SANTA CLARA – The 49ers were outclassed in every which way Thursday night.
The Seattle Seahawks came to Levi’s Stadium with the same record as the 49ers, but it did not take long for the teams to establish their status within the NFC West.
In their 20-3 loss to the Seahawks, the 49ers' offense managed a measly 142 yards of total offense. The 49ers collected just eight first downs, while Bradley Pinion was called on to punt nine times. The 49ers are now mired in last place in the division with a 2-5 record.
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”Their defense is very talented,” 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick said. “They have great players over there. They’ve lost a few games late. That’s why they’re 2-4, 3-4 now. But they are talented and we didn’t match that intensity today.”
[MAIOCCO: Instant Replay: 49ers O-line hemorrhages in loss to Seahawks]
The pressure continues to mount for the entire 49ers organization, especially coach Jim Tomsula, who had the unenviable task of taking over for coach Jim Harbaugh after his four-year stint that included three trips to the NFC Championship game and one Super Bowl appearance.
“That game today was not what we want,” Tomsula said. “It was not acceptable. We did not play well. We don’t have an excuse. Again, that lies right here and we need to do a better job. We’re going to take the next few days and get after that.”
San Francisco 49ers
It could be a long 10 days for the 49ers, as they search for answers. Tomsula said he believes the 49ers have the players to win games, but it did not appear that way against the Seahawks on Thursday. CEO Jed York has some difficult decisions ahead of him.
Do the 49ers make major changes? Or do they try to ride out the final nine games of the season?
“We’re here to win football games,” 49ers left tackle Joe Staley said. “As a professional, you have to keep the mindset that you’re going to do the best job you can, regardless of whether you’re 7-0 or 2-5. The mindset is always the same. You’re a professional.”
When asked if he believes the 49ers could still make the playoffs, Tomsula answered, “We’re going to fight every day to make the playoffs. As long as there’s a chance to make the playoffs, we’re going to fight like crazy to get to the playoffs.”
Running back Carlos gained just 40 yards on 11 rushing attempts while playing on an injured foot.
“It was all on us as an offense,” Hyde said. “Definitely, me, the offensive line, we have to do a better job of communicating with that pass rush so we can give the quarterback time to get the ball out. So it was more of us, not them.”
[RATTO: Bad 49ers never competitive, lack any workable foundation]
Kaepernick was sacked six times for minus-43 yards. He completed 13 of 24 passes for 124 yards just four days after throwing for 340 yards in a 25-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
“We have to shore up our protection,” Tomsula said. “For sure, we’ve got to get our protection shored up. There were a couple of balls I’m sure he wants back.”
The Seahawks beat the 49ers for the fourth consecutive time. The game was never in question after a 49ers three-and-out to open the game and the ensuring Seahawks touchdown drive.
“I don’t think we’re intimidated by anyone,” tight end Vernon Davis said. “I don’t think that’s the case. I think we just lost the game. We lost the game. Mistakes, penalties, didn’t execute on certain plays. We just have to keep moving forward. We can’t let this one get us down. It’s over, it’s gone and we have to keep our heads up and keep on going.”