Why the 49ers Abandoned the Run Early Against the Ravens

SANTA CLARA -- Kyle Shanahan called a perplexing game in the 49ers' 33-19 loss to the Ravens.

His quarterback, Brock Purdy, threw three interceptions in the 49ers' first four drives -- he was way too amped up. The moment was too big for him. He had a chance to prove he's the MVP of the league and he blew it.

Once Purdy threw the first interception on the first drive of the game, you could tell he wasn't himself. You would think Kyle Shanahan would have realized he needed to lean on his MVP caliber running back Christian McCaffrey until his young quarterback settled down.

Instead, Kyle Shanahan called 16 passes and only 7 runs in the first four series of the game despite the 49ers defense giving up only 10 points during that time. He had every opportunity to run, he had the best running back in the NFL, and Shanahan decided to let the young quarterback throw away the game.

After the game, I asked Shanahan about that decision.

ME: The play calling was very aggressive. Was that your plan coming into the first quarter to attack with the pass like that?

SHANAHAN: "No, it was to be balanced. It was just how it came out. We finished with a pick and stuff, so we didn't make a conscious decision we're going to come out throwing. It was some of the looks we had and felt we were moving the ball pretty good doing it."

Shanahan is right -- the 49ers did move the ball when they passed in the first half. But they also moved the ball when they ran. And McCaffrey didn't turn the ball over -- Purdy did. Four times.

There's a reason the 49ers pass the ball less frequently than every other team in the league, and the reason is Purdy. He's turnover prone. He proved it in college, he proved it in training camp, and he proved it against the Ravens.

The next time the 49ers face a good team like Baltimore, they need to run the freaking ball.