3 Takeaways from 49ers' Week 1 Loss
The San Francisco 49ers opened the 2022 season with what was perceived as a winnable game against the Chicago Bears. In a game of two halves, however, Chicago emerged as the 19-10 winner.
The Bears won a mere six games in 2021 and did little to support second-year quarterback Justin Fields. The 49ers, meanwhile, were coming off an appearance in the NFC title game. For the majority of the first half, San Francisco played like the superior team as well. The problem is that the 49ers let the Bears hang around.
Despite outgaining Chicago 179 yards to 68 in the opening half, San Francisco carried a mere 7-0 lead into the break. Chicago stormed back in the second half, capitalizing on 49ers' miscues and getting a few big plays from Fields and the offense.
What went wrong for San Francisco on Sunday? What can the 49ers build on moving forward? Here are our three biggest takeaways.
Trey Lance Is Still in the Early Stages of His Development
One could come away from Sunday's game wondering if San Francisco would have won with Jimmy Garoppolo under center and questioning whether the 49ers made the quarterback switch too quickly.
Lance showed some flashes, but he largely did so in the ground game (13 carries for 54 yards). As a passer, he left plenty to be desired. He was also outplayed by his Chicago counterpart in the second half.
Over the final two quarters, Fields went 5-of-8 for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Lance completed seven of 18 attempts for 94 yards and an interception after going 6-of-10 for 70 yards in the first half.
Both quarterbacks had issues with consistency and accuracy throughout the game, but Fields adjusted in the second half, while Lance's problems were compounded. This could be because of the fact Chicago's quarterback started 10 games as a rookie, while Lance started only two.
Experience matters in the NFL, and Lance simply doesn't have much of it. That's a problem for a team with playoff aspirations because missed opportunities will cost the team wins in games like this one.
Rookie-esque mistakes from Lance summed up a sloppy overall day from San Francisco—one that featured 12 penalties for 99 yards.
Lance's mistakes—like missing a wide-open Tyler Kroft in the first quarter and throwing an interception in the fourth—cost the 49ers on Sunday. The good news is that Lance is gaining experience, and the 49ers can always turn back to Garoppolo if needed.
The Offense Needs George Kittle Back as Soon as Possible
While Lance had his issues throwing the ball, he was able to fire in a few accurate, high-velocity passes to Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. Easy completions, however, weren't easy to come by.
Of course, Lance didn't have his most reliable outlet in tight end George Kittle. The three-time Pro Bowler was inactive with a groin injury.
During the week, coach Kyle Shanahan classified the injury as day-to-day, according to ESPN.
Hopefully, the day Kittle returns will be soon. The 49ers missed his blocking and, of course, his receiving ability throughout the game. One of the game's top deep-threats at the position (13.4 career yard-per-catch average), Kittle is also great for moving the chains.
Of Kittle's 71 receptions last season, 42 went for first downs, according to Pro Football Reference.
Sustaining drives was a challenge against Chicago. The 49ers fumbled on the Bears' 16-yard line on the opening series and ended two drives with points. Their other eight drives ended at the half, with an interception, four punts and on downs (twice). Their first two drives ended in Bears territory without points.
San Francisco has dangerous players like Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, but Kittle changes what the 49ers can do offensively and what opposing defenses must do to adjust. It's hard for Shanahan to truly open things up with an inexperienced quarterback and with Kittle on the sideline.
Kyle Shanahan Must Remain Creative in the Run Game
It wasn't all negative for San Francisco, despite the loss. Shanahan and the 49ers were able to attack with a creative running game that produced 176 yards. Aiyuk, Samuel and Lance all contributed, along with running backs Jeff Wilson Jr. and Elijah Mitchell.
Fans may have wondered just how many of the gadget plays would remain after offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel departed to become the Miami Dolphins' head coach. The answer? Plenty.
Shanahan must continue dialing up the sweeps, reverses and designed quarterback runs next week against the Seattle Seahawks. For one, Lance remains a work-in-progress as a passer. Secondly, San Francisco may be without their starting back, Mitchell.
The second-year pro exited the game with a knee injury and was quickly ruled out. The 49ers aren't clear just how serious it may be.
"I'm not sure," Shanahan said, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
If Mitchell misses an extended period, the 49ers will likely lean on Wilson, Jordan Mason and rookies Tyrion Davis-Price and Tyler Allgeier—the two rookies were healthy scratches against Chicago.
Regardless of Mitchell's status, though, Shanahan must continue to spark the offense with his creativity. If he can do that and the 49ers can clean up their mistakes and get Kittle back in the lineup, San Francisco should quickly put its Week 1 disappointment in the rearview.