Category: San Francisco 49ers

49ers lose 26-23 to the Seahawks, finish season 6-10

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon breaks up a pass intended for Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) in the second half Sun Jan 3, 2021 (Rick Scuteri / The Associated Press)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

GLENDALE, Ariz — San Francisco’s defense held the Seahawks scoreless for 27 minutes before the Seahawks woke up, scoring three touchdowns in the final period to slip by the 49ers 26-23 on Sunday afternoon at State Farm Stadium to close out the regular season.

Seattle (12-4) sweeps the regular season series from the 49ers. The Seahawks will be the three-seed in the playoffs where they will face the Los Angeles Rams on Wild Card Weekend in Seattle. This will be the third matchup between the two NFC West foes, with both teams splitting the regular season series 1-1.

Entering the fourth quarter, the 49ers held a 9-6 lead over the Seahawks. 49ers running back Jeff Wilson Jr. would extend San Francisco’s lead to 16-6 on a 7-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter.

But Seattle responded behind quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver Tyler Lockett big fourth quarter. Wilson avoided a tough 49ers pass rush, finding Lockett for a diving 6-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone capping off a 8-play, 75-yard drive cutting San Francisco’s lead to 16-12. Seattle kicker Jason Myers missed the extra point.

Following a 49ers’ punt on the ensuing drive, Wilson marched the Seahawks 85 yards on 14 plays and scored the go-ahead touchdown on fourth down on Wilson’s 4-yard toss to Lockett. Wilson completed 20-of-36 passing for 181 yards. Lockett finished with 12 catches for 90 yards.

Running back Alex Collins for an 8-yard touchdown with 1:49 left in the game to push Seattle’s lead to 26-16

San Francisco (6-10) falls to 1-7 in home games played at Levi’s Stadium and at State Farm Stadium this season. The 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention a few weeks ago and have been based in Arizona for more than a month because of coronavirus restrictions in Santa Clara county.

C.J. Beathard completed 25-of-37 passing for 273 yards and a touchdown, but his fumble late in the fourth quarter would set up Collins’ touchdown. Tristan Vizcaino, making his first career start, booted his first three NFL field goals after signing with the 49ers earlier this week.

It was Beathard’s second-straight start, who helped the 49ers beat the Arizona Cardinals last week.

After rushing for a career-high 183 yards on 22 carries last week, Wilson rushed for 76 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. With the 49ers trailing 26-16, Wilson caught a 3-yard touchdown pass from Beathard to make the score 26-23.

Wilson finishes the season with 600 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns on 126 carries, becoming the fourth different player to lead the 49ers in rushing under head coach Kyle Shanahan. He follows Carlos Hyde, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert.

When you add in his two receiving touchdowns, Wilson has scored a career-high nine touchdowns this year.

 

 

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Saleh most likely to end up as head coach in the NFL after season; A look at Seahawks-49ers match up

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San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh shares a hug with cornerback Richard Sherman (25). Saleh is vying for a head coaching job in the NFL. (file photo from USA Today)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah, a lot of things to consider in the off the season for the 49ers starting with the 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh who is being sought after by a number of NFL teams to be their head coach.

#2 If Saleh leaves the 49ers the 49ers do have a short list as to who could replace him as defensive coordinator, DeMeco Ryans (49ers linebackers coach), Gus Bradley (Chargers defensive coordinator), Vic Fangio (Broncos head coach), Dan Quinn (former Atlanta Falcons head coach), and Raheem Morris (Falcons interim head coach).

#3 Head coach Kyle Shanahan had discussed possibilities in the event starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was to get hurt during the 2021 season and how they might look for a back up for Garoppolo and the Niners would have to free up some $26.9 million in cap room to shop for a viable second string quarterback.

#4 Quarterback CJ Beathard did have a good outing in his win against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday at Glendale but for him to get some notoriety he’s going to have to out there again against the Seattle Seahawks and really is going to have to torch them on yards passing and getting the ball in the end zone and to keep that up going into camp next season.

#5 The Seahawks come into State Farm Stadium with a three game winning streak. The Seahawks are coming off a 20-9 win against the Los Angeles Rams. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards and one touchdown. Jeremiah taking a look at this Sunday’s last game for the 49ers how do you see this match to close out the season?

Join Jeremiah next Saturday for the Sacramento Kings podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson Sat Jan 2, 2021 by Sports Radio Service | Free Listening on SoundCloud

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers will sit Williams, Aiyuk and Pepper for last game against Seattle

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is happy after making a play against the Dallas Cowboys in this Sun Dec 20th, 2020 photo in Dallas. Aiyuk will not be playing due to a high ankle injury this Sun Jan 3, 2021 against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ (photo from mercurynews.com)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 After a smooth victory against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday the San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan had to take a look at the dreaded injured list for this coming week’s game against the Seattle Seahawks and on it offensive tackle Trent Williams (sprained elbow), wide receiver Brian Aiyuk (high ankle sprain), long snapper Taybor Pepper and kicker Robbie Gould who both are on the Covid-19 list.

#2 For Williams he didn’t miss much of the game against the Cardinals as he was in for 56 snaps and Aiyuk only sat out four plays. Taking those things into consideration that played a big role in Shanahan’s decision to rest Williams and Aiyuk for the final game of the season.

#3 Shanahan said that Aiyuk’s ankle started to swell up and said it hurt and so Shanahan had Aiyuk take an MRI which they discovered it was a high ankle sprain.

#4 Robert Saleh is one of the most sought after defensive coordinators in the NFL to be a head coach. It’s almost all for not that he will be a head coach elsewhere in the NFL. The 49ers in the meantime are considering the following coaches to replace Saleh, DeMeco Ryans (49ers linebackers coach), Gus Bradley (Chargers defensive coordinator), Vic Fangio (Broncos head coach), Dan Quinn (former Atlanta Falcons head coach), and Raheem Morris (Falcons interim head coach).

#5 Joe, the 49ers play their final game against the Seattle Seahawks Sunday, the Seahawks have won six straight games winning their last game 20-9 against the Los Angeles Rams. How do you see this match up in Glendale on Sunday between the 49ers and Seahawks.

J Hawkes did the 49ers podcasts and game recaps for the 2020 49ers season and is a 49ers beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers preview by Jeremiah Salmonson

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) throws against the Seattle Seahawks defense back on Nov 1, 2020 at Lumen Field in Seattle. This would be Garoppolo’s last game of the season after suffering a high ankle injury (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers season is rounding the corner and headed for home.

Last week, the 49ers upset the Arizona Cardinals on the road. The 49ers managed to put up 20 points compared to the Cardinals 12 to put a dent in the playoff hopeful team.

This week, the 49ers will take on the playoff bound Seattle Seahawks. A tougher task than last week but one the 49ers are eager to face. The 49ers will look to finish the season on a high note and end the season at a 7-9 record.

On the other hand, the Seahawks are playoff bound and looking to stay healthy going into the playoffs. They are looking to finish the season going 12-4 with hopes deep into the playoffs.

The 49ers have a largely healthy squad with the exception of a few. Notably, Jimmy Garoppolo will remain out for the last game of the season. Garoppolo has been out for most of the season with ankle issues. Also, rookie WR Brandon Aiyuk will be out on Sunday.

Garoppolo’s injuries have become a concern for San Francisco and head coach Kyle Shanahan  who addressed those issues about what to do if Garoppolo doesn’t make himself available on the field during injuries in the 2021 season saying “you can’t say anything with certainty”

Garoppolo has suffered an ACL tear in 2018, had a high ankle sprain in 2020 and hasn’t played a game since Nov 1st. The injuries ended his season in 2018 and 2020 and put back up quarterbacks Nick Mullens and CJ Beathard into action.

Although Beathard had a decent game last week against the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale don’t look for Beathard to win the starting job anytime soon as he would have to throw around 270 yards and three touchdowns in a winning game against the Seahawks this Sunday to get Shanahan and the coaches attention and keep that up going into next season.

Shanahan did note that with all the injuries Garoppolo has had the 49ers will have to start looking for a capable starter who can step in and the cost could run the team in the salary cap space of $26.9 million. “Do you want to get a starter as a back up quarterback? Shanahan said you would have to spend most of your salary cap for first and second string quarterbacks.

The Seahawks will have most of their team healthy for Sunday’s matchup as they head into State Farm Stadium to face the 49ers.

The game is set for 2:25 PM MST on FOX.

 

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: 49ers host Seahawks as SF closes out regular season Sunday

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) reaches for the end zone against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half from Sun Dec 27, 2020 game in Seattle (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers (6-9) after losing three straight games and quarterback Nick Mullens they pulled out a 20-12 win over the Arizona Cardinals (8-7) in Glendale on Sunday it has to feel good to get back into the win column again.

#2 David, taking a look at the job that 49ers starter CJ Beathard did against the Cardinals throwing 182 yards and three touchdowns. Low scoring game but good enough for Beathard to get past the Cardinals.

#3 The 49ers play their last regular season game against the Seattle Seahawks (11-4). The Seahawks are coming to Arizona with a three game win streak. The Seahawks won their last game against the Los Angeles Rams 20-9. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 225 yards and one touchdown.

Join David starting next Wednesday for the Golden State Warriors podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

49ers upset Cardinals 20-12 behind C.J. Beathard’s 3 TDs

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (23) holding intercepted ball that he picked off in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals on Sat Dec 26, 2020 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale (AP News photo)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

GLENDALE, Ariz — With the 49ers already officially eliminated from the playoffs after losing to the Dallas Cowboys 41-33 in Week 15, didn’t mean that San Francisco had nothing to play for in 2020.

Like preventing their bitter rivals in the Arizona Cardinals from making it to the postseason. If the Cardinals don’t make the playoffs after entering Week 16 holding down the final spot in the NFC playoffs, they can thank the 49ers.

The 49ers pulled off the 20-12 upset over their State Farm Stadium tenants on Saturday afternoon.

San Francisco (6-9) avoided being swept by Arizona this season. The Cardinals defeated the 49ers 24-20 in Week 1. Arizona (8-7) came into this season having swept the season series from San Francisco in five out of the last six seasons.

In his first start since Week 8 of the 2018 season, C.J. Beathard played with a steady hand in engineering the 49ers’ run-first offense which made his job that much easier. Beathard completed 13 of 22 passes for 182 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Beathard threw touchdown passes to running back Jeff Wilson and Kyle Juszczyk giving the 49ers a 14-6 lead late in the third quarter.

Entering Week 16, Beathard was 1-9 as a starting quarterback for San Francisco. He was pressed into action after injuries to Jimmy Garappolo and Nick Mullens.

Beathard was also sacked three times.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Juszczyk hauled in his second score of the game (Beathard’s third TD of the game) from nine yards out that gave the 49ers a 20-12 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

But it was Wilson that shouldered most of the offensive burden for the 49ers against the Cardinals. With Raheem Mostert placed on injured reserve with a high-ankle sprain on Friday, Wilson rushed for a career-high 183 yards on 22 carries in his second start.

A day after most of the world opened presents on Christmas, the 49ers unwrapped tight end George Kittle and immediately felt his impact in the starting lineup.

The 49ers’ best and freshest player, Kittle looked healthy in his first game since Week 8 was on a pitch-count. He spent most of the time on the sideline as he rotated back and forth with Jordan Reed and Ross Dwelley. Kittle was targeted just once in the first half, catching a 24-yard pass with 6:22 left in the first quarter. He played 13 of the 49ers’ 26 snaps in the first half.

Kittle caught four passes for a team-high 92 yards. He caught all but one pass that was thrown his way.

San Francisco’s defense deserves a ton of credit for the 49ers’ win today.

Despite playing without three defensive lineman, including Javon Kinlaw, cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Jimmie Ward, the 49ers didn’t play like they were short-handed.

The 49ers were able to hold their own against Pro Bowl quarterback Kyler Murray.

Murray completed 31 of 50 passes for 247 yards, but was sacked three times and threw an interception. He also rushed for a team-high 75 yards on eight carries.

Arizona scored its first and only touchdown early in the fourth quarter when Kenyan Drake jumped on top of a pile and stretched his arm just far enough for a 1-yard touchdown. Murray couldn’t connect with DeAndre Hopkins on the 2-point conversion and the 49ers still led 14-12.

San Francisco’s defense leaned on linebackers Fred Warner (14 tackles) and Dre Greenlaw (7 tackles), while the defensive backfield was a major factor as cornerbacks Jason Verrett (7 tackles), Ahkello Witherspoon (7 tackles), K’Waun Williams (6 tackles) and safety Tarvarius Moore (11 tackles) limited Arizona receivers in yards-after-the-catch.

The 49ers held Hopkins in check, limiting the dynamic wide receiver to a team-high eight catches for 48 yards. A far cry from Week 1 where he caught a career-high 14 catches for 151 yards against the 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.

Verrett who was primarily guarding Hopkins throughout the day made the biggest play of the first half, breaking up a well-thrown pass from Murray in the end zone that prevented a potential touchdown. The play forced Arizona to kick a field goal that gave San Francisco a 7-6 lead at halftime.

San Francisco’s biggest plays came on Arizona’s final two drives of the game, including the aforementioned Witherspoon’s interception of Murray’s pass in the end zone.

The 49ers wouldn’t have had to sweat out the game if kicker Robbie Gould didn’t miss two field goals and an extra point.

Gould who made his 400th career field in Week 15, missed field goals from 37 and 41 yards. He missed an extra point after Juszczyk’s second touchdown that kept the score at 20-12.

San Francisco plays its final “home” game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium, while Arizona heads to Los Angeles to take on the Rams in the season finale.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Beathard excited to get an opportunity to start and play an entire game

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback CJ Beathard (3) celebrates a touchdown with running back Jeff Wilson (30) in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sat Dec 26, 2020 (AP News photo)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 Jeremiah with the injury to 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens who most likely will need Tommy John surgery the 49ers will see quarterback CJ Beathard start. Beathard did get into last Sunday’s game in Dallas after Mullens left throwing 100 yards and one touchdown.

#2 Beathard has been trying to get the starting job on the 49ers since 2017 but with Jimmy Garoppolo holding the position and after his injuries Nick Mullens would fill in Beathard would have to wait. Fast forward to this season the opportunity comes for Beathard with just two regular season game remaining this season.

#3 Beathard said he’s excited for a chance to get under center and play the entire game as he and the 49ers faced the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium this Saturday.

#4 Beathard says he’s an improved quarterback than the quarterback he was back in 2017-18. Beathard says he’s stronger physically and can get rid of the ball quicker and believes he’s quicker in the pocket and can cut down on the number 35 sacks he took in his ten start during the 2017-18 season.

#5 Jeremiah  tight end George Kittle returned today for the first time in six games. Kittle has been on the team’s three week window in trying to make a return. I know head coach Kyle Shanahan will be watching him in practice carefully.

Join Jeremiah each Sunday for the 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers have Kittle on three week practice schedule; can he return soon?

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The San Francisco 49ers George Kittle (85) trying escape New England Patriots defensive back JC Jackson (27) after catching a pass on Sun Oct 25, 2020 in Foxborough. Kittle has been out for the last five weeks and could return this Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals (AP News file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 The 49ers tight end George Kittle is moving towards coming back do you see him returning on Saturday in Glendale or maybe on Jan 3 against Seattle?

#2 Wednesday the 49ers have opened Kittle’s practice window a three week window to help determined when he could come back. There is only two games left and Kittle could return Saturday.

#3 Kittle had missed the last five games due to a fractured foot, knee sprain, and bone bruise. Kittle previous to these injuries had missed only three games in the first three years of Kittle’s NFL career.

#4 Joe, talk about quarterback Nick Mullens. He put it all on the line in the last game and came away with an injury and will eventually need Tommy John surgery.

#5 Joe, talk about the 49ers picking up quarterback Josh Rosen who will be backing up quarterback CJ Beathard for this Saturday’s game in Glendale.

Join Joe each week for the 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers-Arizona Cardinals preview with Jeremiah Salmonson

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San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback CJ Beathard (3) will try to get some scores against the Arizona Cardinals this Sat Dec 26, 2020 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale as Beathard replaces injured quarterback Nick Mullens (newsday.com file photo)

On the 49ers-Cardinals preview with Jeremiah Salmonson:

In a year of crazy happenings, this week will be no different for the San Francisco 49ers (5-9).

Last week, the 49ers were unable to pull out a win against the Dallas Cowboys. Tony Pollard made the usually good 49ers run defense falter a bit as he was able to run for a couple of key plays in the game.

Midway through the game, the 49ers benched starting quarterback Nick Mullins in favor of CJ Bethard who has had limited playing time this year. In the remaining action, Bethard threw for just over 100 yards and seemed to provide a spark for the team. However, it was not enough as they fell 41-33.

In this week’s matchup, the 49ers will take on the playoff hopeful Arizona Cardinals (8-6). The Cardinals are coming off a solid win against the seemingly energized Philadelphia Eagles. Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray seemed to get back on track last week, but the run game wasn’t out in full force for the quarterback or his running backs. They look to continue their two game win streak against the 49ers.

The 49ers will most likely be starting CJ Bethard this week as Jimmy Garopollo remains out with a high ankle injury and Nick Mullins seems to be having elbow issues and might be looking at off season Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm. On the bright side for the 49ers, It seems Raheem Mostert is back and will continue to be in the lineup for the 49ers this week. Mostert, who has battled injuries this year, looks to build off a promising week last week. The 49ers who signed quarterback Josh Rosen off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad will be CJ Beathard’s back up on Saturday.

The game is set for 1:30 PM PST exclusively on Amazon Prime Video and Twitch in Arizona.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Daivd Zizmor: Mullens looking at Tommy John surgery for elbow; Josh Rosen to back up CJ Beathard

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) will need Tommy John surgery after suffering an elbow injury and the 49ers signed Josh Rosen from the Tampa Bay practice squad (photo from houstonchronicle.com )

On the 49ers podcast with David:

#1 For 49ers (5-9) quarterback Nick Mullens last Sunday in Dallas was just another struggle turning the ball over and Mullens couldn’t get any scoring going as the 49ers scored seven points in the first and second quarters.

#2 Mullens threw for 219 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. For head coach Kyle Shanahan found out after the game that Mullens are injury was in need of Tommy John surgery

#3 The 49ers who have played host at State Farm Stadium for two of their last three games will play visitor this Saturday afternoon as they face the Arizona Cardinals (8-6) for a 1:25pm kickoff

Join Dave on the 49ers podcasts Wednesday mornings at http://www.sportsradioservice.com