The Most Important Game of the 49ers' Season So Far
The most important game of the 49ers' season so far was a loss.
They were coming off a 32-point blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys, and they thought they'd proven that they were the best team in the NFL by a wide margin. But the Cowboys aren't a real test -- the 49ers have their number. Always have.
That win over the Cowboys was predictable, and what was significant about it was how the 49ers responded to it. They immediately let down their guard and lost three games in a row, starting with a road loss to P.J. Walker and the Browns. That was the most important game of the season so far.
The 49ers weren't prepared for it. They didn't take the Browns seriously. And they jumped out to a 10-0 lead and still lost. For the first time all season, Kyle Shanahan got thoroughly outcoached -- Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz historically has owned Shanahan in their matchups. And Brock Purdy played perhaps the worst game of his career.
Against the Browns, Purdy completed just 12 of 27 for a mere 125 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. His quarterback rating in that game was 55.3. To be fair, Deebo Samuel missed most of that game with a shoulder injury, Trent Williams played through an ankle injury and the Browns have an excellent defense. Still, Purdy was terrible for most of the game.
And the weather seemed to affect him. There was a light rain in Cleveland that day, and Purdy couldn't seem to grip the wet football. That's important to remember.
So we learned so much about the 49ers that day. We learned that they can major let downs after big wins. So if they beat the Eagles next week, watch out. They could lose to the Seahawks the week after.
We also learned that Purdy struggles to throw moist footballs. That could hurt him in the playoffs.
We'll learn much more about the 49ers when they face the Eagles.
