49ers’ no-name defense produces no-doubt dominance in victory (paywall)
““I’m a big believer in my abilities on the football field and not letting nobody or nothing shame me from that,” said Brown, a 13-game starter last season. “God has timing for all of us, and tonight was my time.”
Warner, the perpetual voice of reason for the 49ers defense, showed up in crutches — minus the scooter — as a sign of progress in his recovery from a fractured ankle. But his teammates have slowly begun to shape a new identity with their anchor unlikely to return this season.
His backup at middle linebacker, Tatum Bethune, missed the first of what could be a multi-game absence due to a high ankle sprain. That paved the way for Robinson to make his first career start. The moment held special significance for the fifth-year player. About 20 minutes after being told he would start over former 49ers linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles in Week 4 last season, Robinson tore his ACL in practice.
Robinson said he tried not to let the sentiment of his Monday start supersede the team during the week. But it was difficult.
“I mentioned this to the defense last night, it’s been really difficult this whole week for me not to really kind of reflect on the whole journey, and kind of just keep it about the team, keep it about the defense, because it was a huge moment for me,” Robinson said.
“I’m grateful, more than I could ever explain.”
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan defends Brock Purdy after three interceptions: ‘Just a hair late’ (paywall)
“He said several players, including fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Kittle, approached him after the miscues and urged him to stay aggressive and “keep swinging.”
“After the second one, I just said, ‘Dude, just take a deep breath, man’” Kittle said. “You’ve been here, you’re good. Just breathe, let it out, move on to the next play. That’s it. He’s a professional. He knows what he’s doing.”
Still, Purdy acknowledged it was difficult to keep pushing the ball down the field when his most ambitious throws kept winding up in the Panthers’ hands.
“Yeah, it’s tough,” he said. “Mentally, as a quarterback, you want to play aggressive. You want to take what the defense gives you. But when you turn the ball over three drives in a row, you feel it. You feel a little bit of pressure and stuff. But this is why we’re put in this position. I can handle this.”
Brock Purdy shriveled on ‘Monday Night Football.’ 49ers need him to bounce back in a hurry (paywall)
“His second interception revealed what Purdy needs to find. He stepped up into the pocket and a lane wider than the Bay Bridge opened in front of him. He started to run and had tight end George Kittle slanting in front of him into that open space. He had Ricky Pearsall running a similar route deeper than Kittle into the open space.
Safe, aggressive and risky were his options. Purdy chose risky, the deep throw to Pearsall, and was late doing so. He usually weighs those options better on the move. At least the quarterback who led the 49ers to two NFC Championship Games did.
The best of Purdy is turning that scenario into a big play. It’s having the combination of slinger and smarts to make the right decision. His whole career is built on seizing opportunity.“
Kawakami: Christian McCaffrey is holding the 49ers together (paywall)
“I have a theory: Shanahan has called some explosive offenses with the 49ers, and before that, when he didn’t have McCaffrey, but since he got No. 23 on board, has started to see the offense from a specific McCaffrey lens.”
49ers vs. Panthers PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
“The highest-graded offensive lineman of the game was right guard Dominick Puni (88.1), whose 82.4 pass-blocking grade also led all linemen. He allowed just one pressure—a hurry—across 35 pass-blocking snaps.
Right tackle Colton McKivitz earned the 49ers’ best run-blocking grade at 90.3.“
49ers practice and media schedule ahead of Week 13 matchup vs. Browns
“Wednesday, November 26
11:35 a.m. – Kyle Shanahan press conference
Following Shanahan – Robert Saleh press conference
1:30 p.m. – Practice
Thursday, November 27
No media availability – Thanksgiving
Friday, November 28
12:35 p.m. – Practice
After practice (approx. 1:35 p.m.) – Kyle Shanahan press conference
Following Shanahan – Brock Purdy press conference”
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