The San Francisco 49ers are no longer unblemished.
The Niners had their undefeated streak to open the season snapped after losing to the Atlanta Falcons, 29-20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, Oct. 25. San Francisco went into the game banged up as injuries continue to accumulate, missing Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel Sr. and others.
San Francisco had four turnovers that contributed to their downfall on Sunday. Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 288 yards and a touchdown, completing 27-of-40 passes, but also threw two interceptions on the day. The 49ers lost a couple of fumbles when they were looking at scoring opportunities.
The silver lining in their performance is that although it was sloppy, the game was still within reach
when it was said and done.
"Anytime you have four turnovers like that, and you get zero, it's real tough to win," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said. "I don't know about the amount of penalties, but to the timing of some penalties, just keeping them on the field ... too sloppy to win."
George Kittle led the team in receptions with eight catches for 88 yards. Christian McCaffrey had six catches for 61 yards. He also had 39 rushing yards on seven carries. Defensively, linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw led the Niners with 13 and 12 tackles, respectively.
"Unfortunately, we're not going undefeated this year," Warner said. "We have to continue to get better as a team. I feel like today we didn't get better. We took a step back."
Here's what stood out in the 49ers first loss of the season:
Five things that stood out in San Francisco 49ers' first loss
Turnovers botch winning chances
The 49ers committed four turnovers but still managed to keep the game close.
Purdy threw two interceptions, which matched his season total going into the game. Kaelon Black lost a fumble late in the second quarter as the Niners were driving downfield. Kittle lost one in 4th, ending San Francisco's hopes of a miracle turnaround.
"I think we were just disappointed about ourselves for having turnovers in the red zone," Kittle said. "The turning point was probably the turnovers. I mean, we had four. I think everybody's going to say about the same thing. Four turnovers. Hard to win football games (and) still had a chance at the end."
Deep, talented roster is running thin
San Francisco has done well in the "next man up" department. They've dealt with injury after injury and continue to find guys to step in and produce as if the 49ers hadn't missed a beat.
"It's the NFL. Injuries happen," Kittle said. "It's just how much depth you have, how many vets do you have that can stay healthy, that can, like, continue to keep the standard play up? That's all that really matters. I think when you have a really good coaching staff, like the ones we have that give us an opportunity every single week to go out there and make plays, they try to put guys in good positions to succeed. That's what gives you a chance to win."
Still, the 49ers can't keep affording to lose players.
Paying for penalties
The 49ers paid for their penalties in the game. They came at pivotal moments, making their impact more costly. In total, San Francisco committed seven penalties giving up 55 yards.
49ers need to preserve CMC, lean on Kaelon Black
Kaelon Black is really important to San Francisco's success. Jordan James, too. They are the ones that will be able to give McCaffrey a much-needed break. For a dual threat running back, McCaffrey's usage is higher than most. Black has to be productive so that McCaffrey can lessen the wear and tear on his body.
He's got to be able to dependable, meaning he can't lose a crucial fumble when momentum is on their side.
"Making sure we stay focused. Locked in on the details," Black said. "It starts with me in my role that I'm playing, I can't turn the ball over. I know as a running back, you know, 100% ball security is the main focus."
Jordan Watkins is due for a breakout game
The wide receiver position group has been incomplete, but those who have been active have been the placeholder until guys get healthy. Jordan Watkins has made the most of his opportunities.
"I think the coaches do a really, really good job at finding ways to get us the ball, we just gotta execute," Watkins said. "I feel like it was just more like, it's time to step up. You know, whenever my number's called, just be ready to go in there and make plays."
Against the Falcons, he tallied three catches for 56 yards and also had a touchdown called incomplete because Watkins didn't maintain possession through the catch going to the ground. You can see the potential in Watkins.
"Me and Brock (Purdy) have been working since camp, so, obviously, there's a lot of trust there," Watkins said. "We just gotta keep getting reps added. We'll see when those guys come back and until then, you know, I'm ready for just to step up and make plays."
He's due for a big game. San Francisco should continue to trust in him as they get the rest of their WR room back in order from injury.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Five things that stood out in the 49ers' first loss of the season
