were able to muster a couple of field goals taking a 19-10 lead. Miami’s Sanders kicked a 54 yard field goal at 10:57 and a second one at 1:08 for 33 yards to close out the quarter.

San Francisco put together a nice drive to open the fourth quarter. Brock Purdy found De’Von Achane for a couple of yards pulling to within two points 17-19. Miami took over for the reminder of the quarter scoring a 48 yard field goal followed by a spectacular De’Von Achane 50 yard rush for the game’s final touchdown at 1:36. The final was 29-17 in favor of the Dolphins. Miami’s kicker was perfect all day with five successful field goals.

Brock Purdy finished the game with two touchdowns and 313 passing yards. The Dolphins stuffed their rushing game only allowing 81 total yards. George Kittle had the high in receptions with 106 yards and eight catches.

Game notes: Going into week 16 of the 2024 NFL season the 49ers’ (6-9) chances for a wild card had sunk to a 1% chance and that is with a lot of help. Sunday they played another team with close to their record the Miami Dolphins (7-8) also struggling this season.

Both teams have struggled with injury throughout the season which can certainly make or break a successful run. Playing in Miami, the Dolphins were favored and won this game. The Dolphins still have an outside chance at a playoff berth but their chances are pretty slim albeit not as dismal as San Francisco’s next to none chances.

It has just been a horrible season for the San Francisco 49ers, a team that is crowded with undeniable talent but what could go wrong for a team did indeed go wrong for San Francisco this year. It has been disappointment after disappointment; they just couldn’t catch a break. With just two games left in the season they will took the field and played ball trying to continue to proudly uphold the franchise they represent with dignity and pride but it was just too much Miami Sunday for the loss.

Neither team has had a great season this year and this game was pretty even. Miami amassed 381 yards to 374 for San Francisco. The Dolphins came away without a single turnover and San Francisco gave up an interception.

Miami had 22 first downs and San Francisco had 20. This game was played on pretty even terms and San Francisco came up short. What the future holds for San Francisco from the players all the way up to the coaching staff remains to be seen as they go into the off season. There will no doubt be a lot of changes down the pike for the San Francisco 49ers.

49ers host the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football Dec 30th at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara for a 5:15PM PST.