The San Francisco 49ers entered Sunday night knowing the margin for error was slim.
With postseason positioning still in play and a primetime matchup against the Chicago Bears ahead, preparation mattered. So did respect for the opponent.
The 49ers outlasted the Bears in a high-scoring, back-and-forth battle, closing out a 42–38 victory that carried real weight in the NFC race. The win pushed the 49ers one step closer to the No. 1 seed and set up a decisive showdown with the Seattle Seahawks next week.
San Francisco ultimately closed the door on Caleb Williams at the end of the game. But long before kickoff, head coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear the respect was already there for the Bears quarterback.
Kyle Shanahan’s Pre-Game Comments on Caleb Williams
Shanahan was full of praise for Williams, and did not downplay the challenge Chicago’s quarterback presents.
“Caleb is one of the best throwers and athletic quarterbacks I’ve ever seen,” Shanahan said before the game. “He makes some big-time throws. Extremely scary on the perimeter. It makes sense why he’s playing at such a high level.”
The comments stood out not just for their tone, but for their timing. This was not postgame courtesy. This was a clear-eyed assessment before the first snap.
Why Williams Commanded That Level of Respect
Williams’ skill set forces defenses to account for more than structure.
His arm talent shows up on tight-window throws. His mobility stresses contain. And when plays break down, he has the ability to turn coverage wins into offensive gains.
For a 49ers defense built on timing and pressure, that combination demands discipline. Edge defenders must stay home. Coverage must hold longer. One missed assignment can turn into a drive-altering play.
Shanahan’s remarks reflected the type of quarterback preparation that changes how an entire game plan is built.
A Test the 49ers Took Seriously
The Bears entered the night playing confident football, and Williams was central to that surge.
Chicago had leaned on his ability to create outside structure and extend drives when protection faltered. That placed added strain on opposing defenses and forced them to defend every blade of grass.
Williams backed up Shanahan’s pre-game assessment on the field. He finished the night throwing for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns, repeatedly testing San Francisco on the perimeter and keeping the Bears within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter.
Shanahan’s comments suggested San Francisco knew that challenge was coming.
Looking Ahead for the 49ers
Ultimately, the 49ers did what contenders must do. They survived a high-variance game and kept their goals intact. The win now sets up a Week 18 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 1 seed still in reach.
Still, Shanahan’s words mattered beyond the result.
He has coached against elite quarterbacks for years. When he speaks this openly about a young passer before a game, it carries weight.
Caleb Williams entered Sunday night with the respect of one of the league’s sharpest offensive minds. He left having earned even more, despite the loss.
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