Game review
OFFENSE
They scored on six of their first eight possessions, didn’t punt in the first 57 minutes and had 26 first downs and 467 yards. And their numbers could have been more impressive if garbage time didn’t come so early: Their 301 first- half yards were the most against the Patriots in Bill Belichick’s 21 seasons in New England. Jeff Wilson ( 112 rushing yards, 3 TDs) and JaMycal Hasty ( 73 total yards) didn’t look like undrafted rookies, and both were assisted by demolition- derby fullback Kyle Juszczyk. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk ( 115 yards) did resemble a first- round pick. QB Jimmy Garoppolo did throw an ugly pick, but was otherwise near- flawless, going 20- for- 25 for 277 yards.
DEFENSE
Some of Cam Newton’s wounded- duck throws were headscratchers, but the injury- thinned defense had plenty to do with a three- interception performance that earned him a second- half benching. Linebacker Fred Warner ( seven tackles and interception) spent much of the afternoon shadowing the Patriots’ leading pass catcher, Julian Edelman, who had one reception. How many other linebackers can do that? Backup corner Jamar Taylor had two interceptions for a defense that had four picks and allowed 241 yards and no touchdowns.
SPECIAL TEAMS
First, safety Johnathan Cyprien, a high- end draft pick with 71 career starts, accepted a practice- squad role this season. And then he eagerly accepted special- teams duty Sunday. Cyprien was brilliant on kickoff coverage in his 49ers’ debut, forcing a fumble the Patriots recovered and making a violent stop on a 15- yard return. Robbie Gould made field goals of 41 and 32 yards, and his missed extra- point try wasn’t his fault: Javon Kinlaw allowed outside penetration that led to the deflection. Mitch Wishnowsky? The punter did a good job watching for 57 minutes before he did a good job on his only punt ( a 45- yarder), which was fair caught at the 10.
COACHING
Belichick, the most decorated coach in NFL history, said the Patriots were “clearly outcoached.” Kind of looked like it. Kyle Shanahan has been in a two- week zone that has included a dizzying array of short passes, flip tosses to wide receivers and a ruthless running game. It was often noted last year that defensive coordinator Robert Saleh succeeded with superior talent. He’s been doing with a lot of gauze and duct tape this season.
OVERALL
That recent butt- whipping against the Dolphins might have been the best thing that happened to this team. The 49ers treated New England just as rudely as Miami handled them. Yes, that was a team without Tom Brady and a shaky roster. But this is still impressive: It was the Patriots’ worst home loss of the Belichick era.