The San Francisco 49ers triumphed in an explosive 42-38 victory over the Chicago Bears. This dramatic NFC matchup became an unexpected offensive fireworks show. As a result, the defense was significantly underutilized in this high-scoring game. Here are the five most significant points derived from this crucial NFL contest.
1. Brock Purdy’s Immediate, Resilient Rebound
Quarterback Brock Purdy endured the worst possible start to the game. The Bears intercepted his pass and immediately returned it for a touchdown. This shocking play fueled worries about Purdy imploding in a primetime spot. However, the young signal-caller completely rebounded with remarkable composure.
He never again committed a turnover after that dreadful initial throw. Purdy became the driving force behind the 49ers’ explosive offensive output. His high level of play strongly resembles his dominant 2023 form. Continuing this impressive performance will significantly boost the 49ers’ postseason advancement chances.
Purdy's second rushing TD of the half!
— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2025
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2. Kyle Shanahan’s Offensive Play-Calling Excellence
Head coach Kyle Shanahan demonstrated why he is considered an elite offensive mind. Nearly every play called against the Bears was a creative, perfectly sequenced masterpiece. The design of both run plays and pass plays was exceptional.
They consistently generated adequate yardage to move the chains. Therefore, Shanahan’s strategic play-calling was essential to the offense’s sustained success. Anyone who suggests the 49ers should dismiss Shanahan is seriously mistaken. The team could have lost the game early without his brilliant coaching.
3. The Return of the 2023 Christian McCaffrey
The 49ers have placed significant emphasis on Purdy’s return to his previous dominance. Similarly, fans pondered if Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey would regain his 2023 form. He definitively answered that question in favor of Chicago. The sensational running back delivered his most impactful game of the current season.
McCaffrey looked exactly like the phenomenal, dual-threat talent from last year. His commanding play was crucial; without it, the score could have become overwhelmingly ugly. Fortunately, McCaffrey is heating up just as the playoffs approach.
4. Significant Injury Scare for Offensive Lineman Trent Williams
An immediate and major concern hit the team in the first drive. Star offensive tackle Trent Williams suffered an injury and exited the game almost immediately. Doctors suspect a potentially tricky hamstring injury.
Furthermore, hamstring issues have sidelined other key players for extended periods this season. While offensive linemen often recover faster, Williams will likely miss the season finale. Missing the Pro Bowl tackle, who was aiming for a full season, is a major blow to the offensive line.
5. Defensive Misfires and Safety Coverage Issues
The 49ers’ secondary faced significant issues in this high-scoring defensive struggle. Specifically, analysts sharply scrutinized the safeties’ play. Ji’Ayir Brown is not yet a solid starter, but others also contributed to the first defensive touchdown allowed.
Safety Malik Mustapha instead shifted to cover an underside crossing route. Consequently, this critical error left Brown hung out to dry. Mustapha’s mistake was abandoning his assignment and making Brown appear to be the wrongdoer in the play.
