49ers edge Bears in shootout, 42-38, as Cooks shines, Purdy excels
The San Francisco 49ers edged out the Chicago Bears in a thrilling shootout, winning 42-38 in a game that showcased the talents of both teams' quarterbacks.
Why it matters: This high-scoring contest not only highlighted the offensive prowess of both sides but also raised questions about the Bears' defensive capabilities and their ability to close out games effectively.
- With 11 total touchdowns scored, this matchup tied for the most touchdowns in a single game this season.
- The result puts significant pressure on the Bears as they approach their next game against the Detroit Lions, where rookie quarterback Caleb Williams aims to make franchise history.
What’s new: Caleb Williams delivered an impressive performance despite the loss, completing 25 of 42 passes for 330 yards, including two touchdown throws.
- Williams achieved a passer rating of 100.3 and has now thrown an NFL-best 10 touchdowns on passes of at least 20 air yards this season.
- His completion of all four attempts of 20 or more yards underscores his capability to stretch defenses vertically.
By the numbers: Brock Purdy also shone for the 49ers, recording five total touchdowns while throwing for 303 yards.
- Notably, 269 of those passing yards came when he was not under pressure, showcasing the strength of San Francisco's offensive line and play-calling.
- Purdy's efficiency—completing 21 of 28 dropbacks—demonstrates his growing confidence in the 49ers' offense.
Yes, but: Despite the high point totals, Bears safety Jaquan Brisker expressed disappointment with his team's defense, suggesting a lack of cohesion in critical moments.
- "We let the offense down, period," Brisker stated, emphasizing the defense's inability to maintain leads, especially late in games.
- The Bears have notably struggled, allowing opponents to capitalize during crucial moments, which contributed to their inability to secure wins in recent outings.
What’s next: The Bears are set to face the Detroit Lions, needing just 270 passing yards for Williams to become the first 4,000-yard passer in franchise history.
- Achieving this milestone would not only be a personal victory for Williams but could also bolster the Bears' morale heading into an important divisional matchup.
- This upcoming game represents a pivotal moment for the Bears to regroup and harness their offensive strengths while addressing glaring defensive issues.
The bottom line: As the Bears navigate the remainder of the season, balancing offensive success against defensive shortcomings will be critical. Both Caleb Williams and the coaching staff must prioritize adjustments to ensure that the team can compete effectively moving forward.
