The San Francisco 49ers have concluded a disappointing 2024 season with a 6-11 record, marking a stark contrast to their previous three years of playoff success. Key players faced contract disputes and injuries, impacting the team's performance significantly. Tight end George Kittle expressed dissatisfaction with the team's low standards and expectations not being met, highlighting the disappointing nature of their season.
The struggles began with holdouts from Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams during training camp, followed by injuries to rookie Ricky Pearsall and Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. The team faced a series of tragic personal events, compounding their challenges on the field.
Quarterback Brock Purdy experienced a decline in performance, with a noticeable drop in his passer rating and struggles to lead the team to comeback victories. The defense, typically a strength, faltered under coordinator Nick Sorensen, culminating in the fewest takeaways and most points allowed late in the season.
Despite these setbacks, the rookie class provided a glimmer of hope, with several players stepping up as key contributors. However, special teams issues continued to plague the team. Looking ahead, questions about Purdy's contract loom, as he is now eligible for an extension that could make him one of the league's higher-paid quarterbacks.
