The San Francisco 49ers’ Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks was a gut-wrenching defeat that highlighted persistent points plaguing the group this season. Dropping 20-17 after surrendering a late lead, the 49ers fell to 5-5 and now discover themselves teetering getting ready to irrelevance within the NFC playoff race.
Whereas there’s loads of blame to go round, the highlight falls on 4 key people who contributed considerably to the collapse: proper sort out Colton McKivitz, defensive finish Nick Bosa, defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, and particular groups coordinator Brian Schneider.
Colton McKivitz: a legal responsibility in go safety
McKivitz has struggled all season, however his efficiency towards the Seahawks was significantly damaging. McKivitz was unable to supply constant safety for quarterback Brock Purdy, a vital concern towards Seattle’s go rush. Worse, McKivitz dedicated a number of penalties that derailed drives, together with a holding name that worn out a possible first down in a vital state of affairs.
McKivitz’s incapacity to carry his floor on the offensive line has been a recurring theme this season, and Sunday was no exception. The 49ers’ offense managed simply 277 whole yards, their lowest output since Week 6 of the 2023 season, and far of that stagnation may be attributed to poor play up entrance. With McKivitz anchoring the correct aspect of the road, the offense had little likelihood to search out its rhythm, leaving the group reliant on its protection and particular groups to seal the win.
Nick Bosa: the unlucky absence
Bosa’s affect on the sport was simple, however so was the void he left when he exited within the second half on account of a hip and indirect damage. Earlier than his departure, Bosa had 4 tackles and 1.5 sacks, serving to restrict Seattle to only 3.3 yards per play whereas he was on the sphere. Nevertheless, after he left, the Seahawks averaged 6.1 yards per play and scored all 20 of their factors.
Whereas Bosa’s absence wasn’t his fault—accidents occur—it left the protection susceptible in the course of the sport’s most crucial moments. The Seahawks’ game-winning drive with 12 seconds left highlighted simply how a lot the 49ers’ protection missed their star go rusher. With out Bosa’s strain on Geno Smith, the Seahawks methodically moved downfield, exploiting delicate protection to safe the win.
Nick Sorensen: a scheme that fails within the clutch
Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen has to reply for his unit’s repeated late-game collapses. The 49ers have now misplaced three video games this season after main within the remaining two minutes of regulation, tied for essentially the most such losses for the reason that 1970 merger. Sorensen’s defensive schemes have been questionable, significantly in clutch conditions.
In opposition to Seattle, Sorensen’s play-calling allowed the Seahawks to march down the sphere within the remaining moments. Mushy zone protection and a scarcity of changes to account for Bosa’s absence left the protection susceptible. The shortcoming to generate strain or successfully cowl Seattle’s receivers late within the sport has turn into a troubling sample underneath Sorensen’s watch. If the 49ers can’t shut out video games with a lead, their playoff hopes will evaporate rapidly.
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Brian Schneider: a particular groups catastrophe
Particular groups coordinator Brian Schneider’s unit has been a legal responsibility all season, and Sunday was no completely different. Whereas the offense and protection shoulder important blame, the particular groups’ persistent errors have compounded the 49ers’ points. Errors in punt and kick returns, missed subject targets, and an incapacity to achieve optimistic yards on returns have turned Schneider’s unit right into a weekly headache.
The 49ers’ incapacity to flip subject place persistently gave the Seahawks advantageous beginning spots, which performed a job within the sport’s consequence. Schneider’s unit wants an entire overhaul, and it’s turning into more and more clear that his place could also be untenable if the 49ers hope to salvage their season. It could be time to rid of each Sorensen and Schneider.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan summed up the group’s struggles, saying, “We had each alternative to run away with that and put it away. [We] missed a pair alternatives to try this and … let individuals grasp round, that’s what occurs.” Certainly, the 49ers’ incapacity to capitalize on their probabilities and the persistent errors from key gamers and coaches have outlined their season.
The 49ers’ path ahead is fraught with challenges. With robust matchups towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers and Buffalo Payments looming, the 49ers should deal with its points rapidly. The clock is ticking, and until McKivitz can enhance, Sorensen can tighten the protection, Schneider can proper the ship on particular groups, and Bosa can return to the sphere wholesome, the 49ers’ season could slip away totally. For now, the Week 11 loss to the Seahawks stands as a painful reminder of what has gone improper for the 49ers in 2024. Adjustments have to be made, and accountability is step one in making certain that video games like Sunday’s don’t turn into the norm.