San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has collected plenty of impressive victories during his NFL career. So, it might seem unlikely that a Week 5 clash against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams would stand out as one of his most memorable. Yet last Thursday night's matchup was far from ordinary.
The 49ers entered the primetime game shorthanded—without their starting quarterback, Brock Purdy, multiple wide receivers, All-Pro tight end George Kittle, and their top pass rusher, Nick Bosa. Despite the adversity, Shanahan's squad rallied to upset a heavily favored Rams team on the road, seizing sole possession of first place in the NFC West.
The following day, Shanahan explained why this particular win won't soon fade from memory.
"There have been a lot of special ones," Shanahan said. "It is just the fifth game of the season, so as far as ramifications and stuff, you never know how that plays out. But it was unusually exhausting, I think, just the competitive stamina that you needed for that game, just as probably a player, a coach, a fan, everyone.
"I mean, just 84 plays or whatever it was, and everyone seemed like it mattered. Struggling to run the ball, but still knowing that you needed to try to control that D-line a little bit. All the things that went into it, and just the injuries and stuff, and overcoming so many things, and guys making those plays at the end, which were unbelievable.
"I think all that added up and made it one of the more special ones that you'll definitely remember for a long time."
While Shanahan is savoring the moment, the 49ers can't dwell on it for long. More meaningful football lies ahead for this 2025 squad. San Francisco now turns its focus to a tough Week 6 road matchup against the 4-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Purdy remains sidelined, meaning veteran Mac Jones is expected to make his fourth start—and look to notch his fourth win in a 49ers uniform.
Another silver lining from Week 5? San Francisco was the only NFC West team to secure a victory, keeping them firmly in control of the division race.