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Despite a challenging season, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan firmly stated his commitment to staying in San Francisco. Internet rumors had suggested a potential trade sending Shanahan to the Chicago Bears in exchange for draft picks, but Shanahan quickly dismissed the idea after Sunday’s 38-13 victory over the Bears.
“I don’t want to be any place in the world more than here,” Shanahan said. “My family feels just as strong if not a lot stronger. I hope you guys are going to have to kick me out of here.”
Support from Leadership
General Manager John Lynch echoed Shanahan’s sentiments during a radio interview last Friday, labeling the speculation as “comical.” Lynch emphasized the team’s trust in Shanahan, despite the absence of a recent championship.
“We’re 100% behind Kyle and what he brings to our organization,” Lynch told KNBR. “Like I said, our focus is really on the Bears and doing everything we can. That’s where Kyle’s focus is, and that’s where all our focus is.”
The win over Chicago improved San Francisco’s record to 6-7, breaking a three-game losing streak and keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.
A Dominant First Half
The 49ers looked unstoppable in the first half, jumping out to a 24-0 lead while outgaining the Bears 319 to 4 in total yardage. The 315-yard differential marked the largest in a single half for the team in the past 40 seasons.
Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo starred in his first NFL start, racking up 128 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 17 touches. Guerendo stepped up after injuries sidelined Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason.
Guerendo left the game in the fourth quarter with a foot injury but downplayed concerns afterward. “Everything is fine,” Guerendo said. “They’re just being cautious. We have a quick turnaround this week, so we’re just making sure that we’re good to go.”
Before exiting, Guerendo joined franchise legends Carlos Hyde, Earl Cooper, and Hugh McElhenny as one of four players in team history to record over 100 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in their first start.
Offensive and Defensive Synergy
Quarterback Brock Purdy turned in a strong performance, completing 20-of-25 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end George Kittle was his top target, hauling in six catches for 151 yards.
“All I’ve been preaching to Isaac is, ‘Hey man, just run really, really fast and hold on the football and you’re going to get a lot of yards,'” tight end George Kittle said. “And I thought he did a really good job of that today.”
San Francisco’s defense also delivered, sacking Bears quarterback Caleb Williams seven times and holding Chicago to just 162 total yards.
Playoff Hopes Still Alive
Although the win boosted San Francisco’s playoff chances from 8% to 13%, they remain in third place in the NFC West. The Seahawks and Rams both secured victories on Sunday, keeping the 49ers two games behind Seattle and one game behind Los Angeles.
With four games remaining, the 49ers know they have little room for error.
“We still have everything in front of us to play for,” Kittle said. “I know certain things might need to happen, but if we win every single game, I think we’ve put ourselves in a very good position to either win the division or somehow sneak our way into playoff contention. … I definitely think everybody in this building still believes.”
The 49ers will look to carry Sunday’s momentum into their Thursday night matchup against the Rams, a pivotal divisional game that could define their postseason fate.
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This report used information from ESPN.
