The San Francisco 49ers' best play of the day came on a Colin Kaepernick 75-yard touchdown pass and run to WR Torrey Smith. Unfortunately for the 49ers, it was just one of only a handful of good plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers easily defeated the 49ers 43-18 on Sunday at Heinz Field.
With the 49ers defense unable to get any pressure against the Steelers or protect against the pass, QB Ben Roethlisberger was able to do anything he wanted for the entire game.
Roethlisberger was 21 of 27 for 369 yards, three touchdowns and a 155.8 passer rating. Antonio Brown had 195 of those yards on nine catches with one touchdown.
It was the most points the 49ers have allowed since a 45-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in 2009.
The game was a homecoming for new 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula, who was coming off of a big season-opening home win against the Minnesota Vikings. Tomsula, who grew up just outside Pittsburgh, had 50 family and friends in attendance to watch.
The 49ers suffered a number of injuries. RB Carlos Hyde was tested for a concussion, TE Vance McDonald had a right knee injury, and TE Blake Bell took a hard hit to the back. After heading to the locker room, Hyde returned to the sideline in the fourth quarter of the loss after testing negative for a concussion.
While Kaepernick was 33 of 46 for 335 yards and two touchdowns, he was sacked five times in the game.
WR Torrey Smith also left the game late and did not return. He was seen limping after a short catch in the fourth quarter. He was not on the 49ers' post-game injury report.
Next Sunday, the 49ers will face the Cardinals in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is at 1:05 PM PT.
Game Recaps
More to be added as they come in...
Final: 49ers routed 43-18 in Steelers home opener
The Mercury News
Thud: 49ers crash back to earth in 43-18 loss in Pittsburgh
San Francisco Chronicle
The Steelers jumped out to a commanding lead they wouldn't relinquish
Niners Digest
Back to earth: 49ers slammed by high-octane Steelers
NFL.com
Steelers burn 49ers secondary all day long
ESPN
Report card: 49ers offense struggles, but defense is worse
Sacramento Bee
Steelers' Roethlisberger, Brown teach 49ers' defense lesson
CSN Bay Area
Tomsula to team: we won't overreact
Niners Digest
49ers 18, Steelers 43: Grades
Press Democrat
49ers don't rattle Roethlisberger, pay the price
Sacramento Bee