49ers Come Up Short Against Patriots, 30-21

For a moment during the first quarter, everything appeared to be okay for the 49ers. J.T. O’Sullivan threw two touchdown passes for a 14-7 lead, in a game that promised to be high-scoring, competitive and a possible upset victory for the home charges. But, then the veteran-heavy Patriots took control, dominated the time of possession and ground San Francisco’s defense into a fine powder.

During his weekly press conference, head coach Mike Nolan stated his disappointment at the 49ers’ sluggish start. Like all coaches, he thinks his team is better and should have done better during the first five games. Maybe Nolan should be pointing his finger at himself for the 49ers’ troubles, especially on defense.

The 49ers (2-3) have seen this scenario played out before—their defense out on the field for much of the game, while their offense struggles. New England held a 2-to-1 advantage in time of possession—racking up 377 yards to the 49ers’ 199. New England quarterback Matt Cassel played well, not spectacular, but spread the ball around and found receiver Randy Moss five times for 111 yards and one touchdown.

O’Sullivan threw three touchdown passes, but two of those occurred in the first quarter. He went 14-for-29 for 120 yards and tossed three picks as well. His first touchdown pass of the game—a rope to running back Frank Gore in the end zone—was a throw most quarterbacks can’t make. But, that’s the thing with O’Sullivan, he’ll impress you one moment and frustrate you the next. The 49ers’ offense has the capability to score points in bunches, but can also disappear for long stretches.

Except for his touchdown reception, Gore made little impact on the game. He rushed for 54 yards and had four catches for 24 yards. For the 49ers to consistently move the ball, Gore needs more carries and must be a focal point of the team’s attack.

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San Francisco’s defense is average at best and terrible more times than not. In consecutive losses to the Saints and Patriots, the 49ers have given up 31 and 30 points, respectively. The 49ers pressured and sacked Cassel five times on Sunday, but that didn’t make much of a difference for a unit that couldn’t stop the run or the pass. The team’s secondary played poorly again as Cassel found five different receivers.

With the loss, the 49ers are now in second-place behind the Arizona Cardinals in the weak NFC West. With both Seattle and St. Louis struggling, the division is up for grabs, which can be viewed as a fortunate or unfortunate reality. The 49ers aren’t a playoff team and would make for easy pickings. The poor division might heighten expectations for a team that should be concerned with breaking even. By the time San Francisco reaches its bye week and an easier second half schedule, its playoff hopes might be gone.

By Jim Bucci
ProFootball-fans.com San Francisco 49ers Correspondent