The energy heading into the Bears vs 49ers 2024 matchup on December 8 was, honestly, a bit chaotic. You had a Chicago team trying to find its soul after firing Matt Eberflus just days earlier, and a San Francisco squad that looked like it finally remembered how to be the powerhouse everyone expected. It wasn't just a game; it was Thomas Brown’s debut as interim head coach for the Bears. Spoiler alert: things didn't go as planned for the Windy City.
By the time the final whistle blew at Levi's Stadium, the scoreboard read San Francisco 49ers 38, Chicago Bears 13. If you only looked at the score, you'd think it was just another blowout. But the details? They’re kinda wild. Especially when you consider that Chicago was outgained 319-4 in the first half.
Four yards.
That is not a typo.
✨ Don't miss: Who is going to the playoffs? The NFL Postseason Picture Basically Explained
The First Half Disaster and the 319-to-4 Yard Gap
Most people expected some growing pains under Thomas Brown, but the first half was a total nightmare. The 49ers looked like the team that went to the Super Bowl a year prior. Brock Purdy was nearly perfect, starting the game 16-of-18 for 258 yards. He finished the day with 325 yards and a 145.4 passer rating. Basically, he carved them up.
The discrepancy in production was staggering. While San Francisco moved the ball at will, the Bears' offense was essentially in a coma. Caleb Williams was sacked four times in the first half alone. By halftime, it was 24-0. The Niners had scored on their first five possessions, while the Bears managed a single first down. It felt less like a professional football game and more like a varsity squad playing the freshmen.
Key Performers for San Francisco
- Brock Purdy: 20/25, 325 yards, 2 TDs.
- George Kittle: 6 catches, 151 yards (he was basically unguardable).
- Jauan Jennings: 7 catches, 90 yards, 2 TDs.
- Isaac Guerendo: 128 total yards and 2 rushing scores.
Guerendo’s performance was particularly notable because he was a rookie fourth-rounder making his first NFL start. He was filling in for Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, who had both been sidelined with injuries. He didn't look like a backup. He looked like a starter.
Caleb Williams and the Silver Lining
Despite the lopsided score, Caleb Williams did something that actually made history during the Bears vs 49ers 2024 game. He extended his streak of pass attempts without an interception to 255. That is the most ever by a rookie in NFL history and the most by any Bears quarterback, period.
💡 You might also like: Manchester United vs Arsenal: Why This Rivalry Still Matters More Than the Table Suggests
In the second half, the Bears finally showed some life. Williams connected with Rome Odunze for two touchdowns—a 4-yarder in the third and a 14-yarder in the fourth. It wasn't nearly enough to change the outcome, but it saved them from a total shutout. Williams finished 17-of-23 for 134 yards. The yardage was low, mostly because he spent half the game running for his life or getting buried under the 49ers' pass rush.
Honestly, the offensive line was the biggest issue. Williams was sacked seven times in total. It's hard to evaluate a rookie's "growth" when he's essentially playing a game of survival every time the ball is snapped.
Why This Specific Game Mattered
This loss was Chicago’s seventh straight. It cemented the reality that changing the coach doesn't magically fix a broken roster or a struggling offensive line. For the 49ers, it was a "get right" game. They had come off two blowout losses themselves and needed to prove they were still contenders in the NFC West.
The atmosphere in Santa Clara was electric for the Niners but felt like a funeral for the Bears' 2024 playoff hopes. San Francisco's defense, led by Yetur Gross-Matos (who had three sacks), reminded everyone why they are so dangerous when healthy. They completely shut down the run and forced the Bears into obvious passing situations where the pass rush could tee off.
Defensive Dominance
The 49ers didn't just win on offense. They held the Bears to 162 total yards. To put that in perspective, George Kittle almost had that many yards by himself. The Bears' running game was nonexistent, managing only 68 yards on the ground. When your quarterback is your most consistent "runner" via scrambles, you're in trouble.
Looking Back: Lessons from Week 14
If you're looking for the "why" behind the result, it's pretty simple: San Francisco had better players in the trenches.
💡 You might also like: Water Flow Salmon River NY: What Most People Get Wrong
The Bears were dealing with internal drama, a rookie QB under immense pressure, and a defense that seemed to lose its edge after the coaching change. Meanwhile, Kyle Shanahan put on a masterclass in play-calling, using Kittle and Jennings to exploit the middle of the field.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Trenches: The Bears' offensive line remains the primary hurdle for Caleb Williams' development. Until they fix the protection, stats will be skewed.
- Value the "Other" Guys: Jauan Jennings and Isaac Guerendo proved that in the 49ers' system, the scheme is as important as the stars.
- Patience with Rookies: Despite the sacks and the loss, Williams' interception-free streak shows a level of ball security that is rare for a first-year player.
- Interim Struggles: Coaching changes mid-season rarely lead to immediate wins, especially against Super Bowl-caliber rosters.
The 2024 season was a rough ride for Chicago fans, but this specific game was a glaring reminder of the gap between a team rebuilding and a team refined. It wasn't just a loss; it was a roadmap of exactly what the Bears need to fix before they can compete with the heavyweights of the NFC.