Bears vs. 49ers: 5 top takeaways from San Francisco’s Week 16 loss

In what was a close game, the San Francisco 49ers went down to the Chicago Bears 14-9. Hampered by injuries yet again, the offense couldn’t get there in the end, while the defense continued to show signs of improvement and put up a valiant effort.

The San Francisco 49ers offense was always going to be tested on Sunday, going up against one of the league’s top defenses in the Chicago Bears. And while the Niners couldn’t manage to get into the end zone, they did put up a better-than-expected effort en route to the eventual 14-9 Week 16 loss at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday.

Both the Bears and 49ers would go 3-and-out on their opening drives, with the defense holding strong on both sides. The first points of the game would not come until the second quarter, with the 49ers getting on the board first, courtesy of a field goal from kicker Robbie Gould.

The Bears defense remained dominant for much of the game, shutting down the usually successful 49ers run game. The Niners recorded only 47 rushing yards, with running back Jeff Wilson leading in rushing with 11 carries for 27 yards. While tight end George Kittle led in receiving yards with seven receptions for 74 yards.

In a game that had more good than bad, let’s look at some takeaways for the 49ers.