The 49ers lost their 2022 season opener to the Chicago Bears on Sunday in Chicago at Solider field. Even though San Francisco lost, there were still some good signs from their week one loss.
The 49ers Good
There were a few good plays from the 49ers’ loss. Lance showed toughness and elusiveness on a 3rd and 13 and when he ran for a first down. Lance showed he could make plays with his legs to extend drives when defenses lock up wide receivers and no is open down field. Nick Bosa & Samson Ebokam both had sacks on Fields in the first half, and Talanoa Hafonaga had a great game, with 11 total tackles, 9 solo tackles, two tackles for loss and an interception.
The Bad
We were informed, per a tweet from NFL insider Adam Schefter, that Elijah Mitchell is expected to be sidelined for about two months with an MCL sprain that he suffered Sunday. A facemask penalty nullifies a third-down stop, Gipson drops an INT, and then the Bears score on a broken play. The 49ers’ defense made mistakes and committed penalties that gave Bears life and lead in the second half Sunday.
The Ugly
Missed opportunities, crucial turnovers in the red zone, and sloppy penalties were the ultimate demise of San Francisco on Sunday. The 49ers committed 12 penalties for 99 yards. San Francisco’s Star edge rusher, Nick Bosa said it best when talking about the penalties that hurt the 49ers. “Fifteen yards for a team that can’t move the ball, that’s huge.” The Bears put up 19 unanswered points in the 2nd half due to the 49ers defensive penalties. San Francisco will have to clean up the penalties and be more disciplined if they want to compete in the NFC and be considered a Super Bowl contending team this season.
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