After two crucial road wins to start the season, the San Francisco 49ers showed no signs of letting off the pedal in their home opener on Thursday Night Football against the New York Giants.
Behind Deebo Samuel breaking tackles and Nick Bosa wreaking havoc up front, the 49ers cruised to another 30-point performance in a 30-12 win over the Giants in primetime.
Buy 49ers TicketsAfter the 49ers became the NFL’s first team to move to 3-0, here’s a look at some of the studs and on dud from Thursday Night Football in Santa Clara.
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Stud: Kyle Shanahan
On the first drive of the game on Thursday Night Football, Brock Purdy looked shakey, The young passer threw multiple passes that looked like they were heading towards interceptions. Following the opening drive, Kyle Shanahan drew up multiple easy throws to get Purdy into a rhythm.
Purdy hit Samuel and Christian McCaffrey for several easy passes around the line of scrimmage that led to big gains. After Purdy was able to connect with his playmakers for some smooth gains, the quarterback was able to hit some longer throws down the field that were nearly interceptions earlier in the game.
Purdy capped off his 310-yard performance with his second touchdown pass on the evening with a 27-year strike to Samuel in the fourth quarter.
While Purdy put up the numbers, Shanahan deserves some credit for his scheme and playcalling in this game to get his quarterback on track.
Stud: Deebo Samuel
Coming off a quiet season in 2022, Deebo Samuel is turning back the clock at the start of the 2023 season. Sameul has been nearly untackleable through three games, and on Thursday night he shined.
Sameul was the catalyst in Shanahan’s offense, catching six passes for 129 yards receiving. Sameul put an exclamation point on his performance with a 27-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.
While piling up yards on Thursday, Samuel broke tackle after tackle on his way to 81 yards after the catch against the Giants.
Dud: Penalties
For the third straight week, it’s been tough to find a dud for the San Francisco 49ers.
On a short week, Thursday Night Football games have the knack for being sloppy. Where the 49ers could be accused of sloppy on Thursday against the Giants comes in the penalty department. The 49ers committed six penalties for 71 yards on Thursday against the Giants.
Trent Williams appeared to punch Giants defensive linemen A’Shawn Robinson in the helmet as the first half came to a close. Howveer, the veteran tackle avoided an ejection.
Jean-Charles committed a fair catch interference penalty on a punt from the 49ers. With the Giants’ set up with solid field position after the penalty, Daniel Jones led a short touchdown drive to cut the 49ers’ lead down to five points.
Through three games, the 49ers have committed 23 penalties for 213 yards against.
Stud: Elijah Mitchell
After not touching the ball in Week 2, Elijhan Mitchell provided some much-needed cover for Christian McCaffrey in Week 3 against the Giants. While McCaffrey has racked up the touches through three weeks, Mitchell gave the 49ers’ backfield some balance on a short week.
Mitchell received 11 carries for 42 yards, with a long rush of 18 yards on Thursday Night Football. Mitchell also caught three passes from Brock Purdy.
To help preserve McCaffrey throughout the season, Mitchell will need to continue to give the 49ers a solid second option in the backfield going forward.
Stud: Nick Bosa
After going two games without a sack, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year wasted no time getting on the board in the 49ers’ home opener on Thursday.
After going unblocked with the tight end attempting to chip Nick Bosa, the newly signed edge rusher exploded through the line for an easy sack against Daniel Jones, pinning the Giants at the two-yard line.
Bosa added another tackle for loss and two quarterback hits against the Giants. After missing an extended chunk of training camp due to his holdout paired with a quiet start to the season, Bosa looks back in midseason form in Week 3.
Stud: Ronnie Bell
With Brandon Aiyuk out, 49ers pass catchers buried deep on the depth chart got a chance on Thursday against the Giants. Rookie seventh-round pick Ronnie Bell capitalized on the opportunity.
Bell nabbed the first touchdown reception of his career on a nine-year grab from Brock Purdy early in the game. Bell later made a heads-up play, pulling down a tipped ball for a 15-yard gain.
Bell also made an impact on special teams. Following a long punt from Mitch Wishnowsky, Bell stuck a nice tackle on Eric Gray to pin the Giants within their own 10-yard line.
After Thursday’s performance, the rookie should be earning the trust of the 49ers coaching staff which could lead to more playing time.
