5 glaring overreactions to 49ers' epic failure of a loss to Chiefs

The 49ers were wholly outclassed by the Chiefs in Week 7, and that generates some notable overreactions for the rest of the season.

The San Francisco 49ers aren't in the same class as the still-undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.

Despite both teams dealing with all kinds of injuries, including the Niners losing wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk in the game to a likely season-ending knee injury, KC managed to overcome the adversity, puling off a convincing 28-18 win over quarterback Brock Purdy and Co.

Purdy had one of the worst games of his career. So did Kansas City's star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. But the latter still managed to navigate his team's offense effectively enough whereas Purdy didn't.

Again, different classes.

San Francisco has endured plenty of challenges and issues this season, many of which were on full display at Levi's Stadium in Week 7. The offense is inconsistent, the defense has its share of weaknesses and special teams has largely been a laugher.

Needless to say, there are plenty of reactions and overreactions from the game.

Let's break some down and determine whether or not they're actually overreactions.

No. 1: Brock Purdy revealed he isn't a good quarterback

Overreaction? Yes

There are no two ways about it: Purdy had an awful game, finishing with the worst passer rating of his career as a starter (36.7) and highlighted by three poorly thrown interceptions.

Without four of his top weapons -- Aiyuk, wide receiver Deebo Samuel (illness), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) and running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) -- and with the 49ers struggling to move the ball on the ground, Purdy's reality that made him the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft finally came to light.

Right?

True, Purdy has yet to show he can fully carry an offense regardless of his supporting cast. Only the rarest of quarterbacks can do that anyway. And one could argue he needs to avoid playing "hero ball" and stay within himself on gameday, too.

That said, our friend Al Sacco of 49ers Webzone probably sums it up best when looking at the big picture:

The entire body of work from Purdy is still exceptionally good, and it's not as if the Chiefs defense is lackluster. If anything, KC is undefeated this season because of its defense and not just due to Mahomes' prowess.

No. 2: 49ers won't make the Super Bowl now

Overreaction? No

As much as it pains to say it, the Niners clearly are no longer in Kansas City's class. Nor is San Francisco in the same class as other NFC powerhouses, including the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings.

Blame it on bad vibes, injuries or poor losses to teams like the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams, something just feels "off" about this year's 49ers squad.

Speaking of those two NFC West defeats, the conversation would be entirely different if the Niners pulled off wins instead of collapsing late in each of those games. But, San Francisco lost those two games, and they matter just as much as the KC and Minnesota defeats.

At 3-4 nearing the halfway point of the season, and with some awfully tough games ahead of them, one can logically conclude the 49ers are a .500 team this season.

Yes, .500 teams can get into the playoffs and maybe pull off an upset in the Wild Card round. And it benefits the Niners to be within a relatively weak NFC West.

That said, San Francisco making it back to the Super Bowl is a far-fetched reality with seven games in the books.

No. 3: 49ers are toast without Brandon Aiyuk

Overreaction: Yes

Losing Aiyuk is brutal. Despite the receiver having a down year, statistically, all one has to do is go back to the film and watch how he frequently draws opposing defenders with him, thereby opening up opportunities for other pass catchers to make plays. The Week 3 game against LA is a perfect example, one that led to Jennings' career-best day.

But the 49ers still have an overabundance of offensive weapons at Purdy's disposal. And they added another in Week 7 with rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who made his debut after suffering a gunshot wound last August.

Pearsall now has a steep learning curve, but the presence of Samuel, Jennings and tight end George Kittle should help make up for the loss of Aiyuk.

Plus, things do get better upon the eventual return of McCaffrey, which is expected to be in November at a point when the Niners need him most.

No. 4: Kyle Shanahan needs to be fired

Overreaction: Yes

Haven't heard this before, right?

it seems like Shanahan is under the microscope after every bad loss. Just like Purdy, though, head coaches have bad games, and Shanahan certainly had one in Week 7. Additionally, there are some teams head coaches simply can't find ways to beat, and it appears as if Kansas City is Shanahan's kryptonite.

After all, Shanahan is 0-5 against KC in his career, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo again coached circles around the former.

Also like Purdy, though, the full body of work has to be taken into account. San Francisco's success, dating back to 2019, is largely thanks to Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Has it been perfect? No. Is Shanahan an all-time great? Not yet, at least. And he may never be.

That said, he's arguably the most successful head coach the 49ers have had since Jim Harbaugh, and one of only two truly successful coaches the Niners have enjoyed since the early 2000s with Steve Mariucci.

For all those fans who endured San Francisco's dark days under coaches like Chip Kelly, Dennis Erickson, Jim Tomsula and Mike Nolan, admitting Shanahan needs to be let go is merely a knee-jerk reaction.

No. 5: Brian Schneider needs to be fired

Overreaction: No

Shanahan pulled the plug on one-and-done defensive coordinator Steve Wilks a year ago, promoting Nick Sorensen in the latter's stead.

While Sorensen has taken some lumps for the 49ers' defensive inconsistencies this season, the defense hasn't been a consistent problem over the course of 2024.

Special teams, however, has been a yearlong issue.

In fact, some may argue special teams has been woefully inadequate since coordinator Brian Schneider took over duties in 2022. On a nearly weekly basis this year, special teams has either given up a massive return, gave up a turnover or allowed some big play to work against them in one way or another. Sure, there have been splashes here and there, including Schneider's unit sniffing out a fake Chiefs punt attempt (the Niners left their defense on the field that play).

But the overall body of work has been atrocious.

Personnel could be blamed to a degree, yes. And going through three different kickers in as many weeks is an issue beyond Schneider's immediate control.

That said, the recurring issues within the third phase of the game is an indictment against Schneider's efforts, mandating a change here at the soonest opportunity.

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