NFC West Power Rankings: Week Three
4 – San Francisco 49ers, 1-2 (last week: 3)
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) eludes Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Alex Okafor (57) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 47-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Week one is a distant memory for the 49ers. The last two games are a pair to be forgotten, as the Pittsburgh Steelers blew the 49ers out of Heinz Field, and then the Arizona Cardinals blew the 49ers out of University of Phoenix Stadium.
All those answers that were penciled in to the copious questions surrounding the 49ers after week one have been erased. The offensive line continues to look like a revolving door, allowing opposing defenders into the backfield at will. The defense is suspect, at best. And there’s really not many positives to take away.
More from Golden Gate Sports
- Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
- 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
- Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
- 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
- 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve
Quarterback Colin Kaepernick was under extreme pressure all day, and didn’t respond well. He completed just nine of his 19 attempts for 67 yards. Four of his passes were picked off, and two of those were returned for six points. The leading receiver was backup tight end Garrett Celek, who totaled 29 yards.
The defense was gashed for 446 yards, and were hurt both on the ground and through the air. A sliver of brightness, though: Arik Armstead did record his first career sack and Kenneth Acker came away with his first career interception. So that’s something.
Another slight positive was Jarryd Hayne‘s lone punt return. The man who ranks fifth in the NFL in jersey sales piled up 37 yards on his only return of the day. So, that’s something else.
Unfortunately for the 49ers, things don’t get easier in the coming weeks. The Green Bay Packers come to Levi’s Stadium in week four. The 49ers have a slight advantage in that the Packers played on Monday night and are flying across country. But still, they are the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers is playing like he wants another MVP award.
Next: Number Three