NFC West Power Rankings: Week Eight
4 – San Francisco 49ers, 2-6 (Last week: 4)
Nov 1, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Another week, another gut-wrenching, nearly unwatchable loss for the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers’ steep decline continued this past week against the St. Louis Rams, where they were beaten 27-6.
It was an embarrassing loss. The 49ers committed 13 penalties while gaining only 11 first downs. They gained 38 rushing yards, and were penalized for 93 yards. They converted only three of 17 third down opportunities. Mike Davis and Kendall Gaskins, the only two healthy backs on Sunday, carried the ball 15 times and gained 10 yards.
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
This coming week, the 49ers will have a new look on offense. Running back Reggie Bush has been placed on injured reserve with a torn MCL, suffered on the concrete around the field at the Edwards Jones Dome (Bush may take the matter to court). Davis had surgery on his fractured hand, and is out for the foreseeable future. Jarryd Hayne was waived, and is now on the practice squad. Vernon Davis was traded to the Broncos.
In an attempt to stop the bleeding, the 49ers signed two free agent running backs, Pierre Thomas and Shaun Draughn. Thomas is in his ninth year, and has 3,745 yards and 28 touchdowns in his career. Draughn, now in his fifth year, has 264 career yards on 75 carries in 35 games.
Colin Kaepernick has been benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert as the 49ers’ quarterback. This isn’t the type of move that will inspire a ton of confidence among fans, but at this point, what do the 49ers have to lose?
The 49ers welcome the 6-2 Atlanta Falcons to town, hoping to find some kind of spark. Maybe a fresh look to the offense is just what they need.
Next: Number Three