The San Francisco 49ers are starting their season 1-0 after a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game’s final score was 30-7, a complete domination. After overcoming a ton of offseason drama, whether it be about Nick Bosa or Trey Lance, and their first game being on the road, the 49ers still won. Here is a look at the key aspects of the game that got the San Francisco 49ers their first victory of the season.
Defense Took Charge
The San Francisco 49ers defense came out strong. It wasn’t until the second half of the game that the Steelers were able to get anything strong going. Limiting an opponent to seven points in the first game is a great sign of how powerful the San Francisco defense can turn out. By the end of the game, the 49ers had 59 total tackles, five sacks, and eight tackles for loss, according to ESPN. They also had two interceptions which were such a momentum booster for this team.
49ers CB Charvarius Ward (7) and Ambry Thomas (20) – Joe Sargent/Getty Images
The two players to force an interception were Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga. Hufanga did try to lateral to Tashaun Gipson, but the ball went forward. At least Hufanga was still able to catch the interception, which was thanks to a big Fred Warner deflection. Warner had one drop that, if he caught, could have possibly been a pick-six, but unfortunately, the team will have to wait for another day for Warner to get his interception.
Nick Bosa was not the biggest player on the field, especially with being double-teamed, but that was expected. What that did was give second-year defensive end Drake Jackson the ability to have a big game. Jackson ended the game with three sacks and two tackles for loss. The San Francisco 49ers defense is already starting strong, and it will be interesting to see how they grow from here.
Offense Controlled the Game
While the San Francisco 49ers offense has all the weapons in the world, many were wondering how many games it would take for them to gain momentum. With the injury to quarterback Brock Purdy in the NFC Championship, this was his first full regular season game back. Right away, this offense came out firing. Brock Purdy ended the game with 19 completions out of 29 attempts for 220 yards and two passing touchdowns, according to ESPN. He did fumble the ball twice but somehow managed to recover one by laying on the ball and reaching behind him.
As for the run game, according to ESPN, the team had 188 rushing yards and one touchdown which was by Christian McCaffrey. The touchdown was a 65-yard run at the beginning of the second half. Of the 188 total rushing yards, 152 were from McCaffrey, who had 22 carries. Something to watch moving forward is if McCaffrey continues to get that many reps in one game. While he will still get the most carries when healthy, Elijah Mitchell had just five against the Steelers.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk (11) – Tony Avelar/AP Photo
Brandon Aiyuk is a Stud
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk had himself a game. With so many targets on the field at once, it is difficult for any defense to prioritize just one player. Aiyuk is naturally a strong route runner, and he made himself available for Purdy quite often. Aiyuk ended the game with eight receptions for 129 yards and two receiving touchdowns, according to ESPN. Even if he is not the first option in the play, Aiyuk is a trustworthy target. Aiyuk is going to be someone to watch this season as a naturally strong player, especially as he looks for a contract extension next offseason.
Jake Moody Did It
One of the biggest storylines for 49ers fans heading into this game was how rookie kicker Jake Moody would do. 49ers fans can breathe another day. Moody was 100% against the Steelers. This means not only did he make all three extra points, but he made all three field goals as well. While it is understandable for fans to remain skeptical, their kicker did not cost them the game; he only helped the team get the win.
49ers Kicker Jake Moody (4) – Michael Owens/Getty Images
Where do the San Francisco 49ers Go from Here?
One of the best news to hear following the game is that the only injury report from the game was that Ambry Thomas had to be checked for a concussion. Even with that, he is already cleared. Next up, the 49ers are headed to Los Angeles for their second away game in a row. They will be facing one of their NFC West opponents, the Rams. It’s time to see if the 49ers can not only keep their momentum but also keep their win streak against the Rams alive.
