49ers

In Week 16, the San Francisco 49ers faced a tough loss on the road against the Miami Dolphins, ultimately knocking them out of playoff contention. Despite the challenges posed by numerous injuries throughout the season, quarterback Brock Purdy maintains a strong belief that the team could have performed better with the players available.

“It doesn’t matter who’s out there — we have what it takes to win, move the chains, and score points to give our team a chance to succeed,” said Purdy, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. “I hold myself to a high standard, and despite the injuries to some key players, we just haven’t delivered. It really hurts.”

Rams

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed how special it was for tight end Tyler Higbee to score a touchdown after his return from a serious knee injury.

“I thought it was awesome,” Stafford stated, via PFT. “I was so happy for him. It was fantastic to see him back out there and seal the game with a touchdown after such a great effort. It was incredible to have him back and set a positive tone for our team.”

Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks experienced a narrow defeat against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 16, which complicates their quest for a postseason berth. Despite the setbacks and two interceptions from quarterback Geno Smith, head coach Mike Macdonald praised Smith’s capabilities and his readiness to shoulder significant responsibilities.

“He makes us tick. It’s really that straightforward,” Macdonald noted, via Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. “We entrust him with a lot, and he has rightfully earned that trust. He’s incredibly well-prepared every single day. One of the most dedicated workers I’ve ever encountered. My consistent opinion on him as a competitor is well-documented. If you can’t see that, I wonder what you’re watching? His arm talent, his movement under pressure, and his poise in the pocket are all impressive. His accuracy and situational awareness during critical moments, including two-minute comebacks, are exceptional.”

“This is the same individual who positioned us to win the game with just a few minutes remaining. If the defense had delivered a stop, we would have been discussing another Geno Smith fourth-quarter comeback. That’s the consistency I witness every single day.”

• On cornerback Riq Woolen‘s absence during their opening drive, Macdonald commented: “That was a team rule decision. We made the right choice for the team, and we will move forward from this.” (Brady Henderson)