The 49ers’ impressive regular-season performance is highlighted by Christian McCaffrey’s NFL-high rushing total and Brock Purdy’s incredible recovery from elbow injury.
SANTA CLARA: The 49ers’ regular season produced 12 victories, five losses (three at home), the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, and a second consecutive NFC West title. Here are the highs, lows, and good deeds from the season:
Player of the Month: Brock Purdy
Not only did he pass for 4,280 yards, a franchise high, in less than a year after having surgery on his throwing elbow, but more. In his first full season as the 49ers’ starter, Purdy showed off his perfect leadership qualities, combining a modest demeanor with fearless throws, exuberant celebrations, and an amazing ability to read and respond to defenses. He also defers credit to his all-star supporting cast.
Unquestionably the best all-around football player on they 49ers, McCaffre is a catalyst for offense. Starting with a season-best 152 yards in the opening triumph at Pittsburgh, when he also scored the first of 21 touchdowns (second-most in a 490ers season), he led the NFL in rushing from start to finish.
At linebacker, he is the NFL’s modern-day prototype thanks to his covering abilities. He set career highs with four interceptions and eleven passes defensed. He led the 49ers in tackles (132, second-most in his career) for a sixth consecutive season, and nobody gives more inspirational speeches before practices and games.
This award given to the 49ers’ punter, who leads the team in scoring since their 1994 championship team. Wishnowsky had the best net average of his five-year career at 42.7 yards per punt. Just two of the 52 punts resulted in touchbacks; the other 26 pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line. He mentored rookie kicker Jake Moody and long snapper Taybor Pepper while serving as a holder.
Though this 42-19 victory put the 49ers in the NFC lead, that Dec. 3 afternoon completely destroyed the Eagles, who went from a 10-1 conference leader to an 11-6 wild-card. The 49ers were back in the NFC Championship Game site after the agony of previous year’s game.
While a three-game losing streak in October was concerning, a 33-19 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens, who lead the AFC, on Christmas night was concerning even more. Purdy has four interceptions in his first-ever game as a professional.
Despite having the most carries in the NFL (272), his remarkable season was capped off by his first of 14 touchdown runs. In the first minute of their season opener following intermission, he scored a 65-yard touchdown, which was set up by downfield blocks by Ray-Ray McCloud and Aiyuk. “The season’s opening game in Pittsburgh was amazing; it was a lengthy affair. It was enjoyable, McCaffrey remarked. “Man, there have been a ton (of fantastic runs). I can recall a couple in which Jauan (Jennings) goes and removes the security personnel. I’m not sure whether I have a top choice. I enjoy each and every one of them.
Wow