The San Francisco 49ers lost their 13th straight game on Sunday, being blown out on the road in a 41-13 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Falcons. Once again, this game wasn't pretty for the 49ers, but we did learn some things about this team. Here are the three biggest takeaways from the game:
3) San Francisco's run defense is historically bad
Fantasy football and actual football aren't often compatible, but this stat is - the 49ers have already allowed the most 20+ point fantasy games to opposing running backs in NFL history. They have been routinely shredded up the middle, off tackle and outside all season, resulting in the league's worst rushing defense - and it's not even close (320 more yards allowed than anyone else). This might be the biggest need to address in the offseason.
2) Colin Kaepernick is actually one of this team's bright spots
Yes, Kaepernick's performance did leave something to be desired, but going 20/33 for 183 yards and two touchdowns - without turning the ball over - was an excellent showing given what he is working with. Jeremy Kerley was the only player who caught more than three passes, and tight end Blake Bell was the only player who had over 30 receiving yards (he had one 49 yard catch). Without really any reliable weapons at receiver, Kaepernick has shown an ability to manage the mess - a mess that isn't his fault.
1) They will likely finish 1-15
San Francisco closes their season in Los Angeles against the Rams next Sunday, then host the Seattle Seahawks in the last game of the season. The opportunity is certainly there to get a win against the Rams, but given their terrible defense, don't be surprised if they get shredded by Todd Gurley. There's another opportunity against Seattle if the Seahawks are resting players, but since it looks like they'll be in contention for the No. 2 seed, that's unlikely to happen. With how bad the 49ers have been on both sides of the ball of late, it seems very likely that they will end the season on a 15-game losing streak.
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