8 49ers vs. Falcons game takeaways that stood out

It wasn’t excellent, however the San Francisco 49ers grabbed a 20-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday evening at Levi’s Stadium.

Lack of perfection might be going to outline the 49ers’ season as they attempt to overcome accidents to a few of their finest gamers, however Sunday’s exhibiting was extra proof that regardless of their varied health-related calamities the 49ers are a workforce to be reckoned with within the NFC. At 5-2, they continue to be atop the NFC West and in third place general within the convention.

Listed below are eight takeaways from the 49ers’ fifth win of the season:

49ers get classic Christian McCaffrey recreation

It took seven weeks, however McCaffrey lastly seemed like himself once more. The 49ers’ famous person working again was explosive, pressured some missed tackles, and led the offense in nearly each class. He was their main rusher with a season-high 129 yards. He additionally scored their solely two touchdowns, and he led the membership with seven receptions and 72 receiving yards. McCaffrey has been serving to the 49ers maintain their heads above water all 12 months, however Sunday evening he helped them look extra like a sustainable offense than one merely piecing collectively sufficient performs to win.

George Kittle’s return makes main impression

It is unimaginable to overstate how a lot Kittle being again helped the 49ers’ run recreation. Kittle had no catches, however this stat from Subsequent Gen Stats tells your entire story of what Kittle means to San Francisco’s offense.

Mac Jones’s two large throws shine on gradual evening

With the bottom recreation working, the 49ers did not want a lot from their backup QB. Jones went 17-of-26 for 152 yards and one interception. The turnover got here off a tipped move from WR Jauan Jennings who in all probability ought to’ve made the catch. Nevertheless, Jones had two essential performs Sunday evening. The primary one got here earlier than the 49ers’ first landing within the second quarter. On a third-and-4, Jones was pressured and rolled left earlier than flipping a throw excessive of 4 defenders to McCaffrey who was taken down on the 1-yard line. McCaffrey scored on the following play.

Later within the purple zone Jones discovered McCaffrey on a third-and-13 the place the working again slipped in behind a linebacker and in entrance of a defensive again to haul in Jones’s throw on the 4-yard line. McCaffrey scored one play later.

These two third-down conversions had been big-time performs from the backup QB on an evening the place they offense did not ask him to hold the load.

Fred Warner’s alternative Tatum Bethune steps up

Bethune, a seventh-round decide within the 2024 draft, seemed prepared for a tricky matchup towards Atlanta. He was all around the area for the 49ers and led the best way with 10 tackles. He additionally had a quarterback stress on the Falcons’ last drive. Bethune briefly left the sport within the first quarter and was mum on the problem after the sport whereas talking with NBC reporter Melissa Starks. It wasn’t excellent from Bethune, who bought out of place a few instances, however it was a formidable outing nonetheless that offers some hope for the 49ers protection even with out Warner in the midst of the entrance seven.

49ers CB Chase Lucas has one other huge play

Lucas was a preseason star for San Francisco after spending final 12 months on their apply squad. His play was sufficient to earn a roster spot, and having him has helped the 49ers safe two wins this season. He was the primary participant within the combine to cease Los Angeles Rams working again Kyren Williams on the game-ending fourth-down play at SoFi Stadium. Then Sunday evening with 8:20 to go he broke up a fourth-and-1 move supposed for Falcons WR Drake London. The 49ers took over at their very own 35 and went 65 yards to attain the game-winning landing. If Lucas would not give you a move breakup on that fourth down, Sunday’s recreation could have gone very completely different for San Francisco.

Bryce Huff takes over

The 49ers have struggled to search out its move rush with no Nick Bosa on the sector. Huff answered the decision Sunday evening with two quarterback hits, 1.0 sacks, a deal with for loss and a pressured fumble. He was a nightmare for the Falcons offensive line on Atlanta’s last drive. They threw a number of blockers at him and tried leaving him one-on-one and he was within the backfield on just about each snap. San Francisco’s protection nonetheless wants a extra constant move rush, however with the ability to get residence in apparent passing conditions is an efficient begin.

Eddy Pineiro stays excellent

Pineiro related on each of his area purpose tries, one from 55 yards out and one other from 43 yards out, to deliver his whole with the 49ers to an ideal 17-for-17. That is the kicker Kyle Shanahan has been ready for.

49ers depth chart at security will get a shuffle

It seems the 49ers are having an in-season competitors at security. Rookie Marques Sigle and Ji’Ayir Brown began on the two security spots. Jason Pinnock, who opened the season as a starter, additionally bought some run. Malik Mustapha noticed motion in addition to the membership tries to determine its finest pairing within the again finish of the secondary. Extra importantly, discovering the highest pairing behind the secondary frees up different gamers on the depth chart to work as chess items in potential wrinkles from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

Extra 49ers: Kyle Shanahan gives postgame damage updates on 2 starters after win vs. Falcons