Kyle Shanahan was more than happy with quarterback Sam Darnold’s performance in San Francisco’s 21-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Leviand Stadium.
Asked what he thought of Darnold’s first start of the season against the Rams, the 49ers coach said Darnold did a lot of good.
“He made a lot of plays there, great coverage, great with his crafty, quarterback draw.“ Shanahan told reporters after the loss. – I think he moved the chains a second time with his feet, made big throws. I know the last game was unfortunate when I just stepped into the pocket and those guys came after him and fumbled, but I was happy with Sam today.
Darnold started in place of Brock Purdy, who entered this game with other established starters and looked comfortable leading the 49ers’ offense, 16-of-26 passing for 189 yards with one touchdown for a 96.5 passer rating.
The only blemish on Darnold’s day was 49ersand#039; final drive late in the fourth quarter when he was hit from behind and fumbled the ball, allowing Rams’ defense to recover and finish the game effectively.
San Francisco led most of the game but struggled on special teams and Jake Moody missed an extra point and a field goal as the Rams ended up winning the game by one point.
Although the 49ers had already clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs before the game, Darnold had a lot on the line — not just for the big payday, but to show for it. he is still an NFL caliber QB. Darnold struggled after being selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft.
In his first season with the 49ers, Darnold was the primary backup QB, developing a close relationship with Purdy.
Despite the narrow loss of Sunday and number 039 to the Rams, San Francisco still owns the main seed in the NFC and first round home advantage in the finals..
