49ers dominate Jaguars: Quick observations

The losing streak is over, and all is well with the San Francisco 49ers, as the team bounces back in huge fashion, beating the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-3.

From the start, the 49ers dominated the game, although they missed some early opportunities that could have broken the game open in the first half. But after halftime, the 49ers struck early when Brock Purdy hit George Kittle for a 66-yard touchdown pass. And it wasn't close after that.


Here are my live notes (thoughts, observations, opinions) from the game:

• The 49ers defense is back. Kyle Shanana told Greg Papa he wanted to see the defense swarm better as a group. They did that on Sunday.

• Trent Williams looked really good, as usual. Having him back was a huge boost for the offense.
• I think Nick Bosa is going to like playing with Chase Young again.

• Mitch Wishnowski is a weapon.

• The 49ers defense had some issues with the Jaguars' screen game. But that sometimes is the kryptonite for an aggressive defense. That's about all the defense did that was less than perfect, though. They were great.

• Charvarius Ward has had his share of struggles lately, but he had a great pass breakup in the end zone on a third down.
• Isaiah Oliver either got benched, or the coaches didn't like the matchup with him in there. Either way, he didn't play much more than a few plays. I'm guessing it had more to do with the speed Jacksonville had at slot receiver. Still, it's something to watch moving forward.
• The Christian McCaffrey face mask tour continues. How is his head still attached?
• Kittle had a great game, 116 yards receiving and a touchdown. And what a throw by Purdy on that touchdown.

• Bosa looked like Bosa in this game. The 49ers need him to play at his usual high level.
• Colton McKivitz and Spencer Burford leave a lot to be desired on the right side of the offensive line. When Aaron Banks returns, will Burford lose playing time? Shanahan suggested that the plan was to get Jon Feliciano some playing time even before Banks' injury. I wonder if they are planning to go back to how it was last season when Burford split time with Daniel Brunskill.
• Feliciano played well in place of Banks, by the way.
• Deommodore Lenoir did not have his best game.
• Ambry Thomas, who I've been really hard on this season, had a good game, especially the forced fumble and recovery. He should have had a touchdown, if not for some of his teammates blowing it. The defensive pass interference he was called for late in the third quarter was bad, but still, he made some plays in this game. I have to give him the credit he deserves.

• It was great to see Deebo Samuel back. This offense is different without him.

• Brock Purdy is really good. I don't care what Shannon Sharpe (or any other critic) says.

• Turns out that winning the turnover battle is important. The 49ers forced four turnovers and committed zero. Last week, Papa asked Shanahan what some of the keys were to beating Jacksonville. Shanahan said it all comes down to one main thing. "We don't turn it over and we get turnovers." They did that.
• Javon Hargrave was dominant inside with 1.5 sacks to go along with a QB pressure that led to an interception.
• Steve Wilks sure responded to the critics. He was creative, he communicated well with his players, and he called a great game.

• Seeing the return of the pass rush was just what this defense needed. The 49ers sacked Trevor Lawrence five times.
• McCaffrey was unable to score and set a new NFL record for most consecutive games with a touchdown scored. I blame Sam Darnold. (I'm kidding, of course)
• In your face, Trent Baalke.

Next up for the 49ers is a trip back home to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I would guess Bosa and Young will be looking forward to playing Baker Mayfield.

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