Game review

OFFENSE

QB Colin Kaepernick provided all the points the Cardinals would need after his first four passes, two of which were intercepted and returned for TDs. Kaepernick looked so shaky that the 49ers called for 13 straight runs after his second pick-six. The 49ers had their fewest first downs (10) and yards (156) in two years and produced nearly as many punts (six) as points. There’s more — much more — but you get the idea: no good.

DEFENSE

It was in a 14-0 hole through no fault of its own, but the defense hardly covered itself in glory. Again, there was nearly no pressure as the 49ers had one sack and three hits on QB Carson Palmer, who made like Ben Roethlisberger and burned them deep with seven completions of 20plus yards. Let’s not forget about the run defense: RB Chris Johnson (110 yards) had his most rushing yards and first two-touchdown game since 2013.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Bradley Pinion averaged 44.8 net yards on six punts and dropped four inside the 20-yard line. Another rookie, Jarryd Hayne, flashed his preseason form and returned his lone attempt 37 yards to set up the 49ers’ only TD. Rookie DeAndrew White lost a fumble the 49ers recovered and didn’t provide much pop on his four returns (23.8 yard average).

COACHING

Did this team look ready to play? Jim Tomsula said the 49ers had a good week of practice but acknowledged the result might inspire some changes in how they prepare: “I need to look at what we’re doing.” The 49ers knew the Cardinals would chuck it deep and … Palmer averaged 15.6 yards per completion. Safety Tyrann Mathieu said the Cardinals weren’t challenged by a passing game that has been “simplified so much.”

OVERALL

So that blowout in Pittsburgh wasn’t an aberration. The 49ers’ most lopsided loss in nine years strongly suggests the losses of key players in the offseason could result in an unsightly season. By the way, how did they beat Minnesota (2-1) by 17 points two weeks ago?