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The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, easily cruising to a 30-7 victory, starting off strong with four consecutive scoring drives and five three-and-outs defensively en route to the win.
In the victory, several 49ers stood out, raising their stock ahead of Week 2, but there were also a few players whose stock took a hit after their Week 1 performance.
Whose stock has dropped ahead of Week 2?
OT Colton McKivitz
Colton McKivitz had a rude awakening to begin his first season as a starter, facing star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who cruised to three sacks, including two strip-sacks against the right tackle in Week 1.
While the fumbles could be attributed to quarterback Brock Purdy holding the ball too long, it wasn't the best day for McKivitz in pass protection, although that was somewhat expected given the matchup.
However, there were a few key whiffs in the run game for the right tackle, in addition to the five pressures allowed, that tanked the overall performance for the right tackle, placing a question mark at the position ahead of Week 2.
The door is most certainly not shut on McKivitz, who is getting accustomed to his new role, but it wasn't the best performance in Week 1.
To make matters worse, the matchup in Week 2 isn't much easier, as McKivitz could see action against star pass-rusher Aaron Donald, who lined up over an offensive tackle on 24 of his 41 pass-rushing snaps in Week 1.
OL Spencer Burford
Colton McKivitz wasn't the only offensive lineman on the right side who struggled, as his counterpart, right guard Spencer Burford, faced his fair share of issues as well.
Burford allowed four pressures in pass protection, while racking up three penalties as well, with one being negated due to the result of the play.
Burford enters Year 2 with increased pressure, as the 49ers don't have the luxury of incorporating versatile backup Daniel Brunskill, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in the offseason, anymore.
While the potential is certainly there for the right guard, some of the penalties and different miscues need to be cleaned up, and he'll share the responsibilities of potentially covering Aaron Donald in pass protection at times on Sunday.
CB3
Coming out of Week 2, it's clear that the 49ers primarily trust just two of their cornerbacks: Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, who rotated between the outside and the nickel.
The 49ers started the game with Ambry Thomas starting on the outside with Lenoir occupying the slot, even against bigger targets.
However, Thomas had a few struggles in coverage on the outside, which head coach Kyle Shanahan indirectly alluded to when mentioning some of the coverage issues, paving the path for Isaiah Oliver to take over in the nickel during the second half, with Lenoir relegating to the outside.
If the third cornerback is the biggest issue on the defense, that's a significant positive, but it's clear the 49ers don't have a set player there yet, forcing some in-game rotation from Lenoir, which isn't the most ideal scenario.
Week 13 power rankings: Where 49ers and Eagles stand ahead of NFC showdown
By David Bonilla
Nov 28
The San Francisco 49ers have won three consecutive games since their three-game losing streak in October. Their latest victory was last week on Thanksgiving night against the Seattle Seahawks.
This week, they face the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC Championship Game rematch at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles, with a 10-1 record, are coming off an overtime win over the Buffalo Bills and present a formidable challenge. The much-anticipated Week 13 showdown could be a season-defining moment for the victor.
In the last three games, the 49ers' dominant defense and efficient offense have secured wins with an average margin of 20.7 points. In contrast, the Eagles have had a more
49ers' Kyle Shanahan commends Eagles ahead of Week 13 showdown
By David Bonilla
Dec 1
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke highly of his Philadelphia Eagles counterpart, Nick Sirianni, as the two teams prepared for their upcoming Week 13 showdown. Admitting that he doesn't know Sirianni personally, Shanahan expressed deep respect for the Eagles coach, praising his ability to prepare the team to play hard every week.
"I love the commitment to the run game that they do on offense," Shanahan shared. "I think that's one of the coolest things. It's not just that they're committed to the run, but they know what they're doing, too. They know how to use the quarterback as a runner. They know the adjustments defenses have to make, and then they know, when they are making those adjustments, how to use him as a passer. So I've got a lot of respect for them,
Kyle Shanahan provides final updates ahead of 49ers-Eagles Week 13 matchup
By Site Staff
Dec 1
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters after Friday's practice, providing final updates ahead of the team's Week 13 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Here is everything he had to say.
Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff.
Opening comments:
"All right, the injuries for the game: [RB] Jordan Mason will be questionable, [WR] Ray- Ray [McCloud III], questionable, [DL] Arik Armstead, questionable. Go ahead."
How did those guys look today getting out there doing limited work?
"They looked limited."
What's one thing about the Eagles that keeps you up at night?
"Almost everything. A
49ers activate Robert Beal Jr., place George Odum on IR ahead of Eagles game
By Site Staff
Nov 27
The San Francisco 49ers announced that rookie defensive lineman Robert Beal Jr. has been activated from the injured reserve list. The team placed safety George Odum on the injured reserve list to make room on the roster.
Odum (6-1, 202) appeared in all 11 of the team's games and registered a team-high 10 tackles on special teams. He suffered a torn biceps injury during the 49ers' Week 12 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
In April, San Francisco drafted Beal in the fifth round (173rd overall). On August 30, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a hamstring injury. Beal was the last of three 49ers players waiting to be activated after their
