The San Francisco 49ers‘ contest against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday was one of the biggest showdowns in the NFL in Week 13.
The Niners handed the young Dolphins a 33-17 defeat, but it came at a high cost, as their starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a foot injury in the first quarter and didn’t return.
Just like that, Garoppolo’s season was over, and so were seemingly the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes.
Fans on Twitter wished Garoppolo well, especially considering he may not play another game in the red and gold ever again.
That could have been the last time we see Jimmy G in a 49ers uniform. If so, thanks for the memories. Heal up. 💯 pic.twitter.com/RQIoRd0L8k
— Ryan G Hensley (@ryanghensley) December 5, 2022
Brock Purdy, the last player selected in April’s NFL draft, stepped in and played rather well, going 25 of 37 for 210 yards while throwing two touchdown passes and one interception.
Brock Purdy vs Dolphins:
• 25/37
• 210 yards
• 2 TD
• 1 INT
• 88.8 passer ratingThe 49ers QB looked IMPRESSIVE stepping in for Jimmy Garoppolo 👀 pic.twitter.com/xUc4r8hhRZ
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) December 5, 2022
Niners fans had been somewhat divided into fans of Garoppolo and those of Trey Lance, who has been out since Week 2 with an ankle injury, but now everyone seems to be supporting Purdy.
The 49ers just detroyed a playoff team with their third-string quarterback. That's what you call a statement win.
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) December 5, 2022
For the first time all season, the 49er fanbase can unite with one QB this season. We’re all behind Brock Purdy now #49ers
— Chris Polo (@ChrisPolo__) December 5, 2022
Of course, as usual, San Francisco’s defense was the star of the game, as it forced Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa into completing just 18 of 33 passes and throwing two interceptions.
Tua has not played a Defense like this all season! If you wondered whether the @49ers Defense was for real well…. You tell me
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) December 4, 2022
The 49ers have the best defense in football. There should no longer be a question. They just smothered Miami with Arik Armstead still on a pitch count
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) December 5, 2022
Pass rusher Nick Bosa continued to show why he is one of the best in the game with three sacks on Tagovailoa and two tackles for loss, while linebacker Dre Greenlaw recovered an errant pass and ran the ball into the endzone for a touchdown.
Offensively, Christian McCaffrey shined brightest, as the running back rushed for 66 yards while adding 80 yards and a touchdown in the air.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel added six receptions for 58 yards, and afterward, he fired back at former 49ers running back and current Dolphin Raheem Mostert‘s comments earlier in the week when he said Miami has “way more talent” and a “quarterback who can actually sling it.”
Deebo Samuel on Raheem Mostert’s comments earlier in the week:
“I thought they had the best talent. Oh… my bad.” pic.twitter.com/5t5yTktHz8
— KNBR (@KNBR) December 5, 2022
With an 8-4 record, the 49ers now have a five-game winning streak and remain in first place in the NFC West.
