By Scooter_McG
Week 7 of the 2022 season saw the 49ers soundly beaten by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, 44-23, dropping the 49ers to a 3W-4L record.
The game started out well for the 49ers as they scored 10 points on their opening two drives, which also saw newly acquired Christian McCaffrey make some nice contributions on the ground despite only joining the team two days prior to the game. In between the two scores the 49ers sandwiched an INT of Mahomes as Gipson jumped a pass and Hufanga snagged the deflection.
However, after that hiccup Mahomes and the Chiefs found their groove on offense and went up and down the field with ease thereafter. The Chiefs had three more drives before the half, which ended with two TDs and a missed FG just before the half. The 49ers on the other hand would have to settle for just one field goal the rest of the half, despite being gifted a golden opportunity to score following a muffed punt which was recovered at the Chiefs 12 yard line, as Jimmy G inexplicably threw a floater up while back pedalling under pressure that was easily intercepted at the goal line. That wasn't the only opportunity to regain the lead before the half the 49ers botched either - the only reason the 49ers were punting on the muffed punt is because they were knocked out of FG range courtesy of a Jaylon Moore false start on the FG try.
At 14-13 down at the half, the 49ers still had an opportunity to come away with the win if they were able to finish more drives on offense, play sound defense and avoid backbreaking plays on STs in the second half. None of those things happened. Instead the Chiefs began proceedings with a long kickoff return before their offense steamrolled the 49ers on four straight TD drives, converting long plays at will (even 3rd and 20s). Meanwhile the 49ers offense started the second half ok getting 10 points on the first two drives, but then fell apart down the stretch as the pressure to keep up with the Chiefs high powered offense became too much.
It's hard to really pinpoint too much of what went right for the 49ers in this one, as not much did. The offense was probably the "bright spot" in this game for the 49ers, but even then was sabotaged by numerous mistakes such as penalties, dropped passes, blown blocking assignments and guys just flat out getting beaten (McGlinchey and Williams, looking at you).
The defense on the other hand was just straight dismal. The 49ers often say the defense starts with the defensive line, and it definitely did in this one. They were completely manhandled for 60 minutes and the back seven were exposed all too easily without the safety blanket of the guys up front creating pressure and forcing RBs into defender's arms. This performance made discussions in previous weeks about the 49ers 2022 defense being one of the best ever seem completely farcical, and unlike last week against the Falcons, the 49ers can't point to guys missing as an excuse as a lot of players returned for this one.
Special teams also did their part blowing this game, clearly not wanting to be outdone by their offensive and defensive counterparts.
In some respects this loss is a good thing for the 49ers. A close loss would have glossed over some of the issues the team has consistently displayed this season. But getting blown away should be the wake up call the players and coaches need. If it isn't, this is going to be a long, disappointing season.
I said after last week's game Shanahan might have some soul searching to do. The entire team does this week.
Thanks for the write up, Scooter. Not much more to add other than it feels like we've been here before, as the Rams game is looking like a must win.
ReplyDeleteI think the Niners are going to have to sweep their division in order to grab first place.
DeleteA win would be welcome, but not must imo. While I don’t want to see another miracle come back season, 3-5 would put them in the same place as last season. A bye to heal up and an extra week to fume over missed opportunities and downright crap individual and team performances. Plus a weaker NFC this season.
ReplyDelete(Ribico)
When Bosa has two quick offside penalties, you know that the defense is in for a long day. Even if the D line had been successfully able to stop the run (which they didn't), it seems to me that Mahomes would have had time to convert third and longs because the D line failed spectacularly to put meaningful pressure on Mahomes. One of the results was that Charvarius was charred toast -- hopefully because he was not 100%.
ReplyDeleteWithout Armstead the 49ers can't stop the run.
DeleteCharvarius probably shouldn't of played.
This is the kind of game I don't even want to review, and would rather file away under #13.
I used to think Armstead was good but not great. Ever since he moved full time to DT I now see why the 49ers paid him what they did. They really miss him in the middle.
DeleteUnfortunately the Kinlaw experiment looks like it won't work out. They need to find someone to provide the impact DJ Jones did last year.
Kalia Davis really reminded me of D. J. Jones. I think a year of rehab and conditioning in the NFL should have him ready to compete for that spot. He just may have been their Kinlaw insurance policy.
DeleteGeorge:
Delete"Even if the D line had been successfully able to stop the run (which they didn't), it seems to me that Mahomes would have had time to convert third and longs because the D line failed spectacularly to put meaningful pressure on Mahomes." KC's control of our D line, except in rare instances, meant we had little chance of winning that game. While Mahomes is a brilliant qb, like any qb he can be brought down to earth by a strong pass rush, like he was in their SB against Tampa. After that loss, it's my understanding that KC's front office completely restaffed its O line.
Now I'm going to say a few things reminiscent of Mr. Lesions -- as one of you guys has called him, I forget whom and apologize to that gentlemen because it's just brilliant -- but I do so in the spirit of goodwill.
-As good as our front office has been, I'd trade it in a heartbeat for KC's. Ignoring our O line for so many years has been malfeasance imo. They really should be ashamed of themselves.
-One thing this loss shows is that Kyle's offensive system is too conservative in this day and age imo. If their O line hadn't been as good in controlling our pass rush, the game would have been closer but we wouldn't have been able to trade touchdown for touchdown with those guys.
-I think if we were able to get to Mahomes, we might have been able to win it with Lance at qb. He's similar to Mahomes in that he can dance around back there and can reach any part of the field.
-That leads me to my final point: Does anyone know if Reid has ever designed a run for Mahomes? My point is we're deprived of Lance because Shanahan has insisted on doing that, and when called on this has said he'll continue to do so. I find his logic more than somewhat baffling.
Ok, rant over.
This game
I feel that Kyles run plays are extremely predictable at times. Watching KC run that reverse sweep, the ones where the runner was basically past Bosa by the time he could set the edge, killed me because that simple level of creativity is not used here and yet that would be AMAZING with Deebo and now CMc. I really wish he would use more jet sweeps, talk to Harbaugh and get some wham block runs, its just small things that he seems to not be doing and it boggles the mind.
DeleteAlso is it just me or does Deebo seem slower this year, like he just isn't breaking those big plays. He was never a blazer, but he did get enough separation to make his guy miss when trying to tackle but that hasn't happened much at all either in the run or receiving plays he gets.
KC is covering a lot of holes with Mahomes. We can't just assume or expect Lance to ever be him, he's showing he's a generational talent and so far his massive contract hasn't totally ruined KCs talent. We shall see if it holds up, they could very well be a great team year in and year out, like the Packers, and like the Packers they can be 1 and done in the playoffs since they ride the QB to get season wins but once the POs start they just don't have the remaining talent around them. I'd be interested to see what GB's record is in Nov & Dec vs Sept & Oct, since having a QB who eats 20+% of your cap limits your depth, they can get enough wins in the first 8 to offset going .500 in the last. Will see if KC becomes that. I think SFs FO is really good, especially with the cap, they just don't have Mahomes (and may not in the next decade). Mahomes makes KCs FO job that much easier and makes Reid look that much better. He's always been a good coach, but 1 SB win in 20+ years, a career playoff record of 19-16, take out the 2019 3-0 playoff/sb run and he's a .500 win guy in the playoffs. Again, PM is making him look a lot better than he is...swap AR with KS and KC looks just as good, maybe better.
I just hope people realize that when you have a good/great coach, don't get rid of them. Pitt has Tomlin, who won a SB in 2008(2009), yet his post season record is 8-9, you keep that guy. Balt has JH, 1 SB win but just 11-8 in the playoffs, he's going no where.
KS is 4-2 in the playoffs, you have to discount his overall record since he inherited a dumpster fire, but no one should be calling for his job. This guy can be the coach here like Tomlin, Harbaugh, Reid (both KC and Phili), let him be the guy for 15 years, we do not want to go back to Erickson, Nolan, Sing, Toms, or Kelly.
EMJay, I agree re Shanahan, there shouldn't even be consideration at this point about replacing him. He's a good coach - getting to two NFCCGs in the past 3 years (and 1 SB) proves that. And unlike with Harbaugh, there doesn't appear to be any real turmoil within the organisation that he creates, or player burnout - the players still seem to genuinely like playing for him.
DeleteNow if they miss the playoffs this year and start slow again next year, sure, those conversations should start to be had. But right now it is very premature.
Not much to say that hasn't been said.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good country song, Under!
DeleteUnder,
DeleteThere's always a handy quote that has been said before and can be said again.
Watching Reid teach a lesson to Shanny last Sunday reminded me of Bum Phillips' take on Bear Bryant:
"Bryant can take his'n and beat your'n, and then he can turn around and take your'n and beat his'n".
Lets hope this is their Colts rain game and it propels them on a run to finish the season.
ReplyDeleteBTW, as much as we all love them, time to put the throwback jerseys away for a bit as they seem to always blow it when wearing them (or maybe that just how it feels). Maybe since these ones aren't working out (unlike in 94) they should start rocking those late 90s/early 00s maroon jerseys and see if they have reversed results.
I hope this loss is the kick in the backside the team needs too. But they also can't keep starting seasons this way moving forward. Shanahan needs to figure out a way to get the players locked in that doesn't require the season being on the line.
DeleteTrue.
DeleteSadly gone are the days when teams would roll into game 1 in 6th gear (it was the 90s so 6 gears was about most youd get, now you get 10 on a pickup).
I get player safety is a concern but the reduction in OTAs, reduction in practice type at training camp and reduction in both preseason game and players playing in them means teams are coming into the season not at top form...and you see guys going out with tendon issues that much more frequently.
Its across the board but yeah, KS needs to get these guys to have a knifes edge focus, which is what it seems like. Could be almost they are too confident in themselves and think they will just will their way to wins, but you lose a game or two in September you should win and come January you're sitting at home because you missed a playoff spot by 1 game.
Preseason games starters rarely play. Now, it's almost like the month of Sept is the real preseason. The fans are paying more money and getting a lesser product.
DeleteTevon Coleman released.
ReplyDeleteVerrett activated. Mitchell should be back by the 2nd week of November.
DeleteI hope Verrett can resume his stellar play. Mitchell will be a welcomed addition.
DeleteMitchell will be nice to have back, but with CMC in the fold it isn't a big need. Verrett's ability to get back to 2020 form will be vital.
DeleteThe Niners don't need Armstead to beat the Rams. Sit him thru the bye week.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the numbers with and without Armstead? Like night and day. You could make the argument that the lack of pressure on the qb is a direct result of not stuffing the run on early downs.
DeleteI understand Armstead's value, if we can't beat the Rams without him then we are in worse shape than I thought.
DeleteIt's a quandary. It's better for Armstead to get a couple of more weeks to heal fully but this game has turned into a must win.
DeleteI still think that Niners can eke out a win without Armstead just because the O line of the Rams is pretty bad, and their RB room is no better.
Jason activated just in time for Halloween!
ReplyDeleteInteresting stat, Andy Reid 0-12, Walsh 0-4 and Belichick 1-8 when their teams give up 40 or more. Two offensive guru's and a defensive master.
ReplyDeletePeople expecting the offense to overcome 40 pts given up really are expecting the unachievable.
I know Fangio is waiting in the wings, but maybe we move him to the cockpit.
DeleteThe good news are NFC is wide open and NFC West could be easily won by the Niners! But the offense need to find a way to score TDs. This offense has too many weapons to strugle in the red zone.
ReplyDeleteReducing penalties will go a long way toward red zone happiness. CMC is going to invigorate the running game which bodes well for red zone success. Reduce the number of passes dropped and reduce turnovers will go a long way towards six points. The final thing is KS and his play calling in the red zone.
DeleteAnd you're right the NFC west is wide open and sweeping the division would go a long way towards winning it.
What is up with those dumb penalties? This is practically a veteran team. So undiscipline... smh
DeleteAlso, our 3rd down conversion needs to be better. I think we were top 5 in 3rd down conversion the year we went to the SB.
Really am looking forward to the Rams game. Want to see CMJ run.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest trade in NFL history.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nfl.com/news/sidelines/digging-into-the-colts-and-rams-1972-franchise-swap-was-the-greatest-biggest-tra
"Shanahan added that defensive linemen Arik Armstead (foot, ankle) and Samson Ebukam (Achilles), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (calf), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hamstring), fullback Kyle Juszczyk (finger), and Tackle Trent Williams (vet day) are not expected to practice."
ReplyDeleteDeebo isn't practicing either - hamstring.
Just watch these two run plays to see why lack of patience and vision often stalls Kyle's run game. CMac may fix most of that.
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/Greg_Panelli/status/1585039573641723904
Urgh, yes! It is so bizarre watching 49ers RBs consistently go hell for leather behind the LOS rather than playing with some patience. Terrell Davis and Arian Foster were two of the best to do it in the outside zone, and what made those guys so successful was the combo of patience, vision and explosion when they saw the lane.
DeleteCMC should be so much better in this regard.
Foster was tailor made for it.
DeleteGeorge:
DeleteHate to say it but it looks like we over-drafted Davis Price. If correct, that would be two in a row.
While under-drafting Drake Jackson, and Burford.
DeleteGeorge:
DeleteNo doubt that.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the CMC trade is reminiscent of the Wendell Tyler acquisition. The Niners gave up a 2nd round pick and a 4th round pick in 1983 for Tyler. The trade partner was the Rams and they regretted it for a few years. It was fun to watch Tyler and I am hoping it's the same with CMC.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I am (not so) low key quite excited by the acquisition of CMC.
DeleteI don't like giving up the draft capital they did for an injury prone RB, but at the same time I can't help but think he is a great fit for this offense (well, any offense really).
'84 Niners with Tyler/Craig in the backfield and those swing passes were a thing of beauty.
Delete84 was a great year for sure. Almost unstoppable.
DeleteJoe Staley on fixing what ails the 49ers: "Get pissed. Watch the film. Be accountable." I like it. I hope they can bring him in as a coach.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.ninersnation.com/2022/10/26/23423897/49ers-news-joe-staleys-3-step-program-to-fix-the-team-before-the-rams-game
Agree with Joe.
DeleteWhat is somewhat baffling is why players aren't doing this already. One year you can accept it as a blip, but championship teams don't consistently need 7-8 games at the start of the year before being accountable.
Easy to blame the coach when this doesn't happen, but it is up to the players in the end.
But... where it does fall on Shanahan is in building a locker room where the performances in the first half of the past two seasons aren't accepted by the players themselves and they nip it in the bud quickly. He clearly hasn't been able to instil that kind of discipline and accountability as yet.
If I was to put a finger on the issue I would say it is this - the players believe their own hype too much. Have done since the 2019 season. While they are grown men, hate to say it, but often times these guys need someone to tell them they aren't all that. Either Shanahan doesn't do it or his message doesn't sink in. And they don't have a Ray Lewis/ Ed Reed type to put them in their place.
Miss the Justin Smith, Gore, Stalley, PW locker room...
DeleteAiyuk, Juice, Bosa, Warner, and for sure Kittle need to light the fire.
DeleteI wonder if Jimmy Ward follows Ryans or heads east to the Jets next year.
ReplyDeleteEither way he will fit right in. You don't think he is going to be around next season?
DeleteNah, I think Quantrezz Knight is his replacement.
DeleteHis comment regarding playing nickel didn't sound like a guy that expects to be back next season.
DeleteIf Gipson continues to play well then they can potentially stick with him another year while someone develops.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNiners need to go back to running the ball 30+ times. They win when running the ball. CMC combined with Wilson should get 150 yards per game. Running the ball successfully, controls the clock, breaks the heart of the oppositions defense, keeps Niners defense and their offense off the field, opens up the passing game especially play action. Run the ball Shanny, run the ball, that's how the Niners win.
ReplyDeleteBingo.
DeleteFunny thing is they've been better at pass pro.
DeleteYes and no. There has been some issues there, but having RBs fail to hit the hole makes the OL look a lot worse than they are in the running game.
DeleteI think CMC is going to make everyone look better.
Delete
DeleteMatt Maiocco
@MaioccoNBCS
·
8h
Here are the top pass-blocking teams in the NFL through seven weeks, according to @PFF grades:
1, Eagles
2, Browns
3, Ravens
4, Jaguars
5, 49ers
I saw that Razor and thought the O line is better than expected.
DeleteJust think how much better they'd be if Jimmy would get the ball out on time. Everytime he holds the ball for longer than 2.3 seconds my butt cheeks start to tighten, because I know the chances are he's gonna throw a pick.
DeleteI want to say the receivers are not getting open, but in most cases, they are he just isn't seeing them.
DeleteBe nice if they caught the ball too.
DeleteWhat’s the general consensus on the rumored interest in CB Donte Jackson? I read he he injured his groin recently. Should be a shoe-in
ReplyDeleteEdit: It was an ankle injury, but the point remains the same 😂
DeleteWith Deebo and Jennings hurting it just might be a Gray day down in L.A.
ReplyDelete"The team ruled out Samuel, Armstead, and Greenlaw for Sunday. Jennings and cornerback Jason Verrett are listed as "questionable.""
ReplyDeleteI guess Juice is out too.
DeleteMaybe we should bring in Warner as an assistance coach or offensive coordinator??? He might be able to help us in the passing game.
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MEdp4IOo3rk
Losing LaFleur and McDaniel in consecutive years hasn't helped Shanahan. But apparently Slowik has a pretty good reputation internally. I'm all for bringing in smart people with good ideas, but sometimes you also need a little patience.
DeleteFowler reporting trade interest in Jeff Wilson. Be nice if we could get a 5th round pick for him.
ReplyDeleteGiven the attrition at RB, do you risk it?
DeleteThe way it's working this year is if they kept Wilson and turned down a draft pick no one would get injured and at the end of the year people would say why didn't they trade him. If they trade him than CMC or Mitchel would get hurt and people would say, why did we trade him. It's how its working this year. Damn if you do and damn if you don't.
DeleteYou got Mitchell cominig back after the bye, and likely Samuel. CMC, TDP, Mason and Coleman on the practice squad. I think they'll be alright without Wilson.
DeleteYou only trade him if the offer is higher than the compensationpick as a FA.
ReplyDeleteWilson was found money as an UDFA, and any compensatory pick for him wouldn't be available until 2024. If Baltimore is willing to give up one of their 5th rounders, you trade him.
DeleteI dunno. Has anybody outside of CMC, Mitchell and Wilson shown they can be trusted to take on a sizeable workload? If one of CMC or Mitchell (when he returns) gets hurt, you need a 2nd guy that you can give 5-8 carries to.
DeleteDeebo
DeleteDeebo will get his carries, but he shouldn't be RB2.
DeleteCMC/Mitchell/TDP/Deebo should be plenty for the next 9 games.
DeleteTDP has done nothing to convince me he isn't the next Trey Sermon. By how little the 49ers use him and how Coleman was used in preference to him, doesn't look like he's convinced the coaches any different either.
DeleteI don't think they'll trade Wilson if they believe TDP is the next Sermon. For that matter, Mason would have passed him on the depth chart.
DeleteTay Martin, come on down!
ReplyDelete