Category: San Francisco 49ers

49ers can’t overcome Bills Josh Allen’s four-TD, 375-yard night, lose to the Buffalo Bills 32-24 on Monday Night Football

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Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (99) tries to block San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) during Monday Night Football on Dec 7, 2020 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ (AP News photo)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

Josh Allen was sizzling in the desert, throwing for 375 yards and four touchdowns on 32 of 40 pass attempts as the Buffalo Bills cruise to a 34-24 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Glendale, Ariz. at State Farm Stadium on Monday night to cap off Week 13.

At 9-3, the Buffalo Bills remain in sole possession of first place in the AFC East and clinched back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1998-99. The Bills are looking to capture their first division title since 1995.

Buffalo is one game ahead of the Miami Dolphins (8-4) with four games to play for both teams.

Allen completed passes to eight different receivers, throwing touchdown passes to Cole Beasley, Dawson Knox, Isaiah McKenzie and Gabriel Davis. Beasley and Stefon Diggs were Allen’s preferred targets on the night.

The duo combined for 22 targets, garnering 11 apiece.

Beasley was a tough cover for the 49ers defense in the first half, hauling in seven catches for 113 yards including a 5-yard TD on a curl route to tie the game at 7-7 following an early TD from San Francisco. Buffalo scored 17 unanswered points to lead 17-7 at halftime.

San Francisco had the injury bug bite them hard recently at their slot cornerback position and struggled to cover Beasley, who finished with a career-high nine catches for 130 yards and a TD.

Diggs registered 10 catches for 92 yards, doing most of his damage in the second half.

Buffalo’s offense harpooned the 49ers defense, exploding for 449 yards and 31 first downs. The Bills had 20 first downs alone before halftime and were efficient on offense, scoring points on five-straight drives through the second quarter and into the third quarter.

Buffalo took care of the football, dominating the time of possession: 35 minutes to 25 minutes.

In the same token, the 49ers had just nine first downs in the first half and struggled tremendously on offense for the majority of the game. The 49ers finished with 24 first downs and 402 yards of total offense that came mainly in the second half with the game decided.

San Francisco (5-7) lost a game in its temporary home of in Arizona. The 49ers will remain in Glendale for at least the next three weeks after Santa Clara County issued strict protocols that forced the team to find a temporary home.

It was the fourth game this season that Allen has thrown for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns, which set a franchise record according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly (1991) and Drew Bledsoe (2002) each did it three times for the Bills.

In the first quarter, both teams traded goal-line stands.

Buffalo opened the game with a 74-yard that was stopped at the 49ers’ 1-yard line after Allen’s fourth-down pass fell incomplete in the back of the end zone. San Francisco followed up with a 97-yard drive of their own that stopped at the Buffalo 2-yard line, but Jeff Wilson Jr. was stuffed for no gain on fourth down.

But the 49ers got the ball back in excellent field position following a fumble by Allen and the 49ers took advantage. Nick Mullens found rookie wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the middle of the field for a 2-yard TD to take an early 7-0 lead.

Mullens finished 26 of 39 passing for 316 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions.

Aiyuk had five catches for 95 yards and TD.

A week after recording a career-high 11 catches and 133 yards, wide receiver Deebo Samuel finished with a team-leading six catches for 73 yards all in the second half. Buffalo’s defense shutdown Samuel in the first half, holding the dynamic play-maker to just one target.

Wilson Jr. led the 49ers with 47 yards rushing on seven carries, while Raheem Mostert chipped in with 42 yards on nine carries.

The 49ers will stay in Arizona to host the Washington Football Team Sunday, while the Buffalo Bills will be featured in primetime once again when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday night.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Taking a look who will be available in Arizona for the 49ers on MNF

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(Image from billswire.usatoday.com) Taking a look at who will be available and who will not for Monday Night Football between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson:

#1 The San Francisco 49ers take on one of football’s toughest challenges the Buffalo Bills (8-3) on Monday Night Football. The 49er who lost three straight games before getting a big win over the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday by a narrow margin 23-20 on 49ers kicker Robbie Gould’s game winning field goal in the fourth quarter.

#2 Jeremiah let’s take a look at who didn’t practice this week as you know wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and cornerback K’Waun Williams (ankle) didn’t practice this week do you see them both sitting out this Monday?

#3 Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive tackle DJ Jones, and defensive lineman Jordan Willis were at practice this week and are off the Covid-19 list and should be in the line up this Monday in Arizona.

#4 The Bills know they will not be seeing two of the 49ers key offensive players due to injuries quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle without them it’s been a struggle playing the Bills will it show how badly they are missed on Monday Night?

#5 The Bills are coming off a 27-17 win against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Bills have won five straight games while the 49ers have won one out of their last four games Jeremiah how do you see this match up for MNF?

Jeremiah takes a look at the 49ers previews each Wednesday and does the 49ers podcasts each Saturday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: 49ers take on their second straight first place team Bills on Monday Night Football

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman in his first game back against the Los Angeles Rams had a tackle and an interception in the 49ers win in Los Angeles on Sun Nov 29, 2020 (file photo from the dailysnark.com)

On San Francisco 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 Joe last Sunday’s win for the 49ers (5-6) a close contest against a very good Los Angeles Rams (7-4) team 23-20 which do you lend to the win good coaching, defense consistent, or kicker Robbie Gould’s field goal towards the end of the game for the win?

#2 How key was corner Richard Sherman one tackle and one interception from what you saw of Sherman would you say yes he’s back?

#3 Joe, considering the injuries and Covid cases the 49ers haves sustained getting a win over the Rams a first place team in the NFC West had to be commendable all things considered.

#4 Joe, talk about the switch for the 49ers with the Santa Clara shutdown the 49ers now relegated to play most likely the rest of their season in Arizona how much does that change their chances to have that home field feel or at this juncture it really doesn’t make a difference with no crowds.

#5 The Buffalo Bills (8-3) come into Glendale having won three of their last four games and coming off a ten point win over the Los Angeles Chargers (3-8) 27-17. Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 157 yards and a touchdown whose been part of the success of the Bills . How do you see this match with the 49ers on Monday Night Football?

Join J Hawkes each Friday for the 49ers podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers Monday Night Football preview by Jeremiah Salmonson

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The Buffalo Bills (8-3) and quarterback Josh Allen have won four of their last five games visit State Farm Stadium in Glendale as the San Francisco 49ers play host in their first game as the home team in Arizona (en.wikipeida.org file photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers had a breath of fresh air on Sunday. They played against the Los Angeles Rams in SoFi stadium and came out with the win 23-20. Robbie Gould hit the game winning 43 yard field goal as time expired.

It was an impressive win for a 49ers team that had been struggling lately. They had lost the previous three games coming in and most people didn’t think they would fair well against the solid Rams team. It was a positive sign for the team after having most of this season lost to injuries and poor performance.

In the 49ers next matchup, on Sunday, they will take on the Buffalo Bills. The Bills are a solid team that I think will give the 49ers trouble. Josh Allen and his big arm will test the defense of the 49ers.

Meanwhile, the 49ers still have a banged up offense missing with starting quarterback Jimmy Garropplo and tight end George Kittle among others. They will need another solid performance from their defense and enough offense to keep the Bills in check.

My prediction: I believe the San Francisco 49ers will prevail again in an upset. I wouldn’t bet money on it, but I believe the Bills will stumble against the coaching of Kyle Shanahan and company.

The game is set for Monday Night Football at 5:05 PM PST at State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ .

 

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with David Zizmor: CA’s Gov Newsom warns that a complete non essential shut down for Cali is on the table

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Photo of an empty Levis Stadium in Santa Clara during a Thursday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers on Thu Nov 5, 2020. Covid-19 restrictions have shutdown all sporting events in Santa Clara (AP News file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with David Zizmor:

#1 David as you know Santa Clara County is completely shut down no sporting events of any kind allowed from the elementary school to the professional level totally excluded. Now a news flash that California Governor Gavin Newsom said the state of California will eventually have to shut down instead of the current county by county.

#2 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said this whole thing came as a surprise to him and that the team was not informed of the decision to move home games elsewhere. The San Jose Spartans will also have to move their home games this Saturday as well.

#3 So this is Christmas: The 49ers are coming off their slight edge win from last Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams and now face the Buffalo Bills at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Monday Night Football. The Bills 8-3 are coming off a 27-17 win against the LA Chargers and Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw for 157 yards, touchdown and an interception.

David Zizmor does the 49ers podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

That’s Amaury’s News and Commentary: 49ers Sacked by Santa Clara County

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There’s no place like home for the holidays. A look at the outside of State Farm Stadium in Glendale AZ where the San Francisco 49ers will share the building with the Arizona Cardinals for home games for weeks 13 and 14. (azfamily.com file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

“The San Francisco 49ers has come to an agreement with the National Football League and Arizona Cardinals which allows the 49ers to host their Weeks 13 and 14 home games against the Buffalo Bills and Washington Football Team at State Farm Stadium in Arizona,” the 49ers said in a statement. The future practice facility for the team, to be announced.

Kyle Shanahan, coach of the 49ers was not very happy with Santa Clara County officials; “We’ve been working with them as a partner, just trying to figure it out,” Shanahan said. “For us to be heading out here yesterday and the relationship we have with them, for all of our players and coaches and everyone on that plane and our wives to find that out while we’re getting on a plane and no one to tell us. It was just extremely disappointing.”

The San Francisco 49ers have been playing in Santa Clara’s Levi Stadium since the facility was inaugurated in the 2014 season, now they will be playing in Arizona for a few weeks. This is because Santa Clara’s regulations about covid-19, which has changed much more than the 49ers but the whole sporting scene in the United States. How much have things changed with covid-19 and sports?

The 49ers playing in Arizona is not a big deal. Consider this; the Toronto Blue Jays of major league baseball were banned not only to play in Toronto, but it their own country of Canada! The Arizona Cardinals have allowed between 1,200 to 4,500 fans per game at their Phoenix home during the last few games and that would be the norm, more than likely for the games that the 49ers will play there.

During this covid 2020 crisis, many State and Local governments have been “all over the place” when it came to order and regulations, Governors of California and New York said one thing about the importance of wearing mask, but did the opposite as they were photographed in public.

The Mayor of Denver said that “people should not travel this Thanksgiving weekend” and within 30 minutes he was on a plane going to visit family. Other states and governments have gone as far as to tell people to “rat on their neighbors” if they see too many people going to a party, to call the police. This tactic is a page out of the communist playbook. I saw it first hand in Cuba. And while the big stores are open, a great amount of small businesses (especially small restaurants) are going out of business and may never be able to comeback.

Anybody that had been following the news, knows all experts on this novel virus warned us about this ‘second wave’. This should not have been a surprise, but be as it may, looks like it was to some people, others didn’t care and were tired of staying at home and felt they have all the information necessary to make a decision.

The fact remains that most people that get covid-19 suffer minor symptoms and recover.

Stay tuned and stay well.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s Spanish lead play by play announcer on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Kicker Gould’s game-winning field goal boots 49ers past Rams, 23-20, in LA

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San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould (4) is mobbed by his teammates after kicking the game winning field goal against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter on Sun Nov 29, 2020 (photo from sfgate.com)

By Joe Hawkes
Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES — Heading into Week 12, the Los Angeles Rams sat atop of the NFC West while the San Francisco occupied the basement of the division.

For the first 2 1/2 quarters of Sunday’s game, it looked like the roles were reversed. For a second, the Rams appeared to regain the upper-hand before the 49ers would finish off the season thanks to Robbie Gould’s 42-yard field goal as time expired for a 23-20 upset victory in their first game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

The win for San Francisco completes a season sweep over Los Angeles. It also gives the 49ers a four-game winning streak over the Rams and snaps their three-game losing streak. The 49ers improve to 5-6 on the season and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot in the NFC.

Three of the 49ers’ most important players returned to the field Sunday, each making big contributions to the win.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel who missed the last three games with a strained hamstring, had the biggest play from scrimmage for the 49ers in the first quarter. Samuel turned quarterback Nick Mullens’ short pass into a 33-yard pick up on the 49ers’ third possession of the game.

Three plays later, one play after a 26-yard gain from Samuel, running back Raheem Mostert rushed for an 8-yard touchdown slipping down the left sideline to give the 49ers a 7-3 lead.

Mostert who was making his return to the lineup for the first time since Week 6 (against the Rams), finished with 43 yards on 16 carries.

The offense was noticeably different with both Samuel and Mostert in the lineup. Samuel finished with career-highs in catches (11) and yards (133).

Mullens, albeit a bit shaky for most of the game, made plays down the stretch to put the 49ers in position to win. He completed 24 of 35 passes for 252 yards, no touchdowns and one interception that resulted on a tipped pass by Rams game-wrecker Aaron Donald that fell into the arms of Jordan Fuller.

Donald was essentially a non factor in the team’s first meeting, but was wrecking ball in today’s game.

With the 49ers holding a 17-6 lead midway through the third quarter, Donald split between right tackle Mike McGlinchey and rookie center Colton McKivitz and forced a Mostert fumble. Cornerback Troy Hill scooped it up and returned the fumble 20 yards for a touchdown to trim San Francisco’s lead to 17-13.

On San Francisco’s next possession, Donald sacked Mullens on first down for a loss of eight yards that led to a three-and-out. On the Rams’ next drive, rookie running back Cam Akers ripped off a 61-yard run to setup first-and-goal at the 49ers’ 6-yard line. Two plays later, Akers barrels his way into the end zone for a 1-yard score to give the Rams their first lead of the game, 20-17.

San Francisco’s offense committed three turnovers and finished 3 of 14 on third downs but it was the play by the defense, forcing four turnovers and the returning Richard Sherman that put the 49ers over the top.

Sherman, who hasn’t played since Week 1, made his presence felt early in the game when he intercepted Rams quarterback Jared Goff in the first quarter. Sherman would finish with a team-high seven tackles.

The front seven made life difficult for Goff all day, creating great pressure from defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Kevin Givens that allowed defensive end Kerry Hyder to feast.

Hyder recorded two sacks off Goff, who threw his second interception of the game in the third quarter to Kinlaw where the rookie returned it 27 yards to give the 49ers a 14-3 lead. Hyder leads the team with 7.5 sacks this year.

For the second time this season, the 49ers didn’t allow Goff to crack 200 yards passing as the Rams’ signal-caller finished 19 of 31 for 198 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions and one fumble.

In the first matchup against San Francisco, Goff completed 19 of 38 passes for 198 yards, two touchdowns and one interception in San Francisco’s 24-16 on Oct. 18.

Goff entered Sunday’s contest after putting up 376 yards and three touchdowns (with two interceptions) on 39 of 51 pass attempts in the Rams’ 27-24 win over the Buccaneers on ESPN’s Monday Night Football at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

Safety Jimmie Ward forced two fumbles on the day, each recovered by Givens and Hyder.

Defensively, the 49ers held the Rams to 308 yards of total offense and 4 of 13 on third downs.

The 49ers are set to host games against the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 7 and Washington on Dec. 13 but due to a ban on contact sports by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department that was announced Saturday, San Francisco doesn’t have a venue as of yet.

Possible locations include Arizona and Texas according to multiple reports. Those are also the sites of the 49ers’ two final road games. The 49ers are scheduled to play at Dallas on Sunday, Dec. 20, and at Arizona on either Saturday, Dec. 26, or Sunday, Dec. 27.

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Jeremiah Salmonson: Santa Clara County shuts down Levis stadium for next two home games; 49ers players in question for Sunday in LA

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San Francisco 49ers running back Jerrick McKinnon said he was not surprised by the lack of players in practice this week due to Covid and injury issues (file photo from San Francisco Chronicle)

On the 49ers podcast with Jeremiah:

#1 The 49ers return from their bye week to a inflating Covid list making some thinking if playing a contact game call NFL football during a pandemic was the wise choice at all. But either way the 49ers are preparing for their meeting with the Los Angeles Rams for Sunday.

#2 49ers running back Jerrick McKinnon during the week of practice said “that’s the 2020 season for you” regarding the fewer players available and on the Covid list not to mention San Francisco’s other list the Injured List.

#3 Lets take a look at the Covid list Jeremiah and please talk about the players who the 49ers will miss this weekend in LA, left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, nose tackle DJ Jones, defensive end Jordan Willis, linebacker Joe Walker, tight end Daniel Helm who is on the 49ers practice squad.

#4 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that it a probability that a number of those players could get into the game in LA on Sunday. How safe would a negative test give relief and confidence that it’s safe to be playing against or with someone who just got off the Covid list?

#5 The Rams are 7-3 first in the NFC West and are coming off a big win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 49ers come into Sunday’s game after suffering three straight losses the game is in LA set this one up for us.

Join Jeremiah each Saturday night for the 49ers podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: Sherman still being evaluated for return; Mostert and Wilson also trying to return this Sunday in LA

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San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman is still be observed for his calf injury as to if he could return this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said if he’s feeling 100% they’ll get him out there (sacbee.com file photo)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that again he’s using caution regarding any return of cornerback Richard Sherman from his calf injury.

#2 Shanahan did say Sherman could make a return the team was looking at him in practice this past week and he is still under evaluation as to whether he can return or not.

#3 The 49ers are also concerned about running backs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson who are both suffering from ankle injuries. Coach Shanahan said they are both under evaluation whether they can get in the lineup or not against the Los Angeles Rams.

#4 The 49ers have limited practice for wide receiver Deebo Samuel (hamstring) and Tevin Coleman (knee) both were in practice this week but their work had limitations according to Shanahan.

#5 K’Waun Williams the 49ers cornerback said he was shocked when he tested positive for performance enhancers an NFL violation that got him a two game suspension. The NFL had rescinded the suspension saying there were questions about the testing procedures. Williams is currently out of the line up with a high ankle injury. Coach Shanahan said Williams won’t return for another two weeks.

#6 The 49ers who are on a three game loss streak are in Los Angeles on Sunday and beat the Rams the last time the two teams met at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara on Oct 18th 24-16 will face a first place Rams team who are 7-3 and are coming off a big win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-24 on Monday Night Football.

Join J Hawkes for the 49ers podcasts each Friday morning at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers preview: SF heads to LA coming off a much needed bye week

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens (4) throws against the New York Giants defense on Sun Sept 27, 2020 in East Rutherford NJ (AP News photo)

By Jeremiah Salmonson

The San Francisco 49ers are coming off their bye week. It was a much needed rest for a a squad who has been banged up with injuries all year long. While this break may not help the likes of Jimmy Garrapolo and George Kittle, it may help some of the other players dealing with other nagging injuries.

The 49ers will take on the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, are coming off a solid win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Granted, Tom Brady and the Bucs did not play particularly well in the game. The Rams appeared to be in control most of the game.

This week the Rams will look to exploit a 49ers team with little left to play for. The 49ers also have a notable amount of players on the COVID list. The Rams and Jared Goff will look to keep the pedal to the medal in their chase for the playoffs.

For the 49ers, it will be the first game since coming off a bye. Hopefully, the 49ers will have Cornerback Richard Sherman back. That will help neutralize the air threat the Rams face. It is good news for the first time in a while for a 49ers team dealt a rough hand in 2020. Maybe this can be the week the 49ers return to the win column.

The game is slated for 1:05 PM on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The game will be broadcast on the local Fox Station.

Join Jeremiah for the 49ers previews each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com