49ers 2025 Season Surprises And Struggles

Season Overview: 13 Wins Despite Key Injuries

San Francisco’s 2025 campaign delivered a mix of high‑octane wins and costly injuries, culminating in a playoff berth despite major setbacks. Key players such as Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and George Kittle missed significant time, yet the 49ers still managed to finish with a 13‑win record. Thrilling victories and a deep postseason run showed the squad’s resilience, but the missing talent left open questions about consistency.

Passing Stats: Jones And Purdy’s Unexpected Duo

The passing game produced two surprising numbers that highlight the 49ers’ quarterback play in 2025. Mac Jones and Brock Purdy finished second and third overall in adjusted completion percentage, a metric that strips out drops, throwaways and sacks on the throw. Jones led the league in perfectly accurate throws at 22.9%, while Purdy excelled at avoiding pressure, posting a 9.0% pressure‑to‑sack rate—the best in the NFL. Purdy also ranked just behind Lamar Jackson in clutch yards per attempt (8.70) and was labeled the third‑unluckiest signal‑caller with a –4.5 net interception luck rating. Jones posted the fifth‑largest grade jump league‑wide, climbing 13.3 points from the prior season.

Ricky Pearsall Leads Receivers In Contested Catch Rate

Ricky Pearsall emerged as the top receiver in contested catch rate, recording an 81.8% mark after seeing at least 50 targets. The second‑year weapon demonstrated a knack for securing balls in heavy traffic, which helps explain his efficiency with Mac Jones, who delivered the bulk of his accurate throws. While some debate whether his success stems from a lack of separation or pure catch‑point skill, the statistic alone shows he can thrive on high‑percentage football.

Defensive Recap: Dead‑Last In Success Rate Allowed

The 49ers’ defense ended the season dead last in overall success rate allowed at 48.05%, according to SumerSports. The pass rush struggled mightily, posting a 3.15% sack rate (32nd in the league) and allowing Myles Garrett to outgain the entire unit in sacks. Interception production was also anemic, with the 49ers tied for 30th with Dallas at a 0.95% INT% and the Jets recorded none at all. On a brighter note, San Francisco avoided the bottom spot in EPA per play, ranking 24th with a modest 0.06.

What Lies Ahead: Expecting Defensive Improvement

Despite the defensive woes, the organization’s confidence is growing, and many expect a rebound in the upcoming season. The 13‑win haul in 2025 provides a solid foundation, and the presence of healthy Bosa, Warner and Kittle could accelerate that progress. If the passing tandem of Jones and Purdy maintains its efficiency and Pearsall continues to excel in contested situations, the 49ers should be ready to climb the defensive rankings.