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The San Francisco 49ers handily defeated the New York Giants in Week 3, winning 30-12 to improve to 3-0 on their season, scoring over 30 points for the third consecutive week of the season.
Despite the comfortable win, the 49ers were nowhere near the "A-Game" offensively, struggling on some early drives and kicking field goals when touchdown opportunities were present, ultimately showcasing how dangerous this offense could be.
While there were missed opportunities present last Thursday, another element that the 49ers were missing was emerging wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who was inactive due to a shoulder injury.
Aiyuk has been on a tear to start the season, winning NFC Offensive Player of the Week in the opener for an eight-catch, 129-yard, and two-touchdown performance, but, ironically, his value to the 49ers was seen even more in his absence.
Aiyuk provides the 49ers with a true deep threat that can challenge defensive backs downfield, given his pristine route-running capabilities, and San Francisco missed that field-stretcher against the Giants last week, which allowed them to blitz at such a high rate.
The wideout provides the 49ers with a consistent threat to beat man-coverage, which limits defenses in their playcalling as they look to contain all of San Francisco's weapons.
As Aiyuk continues to develop into an elite-caliber receiving threat, it's clear that his value continues to increase for the 49ers, and head coach Kyle Shanahan knows it.
"[Aiyuk provides a ton at the x-position for our offense]," Shanahan said ahead of this week's matchup. "Every guy's so important that we have out there and every guy is a very good player and every guy affects the other player too. So, depending on where they roll the defense, everyone's got matchups and matchup advantages, but Aiyuk can run all the routes that any receiver can. He can play outside, he can play inside, he can play like a fast, quick guy and he can play like a long, big guy. Aiyuk is a very versatile player."
After missing Week 3, the 49ers will welcome their receiver back into the fold against the Arizona Cardinals, as head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Aiyuk is cleared to return this weekend.
"He had a real good week. Yeah, he's good to go, off the injury report. Excited to have him back."
While the 49ers do a great job of distributing the ball to their weapons offensively, which forces defenses to account for each threat, Aiyuk's presence will certainly be welcomed back in Week 4 as quarterback Brock Purdy looks to continue a solid start to his 2023 campaign.
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk weigh in on 49ers-Eagles showdown
By David Bonilla
Nov 27
The eagerly awaited Week 13 clash between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles is on the horizon. Following a Thanksgiving roasting of the Seattle Seahawks, the 49ers returned to the field on Monday for a bonus practice, gearing up for the NFC Championship Game rematch.
Wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk addressed reporters after practice, downplaying the emotional significance of Sunday's showdown between NFC powerhouses. Both players, vocal about their disappointment after last season's devastating defeat, had previously suggested that the better team failed to come out on top.
Regarding the upcoming rematch, Samuel told reporters,
Brandon Aiyuk: Philly hate made 49ers-Eagles "super fun"
By David Bonilla
Dec 3
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel excels at blocking out the noise. The San Francisco 49ers entered a hostile Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, gearing up for the much-anticipated NFC Championship Game rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Early on, it seemed like it could be a hard-fought battle. However, the 49ers eventually broke things open, securing a dominating 42-19 victory despite the very vocal hometown fanbase.
"I really wasn't even listening to them, to be honest," Samuel admitted after the game. "I was just so locked in and ignoring all the noise."
In contrast, Samuel's teammate, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, couldn't help but notice the passionate fanbase
Deebo Samuel declares 49ers' Brock Purdy the top MVP candidate: "It ain't even up for debate"
By David Bonilla
15 hrs
Following Sunday's decisive 42-19 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, there is a lot of chatter surrounding Brock Purdy's chances of winning the NFL MVP award. Oddsmakers currently favor the San Francisco 49ers quarterback for the coveted annual honor.
Purdy played a pivotal role in helping his teammate, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, amass impressive numbers against the Eagles. Samuel hauled in four receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed on the ground, gaining 22 yards and scoring a rushing touchdown.
Purdy completed 19 of his 27 passing attempts for 314 yards and four touchdowns, finishing with a 148.8 passer rating against the Eagles.
As far
Why Baldy sees 49ers QB Brock Purdy as a legitimate MVP candidate
By David Bonilla
16 hrs
NFL analyst Brian Baldinger asserts that Brock Purdy is a legitimate contender for the NFL MVP award. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback has been playing at an elite level, leading the league in several statistical categories, including completion percentage (70.2), touchdown percentage (6.9), yards per attempt (9.6), yards gained per completion (13.7), and passer rating (116.1).
"If Brock Purdy keeps playing like this, I think Brock Purdy is the MVP," Baldinger said Tuesday morning on 95.7 The Game's "The Morning Roast" show.
While acknowledging that the 49ers are a perfect fit for Purdy, Baldinger dismisses the notion that San Francisco's talented roster and head coach Kyle Shanahan's system are solely responsible for Purdy's success.
"Honestly,
