Broncos vs. 49ers: 5 top takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 14 win
![SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 09: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 09: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs after a catch against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ab872598c8bba4107d875b9c105775f9ca2f0cffd0221e6ad561c87ef327ac55.jpg)
In a game that almost ended in the San Francisco 49ers blowing a fourth-quarter lead, they managed to hold on for the win 20-14 defeating the Denver Broncos in Week 14’s matchup. With good performances on both sides of the ball, there are takeaways to be had for both the offense and defense.
The San Francisco 49ers came out firing in the first half of Sunday’s game versus the Denver Broncos, holding onto a 20-14 win after a late Denver comeback attempt, impressing on both offense and defense. In what has been a shaky season for the Niners, they looked like a completely different team, especially on defense.
The offense started with a good opening drive, moving the ball down the field for 56 yards. However, a false start by guard Laken Tomlinson resulted in a five-yard penalty forcing head coach Kyle Shanahan to opt for the field goal. Kicker Robbie Gould put the Niners on the board first with a 40-yard field goal.
The defense saw a drastic change in performance across the board. While the regular contributors on defense continued to show their skill on the field, it was the rookies who stepped up Sunday to help put a stop on the Broncos. They managed to hold the Broncos to just a one-yard gain on their opening drive and would continue to apply the pressure throughout the game.
While the momentum of the game switched in the second half, favoring the Broncos, the 49ers overall had a decent game.
With the Niners breaking a three-game losing streak, it’s not all doom and gloom, with some positive takeaways to look over.