For about a quarter of action in Week 7, it appeared as if the San Francisco 49ers would avoid the worrisome trap game that potentially awaited them in the Atlanta Falcons.
The Niners were coming off a short week, having beaten the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football the week prior, then they had to travel east for a 10 a.m. PT kickoff, which is always challenging.
On top of all that, being without stars like defensive end Nick Bosa and wide receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, due to injuries, wouldn't make things any easier.
Still, a 14-3 second-quarter lead appeared safe until rookie running back Kaelon Black's fumble, which turned momentum entirely in Atlanta's favor.
And ultimately resulted in San Francisco's 29-20 loss, it's first defeat of the season.
7 quick thoughts on 49ers' 1st loss of the season
No. 1: Everything changed with back-to-back fumbles
If Black fumble wasn't bad enough (it was), the fact it came on the tail end of back-to-back fumbles by running backs makes things even worse.
Sure, the 49ers recovered second-year tailback Jordan James' first fumble. But Black losing his not only gave all the momentum back over to the Falcons, but it also assuredly will make head coach Kyle Shanahan cringe.
Shanahan has previously placed players in his doghouse for fumbling, and should he elect to do so with either Black or James, it might lead back to an increased workload for running back Christian McCaffrey.
Speaking of whom...
No. 2: 49ers can't lose any more stars (like CMC) to injury
One of the main reasons Shanahan had to lean heavily on both Black and James was when McCaffrey exited for a brief while with a thigh injury.
Fortunately, CMC was able to return. But, given both his age and injury history, there's always a high risk McCaffrey winds up missing significant time, and that's potentially disastrous for a Niners squad already missing so many of its best players.
No. 3: Brock Purdy needs his weapons
One can only imagine how things would've gone if either McCaffrey or tight end George Kittle had to miss the bulk of Week 7's showdown.
The tilt definitely wasn't quarterback Brock Purdy's finest, but errors by his B- and C-level receivers certainly left a lot to be desired. Whether they be drops, improper routes or unreliable hands in contested situations, the drop from someone like Evans to a Jacob Cowing or Jordan Watkins is sizable.
Star players need to return. Otherwise, lines like 27-of-40 with one touchdown against two interceptions, all for a 75.8 passer rating, will be more of the norm.
No. 4: Good thing it's the 49ers bye week now
Back in 2023, the last season in which they made the Super Bowl, the 49ers endured a losing streak just before their bye. Purdy was one who exclaimed just how refreshing it was to step away from football for a while and mentally refresh.
That might just be what San Francisco needs right now.
Emotionally draining victories over teams like the Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos have unquestionably taken a toll. Combine that with injuries, and it's safe to assume the 49ers need a break.
They'll get a much-needed one now.
No. 5: Eddy Pineiro is officially a concern
Kicker Eddy Pineiro's kicking woes this season certainly put him on watch, and it was quite provocative how Fox Sports' broadcast overshadowed the specialist's misses right before he whiffed on an extra-point attempt.
Granted, that was Pineiro's only miss of the game.
But, the fact it feels like an achievement for him to only miss one is a glaring concern, and perhaps he needs a break to recollect all the same.
No. 6: Why are the 49ers so penalty prone now?
Two weeks ago, the 49ers were the least-penalized team in the league. That eroded a bit in Week 6's win over Washington, but it was painfully evident they were having all kinds of infraction issues at Atlanta.
Seven penalties for 55 yards won't tell the whole story. Looking at the nature of calls, particularly those that helped sustain Falcons' offensive drives is another problem Shanahan and Co. will have to address over the next two weeks.
No. 7: 49ers need Upton Stout back
One of the more brutal penalties the Niners committed was by cornerback Jack Jones, only playing because of a shoulder injury nickel cornerback Upton Stout is dealing with.
Stout was active despite being listed as questionable, but Jones got the start with Deommodore Lenoir taking Stout's place at nickel. It appeared as if San Francisco was keeping Stout as a mere emergency option, not as an impact player because of his health.
Jones' flag on a Falcons' 3rd-and-long was a killer, and it's clear the 49ers defense desperately needs Stout to return to the lineup.
Soon.
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