The Colts met the 49ers at Levis Stadium in a deluge of rain on Sunday Night. Fans were hopeful that it was a sign the 49ers would finally get a win at home this year. The fans were sorely disappointed. This game was marred by over 100 yards in penalties, multiple turnovers, and multiple missed opportunities to secure a win. The 49ers did not play well. You are what your record says you are, and right now, the 49ers are not a good football team.
The 49ers have a lot of potential. That potential is rooted in players like George Kittle, Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner and hopefully Trey Lance. The Niners started the year with high hopes and an injury free roster. Then, the dominoes started falling. First Mostert, than Jason Verrett, the Emmanuel Mosley, Than Javon Kinlaw….and the list is piling up. The latest big name on the list is Trent Williams. The 49ers missed him tonight. It is highly likely he would have made a significant difference in pass blocking and keeping Jimmy G’s shirt clean.
Jimmy Garoppolo played like a quarterback that needs to be replaced. He also played like a quarterback that took his team to the Superbowl two years ago. Three plays and 70 yards, and Jimmy G leads his team to score a much-needed touch down. The next two possessions, Jimmy G throws back-to-back interceptions. Honestly, I think it’s time to turn the reigns over to Trey Lance and see what he can do. Jimmy Garoppolo is too inconsistent which is a symptom of a larger problem. The whole team is inconsistent. Lack of consistency leads to poor play. Poor play leads to losses. One possession they have a series of brilliant plays on offense or defense. The next, the whole squad falls flat on their face and commits mistake after mistake. There were 97 yards in pass interference penalties alone on the defense. The defensive backs were hugging and, in some cases, running right into the receivers. Three of the Colts scoring drives came off pass interference calls made in their favor. Compounding matters, the 49ers had three dropped interceptions of their own. Josh Norman missed a pick which would have set the 49ers up nicely in Colt’s territory. Samson Ebukam missed a pick on a botched screen play. Mosley also missed a pick at another key component of the game. Those missed opportunities are likely the difference in this game.
There are bright spots to build off in this game. Elijah Mitchell, rookie running back, earned 107 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Deebo Samuel secured seven receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers have much to improve on. Maybe the road trip to Chicago can help right the ship, because right now, the 49ers playoff hopes are sinking fast.