The San Francisco 49ers struggled on both sides of the ball in the first half against the Denver Broncos.
Denver quarterback Paxton Lynch opened the game with a three-play drive that was extended after a late-hit penalty from 49ers linebacker Dekoda Watson. The 49ers defense held Denver to three plays, forcing them to punt. However, during the commercial break, the officials determined the ball hit 49ers safety Jaquiski Tartt and Denver recovered at the 49ers' 11-yard line.
Lynch ran four plays from the 11-yard line, with running back C.J. Anderson scoring from the one-yard line.
Quarterback Brian Hoyer and the offensive starters played four series, and struggled to move the ball down the field. Hoyer was 8-for-11 with 89 yards and one interception.
During the second offensive possession, Hoyer was leading a long drive, but as he dropped back to pass on the 11th play, the ball slipped from his hand and Denver recovered at the 49ers' 48-yard line.
The 49ers defense held Denver to two field goals, but allowed second-string quarterback Trevor Siemian to find wide receiver Jordan Taylor on the right sideline for a touchdown.
49ers' rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard entered the game with 44 seconds left in the half. He was 3-for-4 on the drive for 23 yards.