These 5 players deserve more praise after 49ers beat Bears

38. 42. 49ers-Bears final. 13. 57. Final

The 49ers delivered a complete performance in their Week 14 win over the Bears, but these five Niners aren't getting enough credit.

For the first time in what seems like months, the San Francisco 49ers delivered a complete game during their Week 14 win over the Chicago Bears.

The 38-13 victory at Levi's Stadium showcased successful efforts from all three phases. Quarterback Brock Purdy and the offense were dynamic, coordinator Nick Sorensen's defense ensured Chicago couldn't move the ball effectively, and even special teams didn't turn into a liability throughout all four quarters.

It's easy to heap praise on Purdy, tight end George Kittle, wide receiver Jauan Jennings and even running back Isaac Guerendo for their efforts. Indeed, those four were instrumental.

However, five other Niners played significant roles, too, but aren't necessarily getting enough credit.

Let's change that.

No. 1: Right guard Dominick Puni

Rookie guard Dominick Puni might have had a little bit of a tough sled in recent weeks, paralleling San Francisco's own three-game losing streak.

But the third-round draft pick bounced back in about as good a way as possible versus Chicago, earning a lofty 93.4 game grade from Pro Football Focus, highest among all 49ers players.

If that's not enough, Puni set weekly PFF bests at his position:

Dominick Puni's 93.4 overall grade and 92.1 run blocking grade yesterday are currently the highest of any offensive lineman in the NFL so far in Week 14. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) December 9, 2024

Indeed, Puni and the rest of the 49ers offensive line surrendered just one sack to Purdy and gave plenty of good rushing chances to Guerendo throughout despite not having All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams in the lineup.

Puni, meanwhile, continued his upward trajectory.

No. 2: Cornerback Renardo Green

Staying on the rookie theme, cornerback Renardo Green is also on the up and up, finishing Week 14 with an impressive stat line of his own: five targets on 31 coverage snaps with only 21 yards allowed, all going along with a pass broken up.

Green has pretty much cemented his role as a starter and will be a key player to watch within the Niners secondary over the next few seasons.

No. 3: Linebacker De'Vondre Campbell

It's been pretty easy to criticize veteran linebacker De'Vondre Campbell when he isn't playing well, but he also deserves praise when he has a solid game.

Week 14 might have been his best yet in a San Francisco uniform.

Campbell not only led the 49ers in tackles in Week 14 with seven, but he also was instrumental in the 49ers' run defense getting back on track and holding the Bears to a mere 68 yards rushing and a lowly 3.2 yards-per-carry average.

True, Campbell could see his field time diminish greatly over the final four weeks of the season, assuming star backer Dre Greenlaw finally returns soon from last February's Achilles tear.

But, at least Campbell enters that uncertainty on a high note.

No. 4: Linebacker Dee Winters

Campbell's long-term tenure with the Niners is in doubt, yes. But second-year linebacker Dee Winters could easily be working his way into a starter's role, especially knowing both Campbell and Greenlaw are free agents this offseason.

Winters, too, enjoyed something of a complete game despite occupying more of a support role, finishing with two tackles but also breaking up a pass.

PFF recognized his efforts, though, giving him a 90.2 coverage grade on 27 total snaps.

If Winters continues to have those kinds of performances, he'll be in the conversation as a would-be Greenlaw replacement, should the latter ultimately depart the Bay Area in 2025.

No. 5: Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos

Somewhat lost in the discussion about San Francisco's Week 14 victory is the fact defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos had a career-best three-sack performance.

The 49ers were again without All-Pro pass-rusher Nick Bosa (hip/oblique) for the game, and many figured it'd be veteran defensive end Leonard Floyd who'd assume the primary responsibility for getting to Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

Floyd certainly accomplished this, sacking Williams twice in the affair.

But Gross-Matos was the pass-rushing star, tallying half of the Niners' six quarterback takedowns.

Supplementary pass-rushers are going to be vital to San Francisco's final stretch run, and Gross-Matos certainly delivered despite not receiving much hype for doing so.