Brandon Allen gets support from Shanahan and Kittle after 49ers first start

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Brandon Allen didn’t do enough to be among the rare bright spots in the 49ers’ horrific 38-10 road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, but head coach Kyle Shanahan and tight end George Kittle found plenty of positives in the veteran quarterback’s game. performance to give him some encouraging words after the game.

Allen, who made his first start for the 49ers while Brock Purdy was sidelined with a shoulder injury, finished with 199 yards, one touchdown, one interception and two pass breakups on 17-of-29. 49ers since signing with them ahead of the 2023 season, but Sunday marked his first start since playing for Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. The loss improves the 32-year-old Allen to 2-8 as an NFL starter.

“We were all embarrassed, so no one played that great,” Shanahan said. “But I thought he did some good things.”

The 49ers offense was lacking early in the half while the Packers led 17–0 at the half, but Allen was able to help the 49ers score late in the half, cutting the lead to 17–7 at halftime. . The 49ers had another scoring drive in the third quarter that ended in a field goal, but Allen also committed two costly turnovers in the second half due to his interception and a fumble on a strip sack, both of which led to Packers touchdowns. ” .

“I thought he made some big shots,” Shanahan said. “Just the games I can remember, early on he had a rough play that he threw at them and they went down. The two plays he just slipped on that pitch hurt us. But I thought Brandon made some big shots and everything and gave us a chance.”

Allen’s only touchdown came against Kittle, who really was among the highlights for the 49ers on Sunday with six catches for 82 yards. Many of those catches were highlights, including a touchdown that came on a diving catch and a grab in the third quarter where he made a mid-rotation grab to help the 49ers get a field goal opportunity.

After the game, Kittle had nothing but positive things to say about Allen.

“I think Brandon is great,” Kittle said. “He was good at communication. He spoke loudly and clearly, which was very nice for us. And he made some really good passes.”

As for spin fishing, Kittle said, “It’s something we almost never practice… When he sees you one-on-one, he just gives you an opportunity, and I really respect that from him. Definitely didn’t see it.” anyway, he didn’t train at all, but he gave me a chance and it was fun.”

Purdy could very well be back on the field next week when the 49ers travel to Buffalo to play the Bills on Sunday Night Football. If not, Allen could get the nod again. Either way, the 49ers will need a lot more effort on both sides of the ball to make a hit in this game, but Kittle would at least remain confident if Allen was under center once again.

“I thought he played really well,” Kittle said. “And I think our game needs to be better so we can help him a little bit. “And again, we had so many penalties all over the field that it’s very difficult to win football games like that.”

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