49ers beat Bears despite defensive struggles vs. Justin Fields

Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers offense finally finds a rhythm

It might as well have been a tale of two halves for Garoppolo and the 49ers offense, particularly after going just 2-of-6 on third-down attempts in the first half and generating only eight first downs to Chicago’s 12 during those two quarters.

Garoppolo’s rushing touchdown helped set a change in tone, though, and it was also refreshing to see wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk get involved more, too.

Aiyuk, who had been so scantly targeted over the previous six games, finished the game with four receptions for 45 yards and caught the two-point conversion on the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, scored by running back Elijah Mitchell:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1454892818493853696

Mitchell, meanwhile, shouldered the load on the ground with 18 carries for 137 yards and the score.

Related Story: 49ers predictions: Brandon Aiyuk will break out of slump vs. Bears

If it weren’t for Fields’ touchdown response, that might have been the signature drive of the game for either team.

Fortunately, Garoppolo and the Niners offense answered right back with another scoring drive and another Garoppolo run-in touchdown, which was weird to see with rookie quarterback Trey Lance on the bench and usually getting those kinds of calls.

Nonetheless, San Francisco should at least feel happy the offense could respond.

That response was necessary, as the 49ers defense now has some questions to answer after not making life difficult on Fields anywhere close to what was expected.

At least the Niners finally ended their losing streak and improve to 3-4.