16 frustrating observations from the 49ers' first loss

Frustrated. Angry. Two words that popped in my head when someone just asked me how I'm feeling tonight.

The San Francisco 49ers lost a close game to Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and the other guys who play with them. After taking the lead late in the game, the 49ers left Rodgers and Adams (and whoever their 80-year-old kicker is) too much time...37 seconds. The defense folded, and I became angry.


Here are my 16 frustrated post-game observations from the 49ers loss to Rodgers and Adams:

• The 49ers pass defense has a looooong way to go. Is it the injuries? The new defensive coordinator? All of the above? Up next: Russell Wilson.

• The run defense is still not as strong as it should be. And now Chris Carson is coming to town.

• A goal line stand for the send consecutive week is impressive, and gives me hope that this defense can still be great.

• Trenton Cannon is fast. And tonight he gave his team the spark it needed.

• What does it say about Trey Sermon, when Kyle Juszczyk is your main running back? Though the rookie running back did get rolling some in the second half (31 yards rushing for the game), it was still Juszczyk who the coach went to in big spots.

• Speaking of which, where has the 49ers run game gone? San Francisco needs Elijah Mitchell and Jeff Wilson to get healthy soon.

• Trent Williams almost killed a defensive back on Trey Lance's touchdown run. Williams is so fun to watch.

• This may have been Alex Mack's worst game, but he did have a nice block on Lance's touchdown run.

• Brandon Aiyuk is back. He had some nice plays tonight, but he did drop a touchdown pass in the end zone.

• The 49ers lost the turnover battle 2-0. That was the difference in the game.

• I thought the 49ers would score at will. I was wrong.

• I thought the pass rush would give Aaron Rodgers fits. I was wrong again.

• George Kittle is a monster (Seven catches for 92 yards, one rush for nine yards). I wish there were more of him.

• Deebo Samuel has vice grips for hands. He had five catches for 52 yards, but the catches he made were tough, impressive catches.

• Jimmy Garoppolo did his best Joe Montana impersonation tonight (led what seemed to be a game-winning touchdown drive).

• Unfortunately the defense didn't do its best Eric Wright tonight.

For the third week in a row, the 49ers take the game down to the wire. This is really bad for my health. But I'll be here next week, living and dying on every play.

More San Francisco 49ers News

• 49ers vs. Rams: 9 limited, 1 sidelined on first injury report of 2026 season

  The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday (Friday in Melbourne) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Melbourne, Australia. Monday night's practice (Tuesday morning in Melbourne) marked the 49ers' second full practice...
  Read Article

• 49ers vs. Rams inactives: George Kittle, Nick Bosa cleared to play

  The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. These six players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: LB Tatum Bethune OL Enrique Cruz RB Jordan James CB Ephesians Prysock QB Kurtis Rourke WR...
  Read Article

• Kyle Shanahan reveals his thoughts on 49ers-Rams, Australia ahead of Week 1

  San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters before Sunday's (Monday in Melbourne) practice at AAMI Park as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia. Here's everything Shanahan had to say ahead of the...
  Read Article

• 49ers in Melbourne: Rams' plan to avoid San Francisco fans could backfire

  The NFL seemingly took away a significant advantage for the San Francisco 49ers by scheduling head coach Kyle Shanahan's team to face the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, in Week 1. The 49ers have essentially benefited from two home games each season while playing the...
  Read Article