The San Francisco 49ers finished their tumultuous 2024 season with a challenging road game against the Arizona Cardinals on January 5, 2025. With the playoffs out of reach, the 49ers entered State Farm Stadium without their starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who was sidelined due to injuries sustained during the previous week’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. Instead, former Cardinal Josh Dobbs stepped up to lead the 49ers.
Dobbs, who had experience starting for Arizona earlier this season, completed 29 of 43 passes for 326 yards, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. His performance showcased resilience under pressure, albeit mixed with some struggles typical of understudy play. The stage was particularly momentous for several players who, due to the team's depleted roster and increasing injury toll, had significant opportunities to shine.
Among those players was wide receiver Jauan Jennings, who unfortunately left the game early after receiving a disqualification penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Jennings was involved in a scuffle with Arizona cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting following the play where Dobbs rushed. His departure came just shy of reaching the 1,000-yard benchmark for the season, finishing with 975 receiving yards. Despite the setback, he caught seven passes out of ten attempts for 52 yards during the game, capping off what has been his best career season so far.
Rookie wide receivers Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing found themselves returning home, playing with the support of family and friends at the stadium. Pearsall made notable contributions with six receptions for 69 yards, including a touchdown, tying the game at 17 just before halftime. Cowing added two catches for 30 yards, both proving foundational during the game and showcasing the future potential of the 49ers on offense.
Meanwhile, 49ers veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk added to the excitement, catching a 36-yard touchdown pass from Dobbs, marking the 24th touchdown of his career. This effort brought the 49ers within two points during the third quarter, heightening the game as both teams fought for offensive momentum.
Yet, injuries plagued the 49ers throughout the game. Running back Isaac Guerendo left the match after suffering knee and ankle injuries on his second carry. Head coach Kyle Shanahan later remarked Guerendo is likely to have sustained an MCL sprain, with tests for confirmation expected soon. With Guerendo's exit, Patrick Taylor Jr. stepped up admirably, achieving his first career 100-yard rushing game with 109 yards on 17 carries.
Defensively, the 49ers struggled as well, with multiple key players absent from the lineup due to injuries. This included notable names like wide receiver Deebo Samuel and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, who were listed inactive. The continuing injury woes led to guard Spencer Burford and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles being placed on injured reserve just prior to the game, resulting in significant challenges for the 49ers defense.
The game opened with aggressive plays from the 49ers, including Dobbs connecting early with Pearsall for significant yardage. After starting with momentum, the 49ers’ special teams encountered issues; Jake Moody initially redeemed himself with long-range field goals but followed several miscues, leading to difficulties on both sides of the ball.
On the other side, the Cardinals were also impacted by injuries, which included key players recovering from earlier season-long ailments. The consistency of Kyler Murray was under question as he attempted to lead Arizona through this season finale. His connection with his receivers was evident, but turnovers from the Cardinals’ side mirrored some struggles present within the 49ers as they juggled the flow of the game.
It was reported on various sports outlets, including those monitoring the playoff picture, the final games were pivotal as teams set their eyes toward the offseason. Though the 49ers closed their season with mixed results and notable injuries, performances from players like Dobbs and others highlighted potential directions for future personnel moves.
Observing the challenges faced by both the Cardinals and 49ers, analysts remarked on how pivotal practices will be leading up to next season, especially as injuries continue to impact player careers and team strategies. The NFL’s unpredictable nature has shown as both teams endeavor for stability as they look toward the upcoming draft and offseason training.
Despite the hardships, the 49ers showed character and resilience, laying the groundwork for what could be hoped for next year. Josh Dobbs, having navigated through turbulence, certainly made his case to remain part of the team heading forward, proving possibility even amid difficult challenges.
Overall, the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals provided fans with excitement and intrigue, reminding everyone why the NFL season is as thrilling and unpredictable as it remains.