The SanFrancisco 49ers lost their first game of the season on Sunday as they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 37-16. The game was 17-9 in favor of the Steelers going into the 4th quarter and then all hell broke lose for the niners. Two field goals and a interception returned for a touchdown blew the game wide open for the Steelers.
The 49ers had a few chances early in the game to score touchdowns but weren’t able to get into the endzone. After getting into the redzone on their first possession, the 49ers had to settle for a 36 yard Joe Nedney field goal. What happened next set the tone for the day as the Steelers ran the kickoff back for a touchdown. The 49ers were playing catchup after the kickoff return and never could get over the hump.
It was nice to see Vernon Davis get some action in the game. Quarterback Alex Smith hit Davis with the ball for four catches and 56 yards. Smith threw the ball to Davis in the endzone twice, but both times the passes were incomplete.
Smith had plenty of chances to put more points on the board but could never get the team into the promise land. Smith finished the day 17-35 for 209 yards and the crucial interception in the 4th quarter.
I was dissapointed in the running game however. It seemed that Frank Gore never really got going and continued to always try to run right up the middle. Gore rushed 14 times for only 39 yards and you aren’t going to win a game when your starting running back only runs for 39 yards. We know that the Steelers defense is pretty damn good and you have to establish the run to open up some throws downfield but it wasn’t working for the niners.
As for the defense, the defense played well against the Steeler receivers, but it was the tight ends that really hurt them in the passing game. It just goes to show you how well Nate Clements is playing right now when he can shut down Hines Ward and the other receivers. Oh, and the defense couldn’t stop the run as Willie Parker ran wild for 133 yards and Najeh Davenport ran for another 47 yards.
The 49ers will be back at home on Sunday when they face the Seattle Seahawks. Gametime is set for 1 p.m. pacific time. Lets hope the 49ers get back on the winning track and win another divisional game.
