Things got out of hand quickly for the 49ers on Monday night, and they never recovered in a 33-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Levi’s Stadium.
It was their ugliest loss since they got walloped at home by the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7 of the 2022 season.
Here are five takeaways from a rough 49ers performance:
No 2nd half comebacks
The 49ers’ inability to come back from second-half deficits under Kyle Shanahan remains a problem. They’re now 0-3 when trailing at the half this season. Monday night they never really gave themselves a chance. It was 16-12 at halftime and 30-12 fewer than four minutes into the second half. This will remain a box the 49ers (and Brock Purdy) will need to check.
Bye bye MVP
Brock Purdy’s MVP chances went out the window Monday night as he put together his worst game as a pro. He threw an interception on the first drive of the game and never recovered, completing just 18-of-32 throws for 255 yards and four interceptions. Ultimately this might be good for Purdy while he learns to navigate NFL defenses. This game is better now than in the playoffs, but it’s hard to believe he garners a ton of MVP votes after a dreadful outing on national TV against another MVP frontrunner.
Can't contain Lamar
Lamar Jackson was outstanding on Monday. He completed 23-of-35 throws for 252 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for a team-high 45 yards and bought a ton of extra time with his mobility in the pocket. There were a handful of explosive plays he generated just by avoiding sacks. While Purdy was throwing away his MVP chances, Jackson was putting a stranglehold on his.
O-line injuries
The 49ers offensive line was in bad shape by the time Monday’s game ended. By the final snap, their offensive line was LT Colton McKivitz, LG Ben Bartch, C Jake Brendel, RG Jon Feliciano, RT Spencer Burford. They had no reserves left after Trent Williams, Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore all got hurt. Now they have a short week with a cross-country flight to Washington DC for a 10:00am kickoff Sunday. They need to hope their OL gets healthy quick.
Sky isn't falling
While Monday night was bad – getting shellacked in primetime on Christmas is not awesome – it’s not the end of the world for the 49ers. They’re still the top seed in the NFC, and they still control their own destiny to win the No. 1 spot. They need wins over the Commanders and Rams to close the season to clinch it.
