For the fourth straight week, the 49ers lost a game by three points or less — and in the final moments of play. 12-9, 41-39, 18-15, and now 26-23.
They’ve become the Steve DeBergs of the NFL, with Brian Hoyer in the starring Deberg role. Just good enough to lose. Always in the hunt, often heroically so, but unable to ever make the winning play. Still, as many have pointed out, it beats being just bad enough to get completely butchered.
But, a loss is a loss. The team is 0-5 and with upcoming road games at Washington and Philadelphia, plus a home game against Dallas, 0-8 is looking like a tad more than a distinct possibility.
Both NaVorro Bowman and Carlos Hyde were benched at various times during Sunday’s games, and neither of them were very happy about it. HC Kyle Shanahan explained it wasn’t because of injury, but he was “… going with the hot hand.” That’s coach-speak for “they were playing like shit.” When you’re benched for Brock Coyle, however, there’s no shit deep enough that a player could be playing in to justify the move.
Maybe it’s just that any wild optimism Shanahan had of making a playoff run this year has been beaten out of him, and he’s going to begin playing the younger guys now and making a run for the top spot in the 2018 Draft. Trading both Hyde and Bowman for draft picks is not out of the question.
Last week rookie WR Trent Taylor flashed his promising skills at slot receiver and this week rookie TE George Kittle joined the party, with 7 catches for 83 yards and a TD. The Niners have not have much production from the TE spot since the peak years of Vernon Davis, four years in the rear view mirror.
The defense allowed our old favorite Frank Gore the necessary yards to move into 7th place on the all time rushing list, but otherwise held the old warrior in check. Not so his understudy, Marlon Mack, who ripped off 91 yards on 9 carries, with a 22 yard TD run in the third quarter.
Third pick in the 2017 draft Solomon Thomas continued his Invisible Man mehness. He has one sack on the year, but it came when he was still stymied at the line of scrimmage when Carson Palmer tried to gimp his way out of a collapsing pocket, allowing Thomas to slide sideways and tackle him for a 0.000001 yard loss.
The 49er secondary was primarily torched by Colts WR T.Y. Hilton, who had 177 yards on 7 catches. Mostly at the expense of CB Dontae “Turnstile” Johnson, who led the Niners in tackles, most of which were far down the field. Johnson’s main claim to fame so far in his career is that he has outlasted Keith Reaser and Kenneth Acker for the “who else do we have to play CB” role.
Is it too soon to circle the November 12th home game against the New York Giants for the battle between two 0-9 teams? A far cry from the 1990 game between these two franchises, who were both 10-1 when they met on December 3rd for NFC supremacy, with the 49ers winning 7-3 on a Monday Night.
Oct 22 is the next home game against the Cowgurls.
If you are from out of town and buy a ticket to the game, fly in from wherever, will you the game when you see players kneeling during the playing of the National Anthem? Will you be “shocked” into this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPY6Pp4kmxQ
My point is there was a time when it was Kap and Eric Reid kneeling.
Then Trump went out of his way to truly politicize this and now we have 20 players participating.
If you are attending a future game and your expectation is no players expressing their beliefs then I have a couple of toll bridges across SF Bay I can sell you for cheap.
If you want to talk of disrespect of the military you have to start with the POTUS comments on John Mccain and his lame excuses on why he didn’t serve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA5ybXu78cc
Jimmy Ward covering TY Hilton man to man in the second half was a mismatch.
Kittle showed great desire and grit in scoring that TD. He’s going to grow into being a helluva TE unlike Baalke’s last drafted TE Blake Bell.
Santa Rosa and Rohnert Park on fire since last night.
Napa and Sonoma Counties also have extensive fires burning.
Hundreds if not thousands being evacuated from fast moving flames.
Total rebuild.
DeBerg comment was on target, Skeebs.
It’s 1979 all over again.
Caretaker QB. Shaky secondary. Team better than last year’s apocalypse, but only able to make it close, not quite good enough to make the critical plays at the end to win. Team still needs another draft or two before it will be fully competitive,
Bill Walsh, were he still alive, would recognize this season. He lived through it. All you can do is be patient. Only time will fix this mess.
NaVorro should really retire. He was a great player for a few years there, but the injuries have taken their toll. He just does not have the athleticism he once did, and it shows in pass coverage. If he is to continue, it will be as a part-time player coming out on passing downs, and that won’t fly with his current contract. He’ll be retired or somewhere else, playing for a lot less, this time next year.
Trump is the perfect front-man for the religious right and their agenda’s. I actually think some of his policies make some sense. But, there is no way the religious right will hold ultimate power for very long.
RIP Y.A. Tittle. He brought the 49ers into glory, one of the best.
Lecturing on what you know nothing about.
McCain is a POS and always has been. No friend to veterans.
SF 49ers crying about oppression while California outlaws free speech. Classic dumbassedness.
Anti-American/BLM/Black Power protests are making the games unwatchable for too many anyway.
“SF 49ers crying about oppression while California outlaws free speech. Classic dumbassedness.”
You are so lucky not to live in oppressed California.
Perhaps you will never have to set foot in this hell hole ever again.
“New Orleans Saints have traded Adrian Peterson to the Arizona Cardinals.”
“Former Bengals CB Leon Hall has signed with 49ers, per source.”
that’s 2 new DB’s in one day. Not a good sign.
Bullit here’s a guy I would cast as my early favorite for Draft Watch ’18 –
Arden Key – (6-6, 265) – JR – DE – LSU
http://tinyurl.com/yaayrgwf
This kid wouldn’t be a bad option either – Just some options I plan to keep an eye on through the College schedule at this point –
Derwin James – (6-3, 211) – RSO – S – Florida State
http://tinyurl.com/ycffwqxb
http://tinyurl.com/y7kwd7xw
I’ve seen this kid climbing in popularity also – He was projecting as a RD3-6 guy not long ago-
Might think about him if he slides into RDs2/3 –
Center Frank Ragnow/Arkansas – 6’5″/319
http://tinyurl.com/y862lfha
NJ
I saw Ragnow play against TAMU and he might be the best Center in the draft and worthy of a 2nd round pick.Kilgore just isn’t the answer at C.
A guy to put on your radar is a QB that is on track to break into the first round, Ryan Finley QB NC State.
CBS synopsis
“Finley completed 60.4 percent of his throws with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions at 7.6 yards per attempt in 2016. Heading into this week’s action, his completion percentage is 70.9 with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions at 7.9 yards per attempt. And, no, this isn’t a a box-score scouting report.
All season, Finley has repeatedly checked two or three of his options across the entire field from the pocket, made assertive, accurate passes to all levels of the field, and even displayed some scrambling ability. Right when the announcers were calling for some deep passes against Louisville, Finley delivered. There’s plenty to like about his game, and his strengths translate to the NFL level.”
Shanahan might like this guy because he is able to go through his progressions and get to the third option
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzE9AL9fiKA
Shanahan said Foster was returning to practice today.
That would be a huge boost to the defense because Ruben Foster is that good.
Niners are a 10 point underdog at the Redskins.
Not a big surprise: “49ers shopping LB NaVorro Bowman, and there are teams interested, sources tell ESPN.”
“49ers have released LB NaVorro Bowman.”
Some team in our division is gonna get him. One of the 49er greats, he will be missed.
“In addition to releasing Navarro Bowman, Niners have received and made calls about RB Carlos Hyde.”
Don’t be shocked if Staley changes addresses by the Trade Deadline either.
He’s a stud of course but, with all the changes ahead, I’d be willing to take a qualified deal for him at this point.
He deserves a shot to get out from under this demolition phase.
Move Trent Brown over to the left side perhaps?
Hyde being shopped is no surprise to me.
He won’t get a 2nd Contract in SF, might as well see if there’s a Pick to be had rather than wait for a Comp Pick when he leaves.
Bullit I’ll keep an eye open for Finley, thanks.
I’m more interested in using Pick 1 on an instant starter, specifically on Defense.
I’d much prefer an Edge Rusher if one is rated that high.
I’d even settle for a stud DB, be it a CB or FS too.
One thing I like already about Finley is his streak of 313 Attempts without throwing an INT.
2nd longest in ACC history.
Impressive stat.
Seeing as we own Picks from Saints and Bears next year, let’s hope they both suck the rest of the way.
Makes our position that much more favorable in the end.
I don’t think we could afford to lose Staley. We might get a 5th for Hyde if we are lucky. If nothing else the players have been put on notice.
Winder it’s obvious that we’re in Fire Sale mode now.
Nothing surprising about that TBH.
Joe deserves a better situation than to watch this thing get torn down around him any longer.
Again, I wouldn’t shop him but, I’d take a good offer if one were to come calling.
I’m already looking closer at the College game now to see who’s coming out.
I like a couple of the OL-men from ND already.
LG Quenton Nelson and RT Mike McGlinchey.
No clue where they’ll project just yet.
Nelson has that mean streak I covet too.
Looks to plant everyone he gets his hands on.
Some nice film on Nelson too –
In a word….MAULER.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=148F8rR2GSg
Looks like McGlinchey has moved from RT to LT too.
Schefter from ESPN says the Aints offered the Niners a 7th round pick for Bowman.
“Before they surprisingly released linebacker NaVorro Bowman on Friday, the San Francisco 49ers agreed to trade the longtime veteran to the New Orleans Saints for a seventh-round draft pick, league sources told ESPN.
But after agreeing to the trade, the 49ers learned that the veteran linebacker preferred to be a free agent and decide on his own where he would play next. So as a reward for Bowman’s service, San Francisco acquiesced and released the linebacker.”
Fans always overvalue their players and the the return they’d get in a trade. The surprise was getting 2 #2s for Alex Smith.
Winder it is doubtful that Hyde would get you a #5 pick considering
we’re almost halfway through the season and Hyde would be a rental as he becomes a FA after this year.
49ers inactives
WR Kerndrick Bourne
CB Leon Hall
DB Dexter McCoil
FB Kyle Juszczyk
LB Reuben Foster
OL Erik Magnuson
LD Dekoda Watson
First quarter yuckles:
QB comparison:
Kirk Cousins 12 of 15 for 121 yards, two TDs
Brian Hoyer 2 of 5 for 6 yards
C.J. Beathard is in the game.
So Kirk Cousins in 2018? Sounds good to me.
Getting to the line of scrimmage with about 10 seconds left on the time clock is going to lead to delay of games and wasted TOs. Need to call the plays quicker in huddle. The rook has to learn this quick.
Well, at the moment we look a hell of a lot better with CJ in there
Gotta see what the story is with CJ in extended play in game situations anyway.
Can’t suck much worse can we?
Be nice to avoid the large sucking noise of ‘Draft a Franchise QB’ with our 1st Pick in April.
If ARod broke a collarbone in MN as reported, stick a fork in their Playoff hopes.
Grumpy I’m wide open to ‘buying’ Cousins as a plug-n-play option for Shanny, if CJ doesn’t outright earn the job between now and FA.
Money is not an issue for us.
In a rebuild, get as many Picks as possible.
From what I’m seeing early on, there’s no clear cut advantage to the strengths of the Draft Class coming in next Spring.
I always lean in favor of Defense but, if there’s an advantage on Offense that Shanny is sold on, so be it.
Beathard is a long way from winning the job right now. He’s having success, but is helped by the fact that no one prepared for him and there is no NFL film. At this stage in his development, sustained success is going to be awfully difficult.
Right now we still need at a minimum, a QB, a #1 WR, a tackle, a left guard, a center, an ILB and a CB. And those are just the starting positions that need to be upgraded. Lynch needs to pull another very good draft out of his ass next Spring.
CJ also hasn’t yet been repeatedly clobbered when dropping back to pass.
Six weeks in, let’s see how he is doing. Hopefully, our line does not get him killed at least.
CJ taking some costly sacks of the 10 yard variety taking them out of easier FG range. Check it down or throw it away.
Balance of power in the NFC has shifted with Rodgers probably gone for the year and Elliot suspended for 6 games. Opens it up for others.
Well, Hyde got set up for some opportune stats today, so I’m good.
SJW 49ers 6
NFL 49ers 0
From the sounds of the post game interview – Shanny apparently is going to stick with CJ next week.
Let’m go for it the rest of the way IMO.
If we win 1 stink’n game this year, beating Jerruh would be a treat.
Looks like Beathard is the starting QB based on Shanahan’s post game comments.
Sounds like it Bullit – Fine by me.
Gould missed a FG inside of 50 yards. That was the difference in the game.
Keeping with the theme of YOUTH-anizing this team if the Raiduhs make the huge mistake of bringing back Janokowski from IR, I’d sign Tavecchio who was in the Niner preseason camp 3 years ago because he hasn’t missed any FGs this year and is 10+ years younger than Gould.
CJ has to have time in games to make a determination on how he stacks up to the Draft options anyway.
Let him get the reps and, take his lumps.
Essentially Gould has missed a PAT and a FG that cost 2 potential wins this year.
Seeing a report that has Bowman planning a visit with Oakland on Monday.
Can’t say that comes as a surprise.
NJ
Definitely, now that Shanahan has made the move, he’s got to see it through. Hoyer was a stop gap and could still function as a backup.
I am disappointed by their 3rd string QB.
Last season I was disappointed when they failed to ink Kevin Hogan when the Chefs cut him loose. But then again Baalke was running the show and he was just sitting on his hands.
Baalke and Offense don’t exist in the same sentence.
He was more a Defensive-minded guy IMO.
New regime. Move forward.
Seems there’s a possibility that Bowman could visit Dallas too.
That’s a mild surprise.
Maybe Jaylon Smith isn’t as healthy as they might have hoped.
Sean Lee is still dealing with concussion issues though.
Glazer on Fox identified teams interested in Bowman
“Trade partners w serious talks for Bowman included Saints & Ravens. Panthers, Browns and Raiders interested too in the Pro Bowl free agent.”
Lynch would probably have to get creative if he wanted a bigger return.
For instance trade Bowman and a 6th round pick for a 4th round pick.
Something along those lines.
Read a piece that suggested Saints had a deal in place but Bow didn’t prefer to play there.
In the end, I think Lynch gave Bowman his wishes and let him seek his own destination.
Team will save money on his Cap number but, got nothing more.
Probably the right thing to do, in terms of treating him with some respect, in an otherwise lousy situation.
Pretty much the whole team should take a share on the losses the last 5 games. You can throw in play calling and the F-ing refs. You are right about Gould bullit he makes those two kicks and we stay alive at least. I was yelling right before the Garcon penalty to just not move the chains back. All we needed was 5-10 yards and more than likely that game is ours.
I’ll be happy with 2 Wins this year.
Dallas and Seattle.
Team isn’t being embarrassed at least.
Gotta find something positive about losing I guess?
Gotta keep the Iowa connection in mind too.
CJ and Kittle have some chemistry to fall back on at least.
This is the most interesting 0-6 team I have ever seen. Like the blind squirrel theory we are bound to find a nut sooner or later. I agree about CJ getting his feet wet, it’s the only way to evaluate what he actually brings to the table. There seems to be a lot of young QB’s making their marks in the game. Maybe it’s the rule changes that give them more of a chance.
Be nice if CJ can dissuade Lynch/Shanny from using a 1 Pick on the position in April and, perhaps garnering an extra Pick to slide back a few notches again.
Way too early to figure who’s who in the Top 5 just yet but, we know QBs are always a hot commodity.
Not for me however 😀
See Montana,Joe….Brady,Tom etc as examples of guys with less hype that simply want it more.
NJ- I would be happy if we beat Dallas and Seattle too. I am kinda afraid that our youth will still bring on more mistakes and penalties. One thing that truly is a bright side is that there is no giving up with this team, they fight until the end. The only problem with that is more than likely no opponent will overlook us.
Last season under Chip the Niners lost 10 out of 16 games by double digits. Once they got behind it was over last year. There seemed to be little motivation to fight back and compete.
The offense has so far gone from ranked 31 to 22 and the defense from 32 to 28.
It’s going to be a struggle until they revamp the roster.
At this point, I agree, they don’t quit.
Have to respect that if nothing else.
As always….Just BEAT DALLAS.
Eff Jerruh. Repeatedly.
I also hope Bow gets a deal with Oakland today.
Hate to see him playing for Jerruh on the other side of the line from us next week.
That would be hard to take.
New post is up.