5 biggest blunders from SF 49ers loss vs. Washington

No. 2: SF 49ers don’t have an answer with Nick Mullens

Remember those days when there was chatter the Niners could be better off starting Nick Mullens over their No. 1 option, Jimmy Garoppolo?

Seems like a lifetime ago.

Mullens’ game versus Washington is a microcosm of what kind of quarterback he is. On occasion, he can make a good-quality throw while making correct reads and delivering with good enough accuracy.

But more often than not, he’ll struggle with pocket presence and make ill-advised throws. Such as this one where Mullens tried to hit fullback Kyle Juszczyk in the flat, only to have it picked off by Washington safety Kamren Curl, who returned it for a touchdown:

Any slim hopes for a San Francisco comeback ended right there. The final score isn’t indicative of just how big a play this was.

Granted, Mullens having to go 25-of-45 during the game wasn’t going to be a recipe for success. It’s plays like this that remind opponents why they don’t have to respect the SF 49ers passing game, therefore shutting down Kyle Shanahan’s best offensive attribute now, the running game, is so easy.