The San Francisco 49ers concluded their 2024 season with a loss to the Arizona Cardinals, marked by injuries, standout performances, and a notable absence of QB Brock Purdy. Joshua Dobbs stepped in as quarterback, leading the team in a competitive game. Key highlights included Jauan Jennings' ejection, rookie Renardo Green's defensive plays, and a homecoming for rookie wideouts Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing. Injuries played a significant role, affecting several players, including Isaac Guerendo and Talanoa Hufanga.
The San Francisco 49ers closed their 2024 NFL season with a 27-20 defeat against the Arizona Cardinals. The game was marked by the absence of key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy, who was sidelined due to injury. Joshua Dobbs took the helm as the starting quarterback, delivering a mixed performance. The match featured notable moments from players like Jauan Jennings, who ended his season just shy of a 1,000-yard milestone, and rookies like Renardo Green, who continued to impress on defense. The game also saw significant injuries that could impact the team's offseason strategies.
Veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings concluded his season on a bittersweet note. Despite being ejected in the second quarter due to a scuffle with Arizona's Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jennings completed a career-best season with 975 receiving yards. His performance in the final game included catching seven of ten passes for 52 yards, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. The disqualification marked an unfortunate end to what could have been his first 1,000-yard season. Jennings' contributions throughout the season have been crucial, and his absence in the latter half of the game was felt by the 49ers [1].
Rookies Renardo Green, Ricky Pearsall, and Jacob Cowing made significant impacts in the 49ers' final game. Green, a second-round pick, matched his season-high with two pass breakups and added three tackles, showcasing his defensive prowess. Meanwhile, Arizona natives Pearsall and Cowing enjoyed a homecoming game, with Pearsall catching six passes for 69 yards and a touchdown, and Cowing securing two catches for 30 yards. Their performances were a highlight in an otherwise challenging game for the 49ers, demonstrating the potential of the team's younger talent [1].
Injuries played a significant role in the 49ers' performance against the Cardinals. Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo suffered knee and ankle injuries early in the game, leading to his exit. Safety Talanoa Hufanga was ruled out with a concussion, while other players like Malik Mustapha and Chris Conley faced injuries during the game. These setbacks, combined with the absence of key players like Brock Purdy, affected the team's dynamics and contributed to their loss. Despite these challenges, backup players like Patrick Taylor Jr. stepped up, achieving his first 100-plus rushing yard game [1].
The 49ers' season finale against the Cardinals highlighted both the potential and challenges facing the team. While injuries and player absences were a significant factor in their defeat, the performances of rookies and backup players provided a glimpse into the team's future prospects. As the 49ers head into the offseason, decisions regarding players like Brock Purdy and addressing injury concerns will be crucial to shaping their strategy for the next season. Despite the loss, the game offered valuable insights and lessons for the team moving forward.
"Jennings finished the year with 975 receiving yards on the year, just shy of what would have been his first 1,000-yard season." - 49ers Official Report