The 2024 NFL season has been a roller coaster for the San Francisco 49ers, with injuries and inconsistent play leading to a disappointing end to what many had hoped would be a Super Bowl-contending year. The final straw came in a blowout loss to the Green Bay Packers, a game that not only marked a crushing defeat but also illustrated the team’s ongoing struggles—particularly in the absence of their “system” quarterback, Brock Purdy.

This article will examine the 49ers’ faltering offense, the impact of Purdy’s absence, and how their crushing loss to Green Bay ultimately sealed their fate for the season.

The Importance of Brock Purdy to the 49ers Offense

Since taking over as the starting quarterback in 2022, Brock Purdy has been the unsung hero of the 49ers’ offense. Known for his poise, accuracy, and decision-making, Purdy has fit seamlessly into head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, which is built around a fast-paced, versatile, and run-heavy attack. While Purdy may not be the most physically gifted quarterback, his ability to read defenses and execute Shanahan’s offensive plays has allowed the 49ers to thrive.

However, in the absence of Purdy, the team’s offensive rhythm faltered. The 49ers’ offense—once the envy of the league—became sluggish, predictable, and devoid of any real momentum. Without their starting QB, the team struggled to find consistency in the passing game, which was exacerbated by injuries and the inability of backup quarterbacks to step up.

The 49ers’ Struggles in Green Bay: A Blowout to Remember

The 49ers’ blowout loss to Green Bay in Week 14 was the game that officially ended their playoff hopes and marked the beginning of the end for their 2024 season. The Packers, a team that had been inconsistent throughout the year, took full advantage of the 49ers’ offensive woes.

Anemic Offense in the First Half

The first half of the game was a disaster for the 49ers. They failed to put together a single scoring drive, with the offense looking completely out of sync. The backup quarterbacks—who had been filling in for Purdy—struggled with accuracy, timing, and decision-making. Without the stability and leadership Purdy brings to the offense, the 49ers’ once-potent passing attack was virtually nonexistent.

Green Bay’s defense, which had been inconsistent throughout the season, capitalized on the 49ers’ offensive stagnation. They forced multiple turnovers, putting the 49ers into an early hole. Meanwhile, the Packers’ offense was firing on all cylinders, making quick work of a 49ers defense that had once been a staple of the team’s success.

Lack of Depth in the Running Game

Even though Christian McCaffrey remained a standout player, the absence of a stable quarterback hurt the 49ers’ ability to use their running game effectively. Shanahan’s system, which relies on a balanced attack, was thrown off-track without a quarterback who could execute the passing game efficiently. Teams began to key in on McCaffrey, knowing that the 49ers had little threat through the air.

The Packers also managed to contain McCaffrey, limiting his ability to break big runs and effectively neutralizing the 49ers’ ground game. Without the threat of a dynamic passing game, the Packers were able to load the box and stop the run game, forcing the 49ers into obvious passing situations.

The Quarterback Quandary: The Lack of a Reliable Backup

The 49ers’ troubles during the Green Bay game were symptomatic of a larger issue: their lack of a reliable backup quarterback. When Purdy was sidelined, the 49ers were left with Trey Lance, who had been recovering from injury and still hadn’t fully proven himself as a viable starter in the NFL. Additionally, journeyman backups like Sam Darnold had trouble filling the shoes of a starting QB.

While both Lance and Darnold showed flashes of potential throughout the season, neither could consistently execute Shanahan’s system with the precision and efficiency required at the highest level. Their inability to make quick, accurate throws, and their struggles with managing the game, made the 49ers’ offense resemble a shell of its former self.

The Aftermath: Is the 49ers’ Super Bowl Window Closed?

The 49ers’ 2024 season was a tale of what could have been. With one of the most talented rosters in the NFL—boasting elite players on both sides of the ball—the 49ers had the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs, if not win the Super Bowl. However, the absence of a dependable quarterback and the blowout loss to Green Bay ultimately derailed their season.

Quarterback Questions Moving Forward

The most pressing question now is what the 49ers will do at the quarterback position. Purdy is under contract, but his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level is in question. Injuries have plagued him throughout his career, and given the 49ers’ lack of reliable backups, the front office will have to seriously consider the long-term implications of the quarterback position.

Trey Lance’s future with the team is also uncertain. After being drafted as the franchise QB, Lance has struggled to prove his worth and has battled injuries as well. The 49ers will need to make some tough decisions on how they move forward with Lance, especially considering the potential return of Purdy next season.

A Great Defense, But No Quarterback

While the 49ers’ defense is still one of the league’s best, and players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Talanoa Hufanga continue to be key contributors, defense alone is not enough to win a Super Bowl. The team’s offensive struggles without Purdy have laid bare the fact that the 49ers’ system works only when they have a competent quarterback to execute it.

The Green Bay loss served as a painful reminder that even with an elite defense and talented playmakers like McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel, the 49ers need a reliable quarterback to contend for a championship. Without one, they risk falling short year after year.

Conclusion: A Season Full of Promise, But Ultimately Disappointing

The 49ers’ 2024 season will be remembered as one that was filled with potential but ultimately ended in disappointment. The blowout loss to Green Bay was the final nail in the coffin, but it was also a harsh reminder of the importance of having stability at the quarterback position. The 49ers’ struggles without Brock Purdy revealed just how integral he is to their success, and how critical it is for the team to address their quarterback situation moving forward.

As they look to rebuild and regroup for next season, the 49ers will need to address these issues head-on. Their Super Bowl window may not be closed entirely, but it’s clear that they can’t afford another season of quarterback uncertainty if they hope to achieve their ultimate goal.