While the San Francisco 49ers were missing in action in Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft without a single pick in Rounds 2 or 3, the team more than made up for that quiet Friday with a busy Day 3 on Saturday. Just before the Cincinnati Bengals kicked things off with the first selection of the 3rd Round and 65th pick overall, 49ers general manager John Lynch made a splash by trading for disgruntled Washington Redskins left-tackle Trent Williams. The 31-year old Williams who did not play in 2019 after he and his agent demanded a trade following a series of trust issues with the team's medical staff that stemmed from a cancerous tumor that Williams had surgically removed in April of last year. After initially being told by team doctors back in 2013 that the diagnosis was nothing to worry about, Williams refused to play for the club that was unable to work a deal with another team. That was until this morning when John Lynch came calling.
A 7-time Pro Bowler who lands in San Francisco with one-year and $12.5 Million dollars remaining on his contract, Williams is quite familiar with Kyle Shanahan's offense as the current 49ers head coach was with Washington in 2010 as the team's offensive coordinator when the Redskins selected Williams out of Oklahoma with the 4th overall pick. Known for his outstanding footwork and athletic ability, Williams nearly landed with the Minnesota Vikings who were reportedly in deep talks with Washington before things fell through which ultimately allowed for San Francisco to come into the picture and nab him. Aside from his stellar and consistent play while protecting the quarterback, Williams is also most famous for an altercation that took place between him and a player he'll now share a locker room with. Williams was hit with an $8,000 fine after taking a swipe at former Seattle Seahawk and soon to be fellow teammate Richard Sherman following the Redskins' loss to Seattle in the 2012 NFC Wild Card game. The two took to Twitter and had a good laugh about the incident shortly after 49ers owner Jed York welcomed Williams to the team which prompted Sherman to ask for a rematch.
The acquisition of Williams which was already a major addition to the team, grew exponentially in significance just moments later as it was learned that long-time 49er and 6-time Pro Bowl left-tackle Joe Staley was retiring from the game of football at the age of 35 due to health concerns. A former first round pick of the 49ers in 2007, Staley played all 13 NFL seasons in San Francisco after they made him the 28th overall pick out of Central Michigan. Named to the NFL's 2010 All-Decade Team just a week earlier, Staley was a 3-time All-Pro with the Niners while playing 192 games that spanned over seven different head coaches. Following the disappoint loss in Super Bowl 54 in which the 49ers let a 10-point, fourth quarter lead slip through their hands, Staley was without question the one player who took the upsetting loss the hardest, at least in the public eye. It won't be long before Staley's No. 74 is retired by the team and hung up in the rafters of Levi's Stadium for all to see. Since 2011, Staley has been the highest-rated left-tackle in all of football with a grade of 93.8. But not far behind him was Trent Williams at No. 4 with a 92.5 grade. As saddened as the team and fans will be with Staley now on his way out, Williams will be plugged into that void immediately with fresh legs under him following the time off.
In the trade for Williams, the 49ers sent their 5th round pick (156th overall) and a 2021 3rd round pick to Washington. It would end up being the first of three trades executed by John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan as they also sent running back Matt Breida to the Miami Dolphins for a 5th round pick and managed to jettison the contract of Marquise Goodwin by shipping him and a 6th round pick (210) to Philadelphia for their 6th round pick (190). Both Breida and Goodwin were expected to be big contributors to the 49er offense in 2019, but injuries would limit both players on the field last season. While Breida was often hurt and had both Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman to split running back duties with, Goodwin was frequently sidelined for both personal reasons and injury problems. After a strong 2017 campaign in which he was on the doorstep of 1,000 yards receiving before falling just shy with 962, the former Olympic speedster was given a new expensive three-year deal that he continuously failed to live up to.
Rounding out their busy Day 3 of the Draft, the 49ers made 5th, 6th and 7th round selections with picks No. 153, 190 and 217 to select West Virginia offensive-tackle Colton McKivitz, Georgia tight-end Charlie Woerner and Tennessee wide-receiver Jauan Jennings, respectively. With McKivitz and Jennings brought in to provide depth and possibly compete for a starting job, Woerner who was the No. 1 rated run-blocking tight-end in the entire draft class, will likely find himself in a nice run-blocking role for Kyle Shanahan's offense, following the departures of tight-ends Garrett Celek and Levine Toilolo. Similar to San Francisco's 25th overall selection Brandon Aiyuk who Shanahan acquired for his YAC (yards after catch) ability, Jennings brings a similar skill-set, having averaged 14.7 YAC for the Vols in 2019, while also adding some physicality and strength as his 30 forced missed tackles were the most among all NCAA wide-receivers last season.
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Week 2 - Coming off their first road win since December 31, 2017, the (1-0) San Francisco 49ers would look to go 2-0 on the road to open a season for the first time since 1989 when they went on to win their fourth of five Super Bowls. And facing an (0-1) Cincinnati Bengals team that had nearly pulled off a Week 1 upset over the Seahawks in Seattle behind 418 passing yards by Cincy QB Andy Dalton -- the 5th-most passing yards in a single game in Bengals franchise history, the 49ers would be up for the challenge after spending the week practicing in nearby Youngstown, Ohio, hometown of the York & DeBartolo families. Playing in the second hottest home game in Bengals history, it would be the first meeting between the two teams in four years. And after winning the coin-toss and electing to defer, the 49ers offense would open the game nearly as hot as the Cincinnati temperature.
Following a three-and-out forced by the San Francisco defense, Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49er offense would need only four plays to find the end zone as the speedy Marquise Goodwin hauled in a 38-yard touchdown reception from Garoppolo who found his wide-open receiver for the easy score. It would be the start of a busy day for Garoppolo who matched a career-high with three touchdown passes on the afternoon. But the Bengals would stick around for at least the early part of the first quarter as Cincy tied the game on their ensuing possession as Bengals QB Andy Dalton connected with receiver Tyler Boyd for a 47-yard reception on their first play of the drive which eventually setup a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight-end Tyler Eifert. Having to make due without their starting running back in Tevin Coleman, the 49ers ground attack would do just fine as the trio of Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. combined to feast for 238 of San Francisco's 259 yards rushing, while adding another 84 yards receiving. Equally as effective when passing, Mostert helped the Niners regain the lead on their second possession when coach Kyle Shanahan dialed up a screen play that ended with the third-string running back reaching the end zone on a 39-yard catch-and-run touchdown.
Though there weren't many mistakes in the game by the 49ers, especially in comparison to their Week 1 performance in Tampa Bay, Garoppolo did make one mental error when he threw a pass that he probably shouldn't have while facing a 2nd and 20 deep at his own 15-yard line. Surrounded by six Bengals defenders, Richie James Jr. found himself in no man's land as the pass was intercepted and returned near midfield. Luckily, the mishap wouldn't cost his team as Cincinnati kicker Randy Bullock failed to convert on a 52-yard field goal try. Taking over with good field position, the 49ers would capitalize with another touchdown, this time of the running variety as Jeff Wilson Jr. who was promoted from the practice squad and added to the 49ers roster just a day earlier, struck pay dirt for his first of two rushing touchdowns on the day. Both teams would exchange field goals before the half as a Cincinnati drive near midfield went up in flames when Niners linebacker Kwon Alexander picked off a pass from a running Dalton who was flushed from the pocket before unloading the errant throw. By halftime, the 49ers offense had already accumulated 291 yards of offense, 58-yards more than the Cincinnati defense had allowed in total during their Week 1 loss at Seattle.
Opening the second half much like they did the first, Garoppolo would connect on a 39-yard pass to rookie receiver Deebo Samuel on the first play of the half. Six plays later, Jimmy G would award the rookie with the first touchdown reception of his career as Samuel hauled in a 2-yard score to put his team on top, 31-10. Following another Robbie Gould field goal, the last of the 49ers touchdown-scoring barrage would come on Wilson Jr.'s second rushing touchdown, this time from 4-yards out. Kicker Robbie Gould who had missed only one field goal in all of last season and had already matched that total after a miss a week ago against the Buccaneers, missed another on Sunday as his kick from only 39-yards out went wide right. A garbage-time touchdown with less than a minute remaining would allow Andy Dalton to eclipse the 300-yards passing plateau as receiver John Ross hauled in a 66-yard score. And though Ross and Tyler Boyd would both compile over a hundred yards receiving -- Ross 112 yards on 4 receptions and Boyd with a game-high 122 yards on 10 receptions, it wouldn't be enough as the Bengals were shellacked by a final score of 41-17.
While the 49ers ran amok with 259 of their 572 yards coming on the ground, the San Francisco defense held Cincy's ground attack to only 25 yards rushing on 19 attempts. Meanwhile, Matt Breida needed only ten carries to eclipse the century mark before finishing with 121-yards rushing on 12 attempts as Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. added 83 and 34 yards respectively. Leading the Niners in both receptions and receiving yards was Deebo Samuel who made five catches for 87-yards to along with his first career touchdown. Another noteworthy feat was that of third-year 49ers tight-end George Kittle who hauled in three receptions for 54-yards to reach 2,000 career receiving yards and needing only 33 career games to get there, tied for the third-fastest tight-end to reach that feat. With 31-points scored in their first game and another 41 in their second, the 49ers have now scored 30+ points in Weeks 1 & 2 for the first time since 1998, the last of Hall of Famer Steve Young's seven consecutive Pro Bowl seasons. It would also mark the first time since 2013 that the 49ers would score 40+ points on the road. Completing 17 of 25 passes for 297 yards, Jimmy G helped the 49ers tally 569 total yards of offense, the fifth most in team history since 1960, compared to only 316 total yards by Cincinnati.
But perhaps the most impressive stat of all is that the 49ers offensive-line didn't allow a single sack in the game compared to the four that the San Francisco defense tallied on Sunday. Sadly, that offensive-line would be dealt a huge blow in the third quarter when six-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Staley was lost late in the third quarter after suffering a broken left fibula that is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. With the "next man up" mentality the 49ers played with last season given the plethora of injuries they suffered, rookie Justin Skule who was selected as a 6th round pick, will likely get the start in Staley's absence.
Week 3 Preview - Off to their first 2-0 start since 2012 when the Jim Harbaugh-led 49ers made it to their last Super Bowl appearance, San Francisco will kickoff their home-opener by hosting the (0-2) Pittsburgh Steelers. Following an embarrassing Week 1 performance against the reigning Super Bowl champion Patriots, the Steelers were stunned at home by Seattle after losing QB Ben Roethlisberger to a shoulder injury. And with Big Ben needing surgery that'll rule him out for the season, the Steelers will get a look at potentially their next franchise quarterback in Mason Rudolph. And though Rudolph will be making his first career start, the Niners can't exactly write off their opponent just yet, regardless of his inexperience at the NFL level as the second-year man out of Oklahoma State looked cool, calm and collected when coming into the game and taking over for the injured Big Ben. In fact, the Steeler offense actually began to show some life when Rudolph took over as he finished with 112 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the 28-26 loss to the Seahawks. Pittsburgh did however dodge a bullet with running back James Conner who also left Sunday's game with a knee injury, but should be able to suit up for Sunday's game in Santa Clara. Excited to take the field in front of the 49er Faithful, the 49ers will look to improve to 3-0 on the year as Jimmy Garoppolo takes the field at Levi's Stadium for the first time in over a year when the 49ers defeated the Detroit Lions in Week 2 of last season.
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Week 8 - With the San Francisco 49ers hitting the road to visit the division rival Arizona Cardinals in the desert, the contest between the two 1-6 teams would be as winnable a game the Niners would see away from home this season. But having lost eleven straight games in the month of October and riding a seven-game losing-streak to the Redbirds, nothing would be easy, nor guaranteed for Kyle Shanahan's group. Looking to avenge a Week 5 loss at home in which the 49ers obliterated the Cardinals in almost every major statistical category and yet still suffered defeat, San Francisco would need to play a much cleaner game as the turnover department was the lone outlier in that contest, 5-0 in favor of Arizona.
Not only would the 49ers manage their first turnover-free game of the season, but they would also force a pair of turnovers to go along with a safety. By halftime, the 49ers took a 5-3 lead into the locker room in what resembled more of a baseball score, highlighted by a pair of field goals and a safety cashed in by the San Francisco defense. Collecting only their second interception of the season, Niners defensive back Jaquiski Tartt jumped in front of a pass intended for Arizona's Christian Kirk to come up with the rare pick that put his team in field goal range. After throwing for a career-high 349 yards in the earlier meeting between these two teams, quarterback C.J. Beathard had a more modest performance thru the air in the rematch, throwing for only 190 yards on Sunday. Receiver Marquise Goodwin would provide the only fireworks for the San Francisco offense as he caught a pass and turned on the afterburners to blow by Patrick Peterson for a 55-yard touchdown. Following another Robbie Gould field goal, the 49ers took a 15-3 lead into the fourth quarter and appeared to be on their way to a second win of the season. But rookie quarterback Josh Rosen and long-time Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald would have other plans.
Having been a thorn in the side of the 49ers since being drafted in 2004, Fitzgerald has had plenty of memorable games throughout his illustrious career which will ultimately send him to Canton, Ohio one day. Sunday was another one of those games as the Cardinals lifer who tallied 102 yards on 8 receptions, caught a pass for the 219th straight game to inch his team closer in the early part of the fourth quarter as he hauled in a 13-yard score that landed him seventh on the NFL's all-time touchdowns list. Now trailing 15-10, the work of Rosen & Fitzgerald would be far from over, but would hit a bit of a speed-bump on their next possession as Cardinals tight-end Jermaine Gresham fumbled the ball after crossing midfield. The turnover would give the 49ers a golden opportunity to potentially score and put the game out of reach for good, but instead had virtually no effect as San Francisco suffered a costly sack that would put the ball back in Rosen's hands with just over two minutes remaining. After watching Aaron Rodgers work his magic just two weeks earlier to help Green Bay pull off the comeback victory that would hand the Niners a crushing loss, Rosen would pull a similar stunt.
Streaking past a defender in the back of the end zone, Rosen found a wide-open Christian Kirk for the go-ahead touchdown. Electing to go for the two-point conversion to make it a 3-point lead, Rosen and Fitzgerald would hookup once more to make it an 18-15 Arizona advantage with only 39 seconds remaining in regulation. With the tables suddenly turned and what was once a 12-point lead now squandered, Beathard and company would need to pull off some late-game heroics of their own to avoid another heartbreaking loss. After making it across midfield with one timeout and seven seconds remaining, the Niners were in need of a quick pass and a gain of 8-yards or so to give their kicker a shot at tying it. Unfortunately, things would end before Gould would be given that opportunity as an errant snap sailed over the head of Beathard, icing the game and handing San Francisco their 12th straight loss in the month of October, their eighth consecutive loss against Arizona and their sixth straight loss overall. Rosen who's only two career victories have come against San Francisco, became the first rookie QB to overcome a 12+ point deficit in the fourth quarter by throwing multiple TD passes since Andrew Luck in 2012. He would finish the game with 252 yards to go along with his pair of touchdowns and one interception.
Neither team's rushing attack would prove to be much of a factor on Sunday as Cardinals running back David Johnson rushed for a game-high 59 yards on 16 carries and remains without a single 100-yard rushing performance this season, failing to rush for more than 71 yards in a game all year. San Francisco's Matt Breida also logged 16 carries but only managed 42 yards on the ground in what was a game-time decision for the 49er running back. Kendrick Bourne would lead all 49ers receivers with 7 receptions for 71 yards. While Richard Sherman would collect his first quarterback sack since 2012 in what was a three sack performance by San Francisco's defense, the 49ers offensive-line allowed four sacks on Sunday which now ties them with the Cleveland Browns for allowing the most sacks this season with 31.
Week 9 Preview - The 49ers (1-7) will have to put their latest loss behind them quickly as they get set to host their Bay Area rival on Thursday Night Football when the 1-6 Raiders make the short trip from Oakland to Levi's Stadium. Coming off a 42-28 loss at home to the Colts in which the Raiders also blew a late lead by allowing 21 unanswered-points in the fourth quarter, the two struggling franchises will square off in what will likely be the last Battle of the Bay before the Raiders relocate to Las Vegas after next season. Playing without their first-string running back in Marshawn Lynch who is dealing with a groin injury that could keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season, what better way to bid their cross-bay rival a final farewell than to hand them their fourth straight loss of the season and seventh overall. With San Francisco having the third easiest strength of schedule the rest of the season, their best chance at stringing a winning streak together will be these next two weeks before heading into the Week 11 BYE. Whether those games will be played with C.J. Beathard under center for the 49ers or Nick Mullens is anyone's guess at this point as Shanahan might be considering a change at the QB position.
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Week 6 - C.J. Beathard and the 1-4 San Francisco 49ers on the road taking on Aaron Rodgers and the 2-2-1 Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for a Monday Night showdown, sounds like a blowout, right? Instead, the Niners surprised virtually everyone by putting up a fight from start to finish and nearly pulling off the upset as Rodgers and the Pack were pushed to the brink. So much so that it would take a last-minute drive and some late-game heroics by a banged-up Rodgers who in a last-ditch effort would setup his friend and long-time teammate Mason Crosby for a game-winning field goal as time expired. An entertaining game from the opening drive, the ending albeit fitting, was almost something you'd expect to see in a script from Hollywood given the circumstances that took place just a week earlier for Crosby who redeemed himself in the biggest way possible.
A Monday night win at Lambeau would've been a huge step forward for Kyle Shanahan's Niners team who's still seeking their first win of the season since losing starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 3. Not to mention it would've continued San Francisco's streak of nine consecutive victories on Monday Night Football, the third longest streak in NFL history. But claiming Monday night win number ten was expected to be no easy task heading into the game as the Packers have not lost a home game with Rodgers under center in nine straight. Not to mention Rodgers has also been one known to bring his A-game on Monday Night as he entered the meeting against the team he grew up rooting for, owning a record of 5-1 in six career appearances on Monday Night. However, one thing we've grown to expect from a Kyle Shanahan coached team, is that he'll have his players ready to compete regardless of who they're playing or who's at quarterback. That much was very evident in this one against arguably the greatest quarterback in the league.
Like they've done in each of the past two weeks, the Niners once again came out swinging on offense to open the game. An impressive seven-play opening-drive touchdown would kick things off for the Niners as running back Matt Breida who entering the Monday Night affair as a game-time decision, began the scoring barrage that would take place in the first quarter. But the same issues that plagued San Francisco the week before in the home loss to Arizona, would once again appear on Green Bay's ensuing drive. It would almost seem like deja vu as the opposition answered with a big gain of their own just one play later. Similar to Josh Rosen's 75-yard bomb on the Cardinals' first play from scrimmage a week ago that answered an opening-drive touchdown by the Niners, the San Francisco defense once again fell victim to the big play as Rodgers connected with rookie receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 60-yard gain that would setup a Packers touchdown just three plays later. Then the nightmare that has been San Francisco's ball-handling or lack thereof this season, made its usual appearance. Rookie return man D.J. Reed who has already lost a fumble this season on kick returns, coughed up yet another one on the ensuing kick to give Green Bay the ball in scoring position. And though the Packers would be held to a field goal, it would only add to the laundry-list of fumbles San Francisco has already suffered this season. Unfortunately, the ball control woes wouldn't end there.
Before you knew it, the Niners and Packers went blow for blow and combined to score a total of 31-points in the first quarter alone, the second highest point total through an opening quarter in Monday Night Football history. After both teams exchanged touchdowns, a 9-yard touchdown pass from Rodgers to Davante Adams and a 67-yard bomb from Beathard to Marquise Goodwin who returned to the field after missing the last game and being forced to watch most of this season from the sidelines while battling injuries, the Niners would gift the opposition with yet another generous fumble. One play into their next possession, a 21-yard reception from Beathard to Kyle Juszczyk would go up in flames as the Niners fullback fumbled the ball. The Packers would once again be held to a field goal following the turnover, but it would improve Green Bay's lead to six. But Beathard's second touchdown pass of the half to Goodwin, a 30-yard score coupled with a Robbie Gould field goal, gave San Francisco a 24-20 lead at the half. Holding a four-point lead heading into the third quarter, the Niners still had a long ways to go if they planned on logging their second win of the season, but had shown up to that point that they could pull this thing off if they played clean football the rest of the way.
Following a trio of field goals, San Francisco carried a 30-23 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining in regulation. Rodgers would have his team knocking on the door on their first possession of the fourth quarter before Packers head coach Mike McCarthy elected to go for it in the red zone on a 4th & 3 attempt as the Niner defense staved off Green Bay's chance to tie it, forcing a turnover on downs. Looking for another score to put the game out of reach or at the very least milk as much time as possible, Shanahan's offense suffered back to back three and outs and managed to only wipe off 3 minutes and 19 seconds from the clock on two possessions. As for Rodgers, the third time would be a charm as he began carving the Niners secondary like an expert surgeon. A 38-yard pass from Rodgers to Davante Adams would ignite the comeback as the two connected again just three plays later for the game-tying touchdown. Taking over at the two-minute warning, the 49ers were in perfect position to march down the field and at the very least setup Gould for a game-winning field goal once Richie James Jr. returned the ensuing kick to the 32 yard-line and was awarded an extra 15-yards at the Packers were hit with a late-hit. Several plays later, San Francisco found themselves facing a pivotal 3rd & 3, and instead of going for the short gain, Beathard went for the long-ball, taking a shot at the end zone to Goodwin. Only this time Beathard would be picked off as Packers cornerback Kevin King came up with the game-changing interception.
Taking over at their own 10-yard line with 1:07 remaining and no timeouts left, Rodgers went to work and reminded us all of his greatness. But not before catching a break on a key penalty that saved the day. Facing 3rd & 15 and pinned inside their own 20-yard line, Rodgers was sacked by DeForest Buckner for a 4-yard loss, but an illegal-contact call against Richard Sherman would give Green Bay new life with an automatic first down. Using his feet, Rodgers scampered for a 21-yard gain before utilizing the sidelines and connecting on passes of 8, 19 and 19 yards to setup Mason Crosby for the chance to send his team home with a win and redeem himself from missing four field goals and an extra-point that cost his team a win in Detroit the week prior. But thanks to his old buddy Rodgers, the 34-year old kicker who in his 11th season with the Packers, would be asked to make a 27-yard chip-shot to send his team home. And with time expiring, he would do just that as Green Bay pulled off the 33-30 win. Rodgers finished with 425 yards passing compared to Beathard's 245 as both QB's each logged a pair of touchdown passes through the air. Both Devante Adams who caught 10 passes for 132 yards and Marquise Goodwin who tallied 4 receptions for 126 yards, scored the only two touchdown passes thrown by their respective QB's. Meanwhile, Raheem Mostert led all rushers with 81-yards on 12 carries, followed by another solid performance by a less than healthy Matt Breida who ran for 61-yards on 14 carries.
Week 7 Preview - For San Francisco and coach Kyle Shanahan, the loss is a tough one to swallow as they've come so close to victory yet again, only to fall in such heart-breaking fashion. But things won't be getting any easier in Week 7 as the Niners return home to face the last remaining unbeaten team in the league in the 6-0 Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco will once again be tabbed as underdogs as they get set to renew rivalries with their division foe while on short rest. If facing the best team in the NFC isn't frightening enough, the Niners will be given the daunting task of having to stop last year's reigning Offensive Player of the Year in Rams running back Todd Gurley who's coming off his first career 200 yard performance on the ground. The match-up against Gurley will be a true test for a Niner defense that has been surprisingly tough against the rush up to this point this season. Rams quarterback Jared Goff will also be a tough assignment as the Bay Area native and Cal alum has been playing great this season under second-year head coach Sean McVay, but is looking to rebound from a so-so performance in Week 6 against Denver. The folks at NBC aren't expecting the Niners to put up much of a fight as the game was flexed from the station's Sunday Night Football slot now that Jimmy Garoppolo won't be under center for San Francisco. Hopefully that'll be added bulletin board material for Shanahan to help rally his team in hopes of pulling off the upset.
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Week 17 - Playing their last bit of football until the 2018 season, the (5-10) San Francisco 49ers would pay a visit to Los Angeles to take on the (11-4) Rams in the 2017 regular season finale. In what would be the 137th all-time meeting between the two, the New Years eve match-up would provide only a small taste of what should be a revival of the long standing rivalry for many years to come. With a young core of players and coaches alike, the 49ers and Rams have brewing what could be one of the better rivalries in all of football for 2018 and beyond. For Los Angeles who's already equipped to fit that bill, all they'll need is for San Francisco to hold their end of the bargain. Having solidified themselves as the top team in the NFC West thanks to the tutelage of first year head coach Sean McVay, the newly crowned Los Angeles Rams have the pieces in place to be a force out west for quite some time. As for the rebuilding 49ers, rookie head coach Kyle Shanahan has to also like his chances moving forward now that he finally has a quarterback in place that fits his complex system.
A week after clinching their first NFC West division title since 2003 and earning their first playoff appearance since 2004, the Rams would have little to prove on Sunday as McVay elected to sit a majority of his starters in preparation for next week's Wild Card meeting with the Atlanta Falcons. But no matter who the Rams threw out there, Jimmy Garoppolo and the suddenly streaking 49ers were on a mission to continue their winning ways by closing the regular season strong. Entering Sunday's game with an NFL-best four game winning-streak, Garoppolo and company would march down the field on each of their first two possessions. A week after scoring their first 1st quarter touchdown of the season which snapped a streak of 13 consecutive games without one, the 49ers repeated the feat as receiver Marquise Goodwin hauled in a pass from Garoppolo and ran into the end zone untouched to give his team an early 10-0 lead. Equally as impressive would be the San Francisco defense who forced back to back three and outs on each of the Rams' first two possessions as backup QB Sean Mannion had a rough outing in his first career start. And while his counterpart would start off hot, Jimmy G. would have his fair share of woes as well.
Facing their largest first quarter deficit this season since a Week 14 shootout with the Philadelphia Eagles, a pair of Sam Ficken field goals would be all the Los Angeles offense would have to show for in the first half, capitalizing on two Jimmy Garoppolo interceptions. Rookie cornerback Kevin Peterson would make the most of his first career start, getting the best of Garoppolo both times by picking the 49ers QB off for the first two interceptions of his career. San Francisco on the other hand, would take a 20-6 lead into the half following the second field goal of the day by Robbie Gould and the first of two touchdowns by running back Carlos Hyde. The Niners would watch their lead climb to 34-6 following Hyde's second rushing touchdown as well as a 12-yard passing touchdown from Garoppolo to a wide-open Aldrick Robinson on the first play of the fourth quarter. Though it would take the Rams until the fourth quarter to pay a visit to the end zone, Lance Dunbar would cap a 15-play drive with an 8-yard touchdown to make it a final score of 34-13.
Rushing for 88 yards in the win, Carlos Hyde who had not recorded a lost fumble all season long, would be stripped of the ball and charged with his first lost fumble of the season with just over four minutes remaining in regulation, putting a dent in his unblemished 2017 resume. The two turnovers forced by the Niner defense on Sunday would come in the form of fumbles as Cassius Marsh and Ahkello Witherspoon forced fumbles on Sean Mannion and Gerald Everett, respectively. A scary moment in the game would come midway through the second quarter when 49ers receiver Marquise Goodwin took a blow to the head after being struck by Blake Countess, forcing him to leave the game as he was carted off the field and treated for a concussion. Goodwin who's been Garoppolo's most trusted receiver since his arrival, would fall just 38 yards shy of the century mark on the year, finishing with a career-high 962 receiving yards, surpassing the total he had compiled over his previous four seasons combined. Goodwin also finished the season with an average of 17.2 yards per reception, the fourth most in the NFL.
With the win on Sunday, the 49ers closed out the season with an overall record of 6-10 and riding the best standing winning-streak in the league, this following the dreadful 0-9 start that had many pundits questioning whether or not the Niners would ever touch the win column in 2017. The Niners also remained undefeated in games in which Garoppolo started as he became just the 6th QB in NFL history to win his first 7 career starts. With Goodwin departing in the first half due to injury, Garoppolo's go-to target would be rookie tight-end George Kittle who hauled in four passes for a career-high 100 yards. Garoppolo would finish with 292 yards, two touchdowns and 2 interceptions on the afternoon compared to Mannion's 169 yards. Robbie Gould who entered Sunday having made 20 consecutive field goals, added another pair to his streak, finishing his solid first year as a 49er with 39 made field goals in 41 tries. Focusing on 2018, the Niners will look to continue their winning ways as the duo of Shanahan and Garoppolo hope to see similar results since Garoppolo's arrival, the only difference is they plan to do so while playing meaningful football.
As for the Rams who finished the season with an overall record of 11-5, coach Sean McVay who's name will be in the hat for NFL Coach of the Year honors, witnessed a +7 win improvement from his team in his first year at the helm and will only look to improve on that mark moving forward. Already known for having a stout defense, McVay also did wonders for the Rams offense in 2017 which rebounded from being the worst offense in the league to being the No. 1 offense in all of football. Second-year quarterback Jared Goff who was taken first overall out of Cal a season ago, adapted quite well to McVay's system and resembled the franchise quarterback Rams brass were expecting when they selected him first overall. And then there's running back Todd Gurley III who led the league in rushing touchdowns (13) and could very well become the first non-quarterback to win the MVP Award since Adrian Peterson in 2012. With both Goff and Gurley getting some much needed rest in time for their Wild Card match-up versus the defending NFC Champion Falcons on Saturday, the Rams will look to move one step closer to their ultimate goal of bringing a Lombardi Trophy back to southern California.
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Week 14 - With the (2-10) San Francisco 49ers heading into Week 14 coming off their first road victory of the season and second win overall, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the new-look Niners would head into Houston in search of their first pair of back to back road victories since 2014 and first multi-game winning-streak under rookie head coach Kyle Shanahan. A week after setting a franchise record for the most passing yards by a 49ers QB making his debut, Garoppolo would set a career-high in that same category on Sunday against a good Texans defense that has been without its captain in J.J. Watt since Week 5.
Getting off to yet another slow start on offense, San Francisco would fail to score a first quarter touchdown for a ninth consecutive game as Houston jumped out to an early 3-0 lead thanks to a career-long 55-yard field goal from kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn. Threatening to answer with a score of their own, the 49ers offense would march to the Houston 34-yard line before Garoppolo was picked-off for the second time of his career on a botched play by he and receiver Trent Taylor who stopped and turned instead of cutting like Garoppolo had anticipated. Sunday's game would also turn out to be another busy one for Niners kicker Robbie Gould who followed up a five field goal performance a week ago against the Bears which helped him take home NFC Special-teams Player of the Week honors for Week 13, with four more made field goals in this one. With the game tied at 3 with less than three minutes remaining in the second quarter, both teams would exchange touchdowns just before the half. Ignited by a pair of big receptions by 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk who hauled in passes of 29 and 31 yards, running back Carlos Hyde put the finishing touches on the successful drive with a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
Houston would be quick to answer on their ensuing possession led by an impressive nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive orchestrated by third-string QB T.J. Yates who would enter the game in place of the injured Tom Savage. Savage would leave the game in the 2nd quarter after suffering a concussion following a hard hit on third down by 49ers defensive-end Elvis Dumervil. It would be a scary moment as the Texans QB was seen lying on the ground with his hands twitching in what some experts fear was a possible seizure. Making matters worse, Savage would return on Houston's following possession, taking three more snaps before having to punt on a three and out. Savage would try making his way back onto the field one possession later before being stopped by a member of the medical staff who would escort him to the locker room, putting an end to his day. Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins would haul in his first of two touchdown receptions on the afternoon to bring Houston within a point with under a minute remaining. And while it appeared both teams would head into the half even at 10-points apiece, Houston would fail to convert on the extra-point as Fairbairn's kick went wide left. San Francisco would have other plans as Carlos Hyde crept into enemy territory with a 31-yard run on the first play of the ensuing drive. Garoppolo would move the ball another 31-yards in three plays before setting up Robbie Gould for a 35-yard field goal to help San Francisco jump out to a 13-9 lead at halftime.
Opening the second half, the Texans offense would pick up right where they left off in quarter number two as Yates and Hopkins connected once again in the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown from 29-yards out. Unfortunately for them, it would be the last time Houston would score as they were shutout in the 4th quarter and watched as the 49ers put up 13 unanswered-points. After a field goal to tie it, tight-end Garrett Celek would break a tackle and turn up the field for a 61-yard completion that would set up Garoppolo's second touchdown of the season as he appropriately awarded Celek by throwing to him near the goal-line. Things would settle down as a series of punts from both teams kept it a one-possession game before a costly fumble by DeAndre Hopkins allowed San Francisco to take a double-digit lead as Robbie Gould registered just another day at the office by converting on his fourth field goal of the day. The Texans would get as close to the San Francisco 34-yard line to set up Fairbairn for a 52-yard field goal to make it a one-score game, but his kick would crash into the left upright, sealing the 26-16 win to make it two in a row for Shanahan and the Niners.
With the win, Garoppolo improves his career record to 4-0, becoming just the second QB in the last 13 seasons to win his first four starts, joining Broncos QB Trevor Siemian (2016). Jimmy G. finished with a career-best 334 passing yards in Sunday's win, giving him 627 yards in his first two starts in a Niner uniform, the most by a 49ers QB in the team's history since the merger in 1970. Meanwhile, the team improves to 3-10 on the season after logging their first winning-streak since a three-game win-streak in Weeks 10-12 in 2014. Along with Garoppolo, the accurate kicking of Robbie Gould has played a huge role in San Francisco posting back to back road wins for the first time since the Jim Harbaugh era as Gould has now connected on 14 straight field goals for the second time this season after beginning the year having made 15 straight. 49ers receiver Marquise Goodwin also seems to be enjoying his new quarterback under center as the speedy Goodwin has caught 14 passes for 205 yards with Garoppolo as the starter, including a team-high 106 yards on Sunday and trailing only DeAndre Hopkins' 11 grabs and 149 yards for the game. Running back Carlos Hyde finished with 78 yards on 14 carries to lead all rushers and the 49er defense held Texans back Lamar Miller to only 53 yards on the ground in 17 attempts.
Week 15 Preview - Next on the schedule for the 49ers is a home game against the (8-5) Tennessee Titans who are currently in the AFC playoff picture for the second Wild Card but are coming off a 12-7 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Returning to Levi's Stadium for what will be the first home start for QB Jimmy Garoppolo since joining the Niners, Jimmy G. and company will welcome the struggling Marcus Mariota who has already thrown for more interceptions this year (14) than he did in either of his first two seasons, while also nursing a banged up left knee. But Mariota won't be the only one the Niner defense will have to keep tabs on as the unpredictable but dangerous running back tandem of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry look to bounce back from a disappointing performance in Sunday's loss as they combined to rush for just 54 yards on 19 carries. Sunday's game will also see the return of former 49er tight-end Delanie Walker who spent his first 7 seasons with the Niners before signing with Tennessee in 2013 where he's developed into one of the league's better tight-ends and has been named to a pair of Pro Bowl's since joining the Titans. With Tennessee trailing the (9-4) Jacksonville Jaguars who currently lead the AFC South by a game, the 49ers could play spoiler down the stretch with a win on Sunday, and could also put a dent in Jacksonville's hopes to lock up the No. 1 overall seed as they'll make a trip to Levi's the following week.
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Week 13 - In a match-up between two under-performing teams, Jimmy Garoppolo and the (1-10) San Francisco 49ers would pay a visit to the windy city to take on Mitch Trubisky and the (3-8) Chicago Bears. With San Francisco leading the all-time series versus Chicago by a slim margin entering Sunday at 33-31-1, Sunday's game would be another close affair in the latest chapter of the 49ers-Bears rivalry. Making only the third start of his career and first in a 49ers uniform, newcomer Jimmy Garoppolo would impress in his return home with a little help from a former Chicago Bear. Having grown up just 26 miles north of Soldier Field in Arlington Heights, Jimmy G. would make quite the impression on Niner fans as he helped lead San Francisco to their second victory of the season and first on the road. It would also be a memorable day for former Bears kicker Robbie Gould who was kept busy all afternoon long while providing all the scoring the Niners would need on Sunday to beat the team he spent 11 seasons with. A year after being cut by the team Gould set multiple franchise records with for most career points and field goals made, the 35-year old kicker would connect on five field goals to exact his revenge in his first return to Soldier Field as a member of the visiting team, including the game-winning field goal with seconds to spare.
Having trailed in 62% of minutes played this season (3rd most in the NFL), Garoppolo would lead the San Francisco offense down the field on their opening possession before fizzling out in the red zone and having to settle for a Robbie Gould field goal, something they would make a trend out of virtually all afternoon long as all five of Gould's field goals came inside the 20. The Niners' inability to strike pay dirt would be the result of multiple red zone penalties. Chicago on the other hand would make only one trip inside the red zone on Sunday, but would make the most of it as Trubisky capitalized with an 8-yard touchdown pass to receiver Deontrelle Inman who hauled in his first score as a member of the Bears. Helping set up Chicago's touchdown would be a 49er turnover as Garoppolo was charged with an interception, the first of his career, on a ball that was stripped from the receiver as Bears corner Kyle Fuller wrestled the ball out of Louis Murphy's hands before both players fell to the ground. The so called "interception" which was more of a fumble than anything, would set the table for Trubisky while also ending a streak of 104 career passes without an interception for Garoppolo.
Aside from Trubisky's lone touchdown pass, rookie running back Tarik Cohen would provide the rest of Chicago's offensive fireworks with an explosive 61-yard punt return to give his team a 14-6 lead in the first half. After being surrounded by multiple Niner defenders and appearing to be dead in his tracks on the punt return, Cohen reversed from sideline to sideline before bursting up the middle for a special teams touchdown that would've made Devin Hester blush. It would mark the first punt returned for a touchdown by a Chicago Bear against the Niners since Hall of Famer Gale Sayers took one to the house in 1967. A man of many traits, Cohen has dazzled in his rookie campaign and now has a passing touchdown, receiving touchdown, rushing touchdown and special teams touchdown under his belt this season. The special teams score would be a wake up call for a San Francisco squad that has been the best coverage unit in the NFL thus far, having held opponents to an average of 2.5 yards per return before Cohen's big play. A pair of Niner weapons would make some big plays of their own on Sunday as rookie receiver Trent Taylor and speedster Marquise Goodwin each eclipsed the 90-yards receiving mark while combining for 14 receptions and helping Garoppolo set a new career-high in passing yards.
Completing 26 of 37 pass attempts (70%), Garoppolo finished with 293 yards through the air as San Francisco held onto the ball for a season-high 38:47 in time of possession. Though it's still very early in the career of Garoppolo who has only three career starts to his name, the newest member of the Niners received some high praise from running back and fellow San Francisco teammate Carlos Hyde who said Jimmy G. reminded him of, "a young Tom Brady." And while he's still light years away from being held in the same regard as one of the game's all-time greats, it's safe to say the two share a handful of similar traits as Garoppolo displayed a comfort level that I wouldn't have imagined possible behind an offensive-line as spotty as San Francisco's. Garoppolo also excelled on third down (10 of 18), an area the Niners offense has been exceptionally awful in this season as the ten third down conversions were the most by a 49er team since 2007. Taking over with just under five and a half minutes remaining in regulation and trailing 14-12, Garoppolo made excellent work of the field and game-clock on San Francisco's final possession as he helped march his team 86-yards into field goal position while eating up 5:23 of time to set up kicker Robbie Gould who put the dagger into the heart of his former team with his fifth field of the day to give the 49ers the 15-14 win.
Week 14 Preview - Continuing their road trip, the 49ers will travel to Houston to take on the (4-8) Texans. Coming off a 24-13 loss to the division rival Titans on the road, the Texans will look to bounce back as they return to Reliant Stadium and play host to Garoppolo and the Niners. One of Kyle Shanahan's earliest employers in the NFL where he spent a total of four seasons as the team's wide receivers and quarterbacks coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator, Shanahan hopes to break even against his former employers after a Week ? loss to the Washington Redskins whom Shanahan also worked for in the past. Backed by a solid defense that features one of the most dominant defensive-lines in all of football, even without perennial Pro Bowler J.J. Watt who is out for the year with a ? injury, Garoppolo will be on high alert all afternoon long. The same can be said about the San Francisco secondary which will have to keep close tabs on one of the NFL's best receivers in DeAndre Hopkins who has tallied nine receiving touchdowns on the season and has already eclipsed the 1,000 yards receiving mark for the third time in five years. Throwing to Hopkins will be Texans quarterback Tom Savage who is looking to improve off a career-high 365 yards passing on 31 of 49 pass attempts in Sunday's loss. One way to limit Savage in the passing game will be getting to the QB who has had a hard time hanging onto the ball when he's being pressured as he's fumbled the ball eight times this year, losing seven.
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Week 10 - For the first time in 2017, the San Francisco 49ers are in the win column. Though it would take them much longer than they had hoped, the Niners were able to claim their first victory of the season and first win under the John Lynch-Kyle Shanahan regime against a struggling (1-7) New York Giants team. In an emotional game that featured two teams with the fewest amount of wins this late in a season since 1984, the 49ers would ride a season-high in rushing yards (186) on their way to a 31-21 victory. Despite liking their chances of getting win No. 1 of the season entering Sunday's game, San Francisco would still be 3-point underdogs against a team that had been embarrassed at home by a score of 51-17 one week earlier.
With both teams scoring field goals on their opening possessions, the game would quickly jump out to a 3-3 score as the 49ers benefited from a penalty on New York's special-teams which gave San Francisco the ball at their 40-yard line after the opening kickoff failed to reach the end zone and rolled out of bounds. A 28-yard rush by running back Carlos Hyde on the first play from scrimmage and an extra 15-yards tacked on thanks to an unnecessary roughness penalty called on New York would set the table for kicker Robbie Gould before being answered by Giants rookie kicker Aldrick Rosas. San Francisco's second possession appeared to be heading in the same direction before being halted on a failed 4th and 1 attempt at New York's 36-yard line. After another Giants field goal, both teams would exchange fumbles as another promising 49er drive went up in flames as fullback Kyle Juszczyk fumbled the ball away for the second consecutive week. But the San Francisco defense would respond just three plays later with a forced fumble of their own as second-year defensive-end Ronald Blair's first of two sacks on Giants QB Eli Manning jarred the ball loose, forcing the turnover.
The biggest story of the day for the 49ers, however, would be that of receiver Marquise Goodwin who had received the unfortunate news that he and his wife had lost their unborn child due to pregnancy complications just hours before kickoff. Courageous enough to still hit the field and play on Sunday, albeit with a heavy heart, Goodwin would show up in a big way for his team as he hauled in his first touchdown reception as a 49er on an 83-yard bomb from rookie QB C.J. Beathard. Though it would be his only reception of the game, it would mark the longest pass reception by a 49er since 2005 as Goodwin used his speed coupled with a stiff-arm to break free of the defender as he struck pay dirt before being overcome with emotion as he dropped to his knees and blew a kiss to the sky. Making his 208th consecutive start, Eli Manning would be quick to respond to his 49er counterpart as he connected in the end zone with tight-end Evan Engram. Entering Sunday, San Francisco had led in games for a league-low 29 minutes and 37 seconds before leading in much of this one as Beathard would help the 49ers jump back ahead on their ensuing possession with a lead that they wouldn't relinquish for the remainder of the afternoon as he found tight-end Garrett Celek for a 47-yard touchdown to give SF a 17-13 lead heading into the half. It would also mark the first time the 49ers would lead heading into halftime this year.
New York would open the second half by marching into field goal range before things went sour after Rosas missed a field goal from 34-yards out. But another 49er turnover would once again put an end to an otherwise nice possession as Beathard was picked off by Olivier Vernon who disrupted a screen pass intended for Matt Breida before tipping it to himself for the interception. It would be the only blemish on the day for Beathard who finally received some protection from his offensive-line as the rookie QB was sack-free all afternoon long, this after taking an absolute beating against the Cardinals a week ago. And on the first play of the fourth quarter, Beathard would rebound from his earlier mishap with an 11-yard touchdown run to make it a 24-13 ballgame for San Francisco's first double-digit lead of the season. That lead would increase one possession later as Breida logged the first rushing touchdown of his career with a 33-yard score to give the Niners a 31-13 advantage. With scoring being a non-factor for the offense on Sunday, San Francisco's punting unit wouldn't be called upon until the 5:46 mark in the 4th quarter.
With the game all but decided, the Giants would get a garbage time touchdown from Manning to receiver Roger Lewis as well as a successful 2-point conversion with just over a minute remaining. But New York's onside-kick attempt would be recovered by the Niners who were able to get into victory formation and milk the clock for the 31-21 win. The victory at home would be San Francisco's first win at Levi's Stadium since their Week 1 shellacking of the Rams over a year ago on Monday Night Football and one that would result in a Gatorade bath inside the 49ers locker room for head coach Kyle Shanahan who was congratulated by his players. Game balls would be given out following the celebration as GM John Lynch personally handed a ball to Goodwin for his courageous efforts and heroics in spite of the family tragedy.
After a career-high in pass attempts (51) in his last outing, quarterback C.J. Beathard (19 for 25) would out-duel Eli Manning (28 for 37) 288 to 273 in the yards department as both QB's threw for a pair of touchdowns and finished with one turnover each. Giants receiver Sterling Shepard would finish with a game-high 142 yards receiving and 11 receptions and Carlos Hyde would lead all backs on the ground, falling two yards shy of the century mark with 98 yards rushing on 17 carries. On the defensive side, 49ers rookie linebacker Reuben Foster tallied double-digit tackles for the second consecutive week with 10 (6 solo, 4 assisted) to lead all tacklers. As for the Giants who dropped to 1-8 on the season for the first time since 1980, New York has now gone 13 games without scoring at least 24-points, the longest active streak in the NFL. The loss also adds some warmth to head coach Ben McAdoo's hot seat as his status to return next season remains up in the air following the Giants' dreadful 1-8 start.
Week 12 Preview - With the 49ers heading into the BYE on a winning note, Kyle Shanahan will look to get his guys mentally and physically ready for their next opponent as the Niners play host to division rival Seattle in Week 12. Since San Francisco's 3-point loss to Seattle in Week 2, the (6-3) Seahawks are looking much better than the team that barely escaped Century Link Field with a win in the first meeting between these two bitter rivals. But after suffering a loss at home just two weeks ago to the Washington Redskins, the Seahawks are still very beatable if the Niners can stick around at home much like they did in their first meeting while applying pressure to QB Russell Wilson. Carlos Hyde will look to add another busy day against the Seahawks defense as his 124-yard performance on the ground in Week 2 remains the only 100-yard performance for the 49er running back this season. Hosting the reigning NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons this week, Seattle currently trails the (7-2) L.A. Rams by a game in the NFC Western Division standings.
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Week 5 - With a trip to Indianapolis to take on the (1-3) Colts for the first time since the end of the Peyton Manning era, the (0-4) San Francisco 49ers would be reunited with one of their own franchise greats in running back Frank Gore, a match up Niners linebacker NaVorro Bowman was excited for as the two spent five seasons together as teammates and remain close to one another to this day. A day after revealing the statue of Peyton Manning outside of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts honored the great No. 18 by inducting him into their ring ceremony and officially retiring his jersey during halftime. But with the 49ers still seeking their first win of the season, San Francisco would look to crash the party and spoil the special day arranged for one of the game's all-time greats.
Looking to continue his success against the Colts who he threw a career-high 397 passing yards against in Week 5 a season ago while a member of the Chicago Bears, QB Brian Hoyer had himself another nice game statistically after shaking off a slow start. But before any scoring would be done, Colts running back Frank Gore would move his way up the rankings on the NFL's all-time rushing list with a 9-yard carry on Indy's first possession as he passed Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson to move into the No. 7 spot. Several plays later, another all-time great added his name to the record books as Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri converted on a 52-yard field goal to give his team an early 3-0 lead while also becoming the third player ever with 2,000 points. With nothing but field goals to show for and the score tied at 6 heading into the half, San Francisco opened the third quarter with more woes on third down as their league-worst third down efficiency continued to plummet as the 49ers converted on only 4 of their 14 third down tries on Sunday. Because of those woes, it wouldn't be long before Hoyer and company found themselves behind by double-digits with less than 10 minutes to play in regulation.
Trailing 23-9 following back-to-back touchdown scoring drives by the Colts, coach Kyle Shanahan would need his offense to ditch the field goals for touchdowns if they stood any chance of pulling off the comeback. It would be a tall task, however, as the 49ers found themselves in a drought that saw 22 consecutive possessions without a touchdown. But a pair of deep passes hauled in by receiver Marquise Goodwin spanning 20 and 51 yards would put the Niners in position to score that elusive touchdown. Facing a 3rd and 6, Hoyer would find fullback Kyle Juszczyk with a shovel pass as he bulldozed his way into the end zone to pull his team within a touchdown. The 6-yard score would be San Francisco's first touchdown since Week 3 and first on the road this season. With a much needed stop on defense on Indy's ensuing possession, San Francisco would get the ball back with 5:29 remaining in regulation. They would use all but 20 seconds of that time by stringing together a 14-play drive that featured two 4th down conversions on passes to rookie tight-end George Kittle, the first of which on a 19-yard connection on 4th and 1 and the second on 4th and goal from the 5 as Kittle caught the ball and just made it over the goal line, thus tying the score at 23-all and sending the game into overtime.
With Indianapolis winning the coin toss and electing to receive in OT, it didn't appear that the 49ers would even get a chance to possess the ball as Colts QB Jacoby Brissett (22 for 34, 314 yards) marched his team all the way to the 8-yard line following multiple strikes down the field including a 46-yarder to T.Y. Hilton who amassed a game-high 177-yards receiving on 7 receptions. That wouldn't be the case, however, as 49ers linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong came up with his second interception in the end zone in as many weeks as he leaped into the air for the pickoff and returned it 29-yards. But after a costly holding penalty by the 49ers offensive-line, San Francisco would fail to cash in on their golden opportunity and were forced to punt. From there, backup running back Marlon Mack who showed the potential to be the team's starting running back of the future as he tallied 91-yards rushing on the afternoon including a 35-yard gain on his final carry of the ball game to put the Colts in field goal range and setup their Pro-Bowl kicker for the game-winner. And from 51-yards out, Vinatieri would add yet another feather to his cap as one of the most clutch kickers of all-time split the uprights one more time to give his team the 26-23 victory.
For San Francisco, the loss would be their fifth in as many games this season which in itself is frustrating, but perhaps even more so simply because of just how close they've been as they've now lost the last four games by a combined 11-points. And like they did a week ago in their overtime loss to Arizona, the 49ers squandered yet another golden opportunity in overtime as victory slipped through their hands once again. On the positive side of things, kicker Robbie Gould who had made 28 straight field goals entering Sunday added a trio of makes on Sunday to improve his streak to 31 consecutive made field goals, the longest active streak in the NFL. Brian Hoyer threw for 353 yards on the afternoon, 94 of those yards would go to former Colts wide-out Pierre Garcon who caught a game-high 8 passes while also adding to his streak of 271 consecutive receptions without a fumble, the longest active streak of its kind. Running back Carlos Hyde appeared to once again be bothered by his lingering hip injury as he started the game but missed a majority of the second quarter and all of the third quarter before returning late in the fourth.
Week 6 Preview - Rounding out their current 3-game round trip and 5th road game in seven weeks, the (0-5) 49ers will pay a visit to the nation's capital to take on the (2-2) Washington Redskins. Coming off a BYE week, QB Kirk Cousins and company will look to keep pace with the first place Philadelphia Eagles as he matches up with his former offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan. With rumors swirling regarding the 49ers showing interest in acquiring Cousins next season, the game could very well be a tryout as Shanahan and general manager John Lynch will get a clear look at Cousins on the field. San Francisco, meanwhile, will try and make his day as miserable as possible as they look to log their first win of the season before returning home next week to host Dallas. And just like Week 5 when they were reunited with long time Niner Frank Gore, San Francisco will see another familiar face in Washington as former head coach Jim Tomsula will be on the opposite sideline serving as the Redskins' defensive-line coach, a position he excelled at for 8 seasons with the 49ers.
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With a new general manager and head coach on board to help right the ship in San Francisco, the 49ers made quite the splash in the free agent market and wasted little time to do so. In just the first 49 hours (instead of the first 48, get it?) of NFL free agency, the 49ers brain trust of John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan signed a plethora of new talent as the franchise looks to turn the page under its newest regime. Day 1 of free agency opened with the Niners signing seven players to come aboard -- QB Brian Hoyer, WR Pierre Garcon, WR Marquis Goodwin, TE Logan Paulsen, FB Kyle Juszczyk, K Robbie Gould and LB Malcolm Smith. More signatures would hit the dotted-line on Day 2 as QB Matt Barkley, WR Aldrick Robinson, DB Don Jones and LB Brock Coyle all agreed to contracts to round out San Francisco's busy free-agent frenzy. But GM John Lynch began his new line of work even earlier than that.
With defense being the glaring weakness for San Francisco after allowing the most yards (both total and rushing) and points in franchise history this past season, the 49ers were quick to land a run-stuffer in DT Earl Mitchell who was recently released by the Miami Dolphins. Other early signings included WR DeAndre Carter and CB K'Waun Williams as well as Jeremy Kerley who was inked to a new three-year contract extension after leading the team in receptions (64) and receiving yards (667) in 2016. It's safe to say Shanahan is trying to duplicate what he had on offense in Atlanta by contacting players he's already familiar with and why wouldn't he? Carcon for example ran amok in Shanahan's system, totaling a career-best in receptions (113), targets (184), and yards (1,346) with the Redskins in 2013. Tight-end Logan Paulsen also served under Shanahan for all four of his years with Washington from 2010-13 and is known for being an exceptional blocker at the tight-end position. Receiver Aldrick Robinson is another player that is well familiar with Shanahan, having followed him around the league from Washington for three years to Atlanta this past season where he hauled in a season-high 111 receiving yards on four receptions vs the 49ers in Week 15.
There's also receiver and Olympian Marquise Goodwin who provides Shanahan with a burst of speed on offense, allowing him to stretch the field and help fill the void of the recently released Torrey Smith. And then there's the unknown of DeAndre Carter who grew up in San Jose just a stones throw away from Levi's Stadium and was a notable receiver at Sacramento State receiving FCS First-Team All-American honors in 2014 but went undrafted and has yet to hit the field in an NFL regular season game. All Shanahan is missing in terms of targets is a go up and get it receiver like he had in Julio Jones. However, that one will be much harder to come by as Jones is hands down the best receiver in the league and a once in a decade type talent. But we could all expect a receiver or two to be selected by San Francisco in April's Draft. After making the Pro Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, the 49ers made Kyle Juszczyk the highest-paid fullback in league history with a four-year, $21 Million contract. The signing comes a year after the team did away with the fullback position under head coach Chip Kelly and some reports say Juszczyk could've signed for more elsewhere but took less to play in Shanahan's system. Expected to be another target for the quarterback to throw to, the versatile fullback out of Harvard who caught 78 passes over the last two seasons will be used by Shanahan much like he used Patrick DiMarco in Atlanta.
As for the most important position in all of football -- quarterback, the 49ers finally added two QB's to the roster after Colin Kaepernick's recent decision to opt out left a gaping hole at the position. Veteran QB Brian Hoyer was the first to land via a 2-year deal after serving last season as Jay Cutler's backup before being forced into the starting role after Cutler sustained an injury in Week 2. Hoyer played well for the Bears and became the first QB in franchise history to throw for over 300 yards in four consecutive games before a broken arm ended his season in Week 7. Hoyer finished the season with six touchdowns and zero interceptions before being replaced by Matt Barkley who coincidentally signed a 2-year pact with the Niners a day after Hoyer did. Since falling from grace and once upon a time being projected as not only the first quarterback taken in the 2012 Draft but the first pick overall, the former USC Trojan has yet to prove that he's capable of being anything but a backup QB at the NFL level. Nonetheless, he and Hoyer will more than likely be competing alongside whoever the third and possibly fourth quarterback is come training camp.
Another pair of shoes to fill will be those of kicker Phil Dawson who signed with the rival Arizona Cardinals and will now be replaced in San Francisco by long-time Bears kicker Robbie Gould who agreed to a two-year deal after signing late last season with the New York Giants where he converted on all six of his field goal attempts. At the time of his departure from Chicago, Gould had set franchise records for the most field goals made (276), field goal percentage (85.9), field goals made from 50-yards or more (23) and total points scored (1,207). Here's to hoping he can duplicate those numbers in a 49er uniform as the 42-year old Uncle Phil was a favorite among the fans and players alike.
Back to the defensive side and with the 49ers switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme on defense, linebacker Malcolm Smith who had a disappointing two-year stint across the Bay with the Raiders, will try and rebound under new 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Like Shanahan who targeted multiple players he was familiar with, Saleh spent three seasons with Smith in Seattle where he served as the Seahawks' defensive quality control coach and watched from the sidelines as Smith took home Super Bowl MVP honors in Super Bowl 48. Hopefully the two reuniting together again in the NFC West can do Smith some good. Two defensive players signed to help make an impact on special-teams is linebacker Brock Coyle and defensive back Don Jones. Though lots of work has been done in the short time Shanahan and Lynch have been with the team, there's still plenty of work to be done in preparation of the 2017-18 season and the Draft is the next area of focus.
It's worth noting that newly hired general manager John Lynch has already matched former Niners GM Trent Baalke's free-agnet signings from 2012 to 2016 in a matter of days. 49er fans haven't been the only ones giddy about the team's recent acquisitions as media members from both NFL Network (Ian Rapoport) and ESPN (John Clayton) have taken a liking to San Francisco's moves and praised them for adding depth and spending wisely opposed to shelling out cash to the top-tier names on the market. These deals have already made them one of the most improved teams in the league according to Clayton who ranked them fourth just behind Jacksonville, Detroit and Tennessee. Sure a few of the deals might have been slight overpays, but with more than enough in spending money and John Lynch in the drivers seat for the first time, it was to be expected. Not to mention the fact that incoming players know the rebuild in San Francisco is a process and thus a few more dollars will be needed to attract free-agents. That could all change in the coming years, though, if and when we begin to see positive results on the field.
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