You knew it was going to happen at some point. The San Francisco 49ers were never going to go undefeated, but the way their 29-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons played out made this one sting a lot more.

Atlanta deserves credit. The Falcons capitalized on San Francisco’s mistakes, and the 49ers gave them plenty of opportunities to take this game. It’s one that is going to sting as the team heads into their bye week and looks to get ready for the back half of 2026. 

Winners

RB Christian McCaffrey 

On offense, Christian McCaffrey was the clear standout. He ran for 63 yards on 12 carries, found the end zone, and contributed in the passing game as well.

What stood out most was his toughness. McCaffrey left the game early with a thigh injury, then came back out to fight for his team. That was a gutsy performance, and hopefully he’s good to go for next week.

WR Jordan Watkins

In a game where Brock Purdy needed someone to step up, I thought Watkins did some good things. Now sure, he didn’t make the play on what would have been a crazy sideline touchdown. Nonetheless, Watkins was able to get open at points in the game and be reliable for Purdy. His time may be limited going forward as the receiver room is about to get healthier.

If he keeps fighting hard to make an impact, he may still be seen on the field. 

LB Fred Warner

On defense, linebacker Fred Warner led the 49ers with 13 tackles, including two for a loss. If San Francisco’s defense did one thing well, it was taking away Bijan Robinson on the ground. Warner was a huge part of that, as he continues to play strong football. 

Losers 

QB Brock Purdy

Look, Purdy had plenty of key pieces missing. Mike Evans didn’t suit up. Deebo Samuel didn’t suit up either. I get it, and not everything on his stat sheet is his fault.

Still, he threw two interceptions and struggled at points throughout the game. I don’t think the first pick was really on him, as Jacob Cowing messed the play up. Even so, this was a performance that left a lot to be desired. I don’t expect Purdy to show up on this list much longer, but this wasn’t his best day.

RB Kaelon Black

The rookie from Indiana did score a touchdown, but he also put the ball on the ground, and Atlanta pounced on it. The ball security needs to be much better, as he was not the only one who struggled in that department. I am very high on Black’s future, but he must show more consistency. 

RB Jordan James

Staying in the backfield, Jordan James also fumbled. The Niners were lucky to recover that one, but he got only one carry and turned it into a fumble. I know these guys (James and Black) are young. However, in a game when McCaffrey is banged up, San Francisco needs more consistency from them.

WR Jacob Cowing

Cowing finished with three catches for 38 yards. To be honest, I don’t see the value he provides this team. I think the 49ers could find someone else for the return game, and Cowing simply isn’t making enough plays on offense to justify his role.

He also played a part in that first interception. Purdy was on a scramble drill and looking further down the field when Cowing ran into the same area. That drew his defender right into the passing lane, and the result was a pick.

DC Raheem Morris

Moving to the defensive side, defensive coordinator Raheem Morris had a rough afternoon. His unit committed too many penalties and left too much on the table for Atlanta to take advantage of.

Yes, the defense stopped Robinson on the ground. But Michael Penix had a heck of a day, and San Francisco could not get off the field against the pass to save its life.

Defensive Line

Add the entire defensive line to the list, too. The 49ers didn’t sack Penix once, and he was hardly under pressure all game. That lack of a pass rush is a big reason the Niners kept watching Atlanta move the chains. Osa Odighizua notably had a horrible offsides penalty as well. It was just that kinda day for the whole unit. 

K Eddy Pineiro

Pineiro missed another kick today, this time an extra point. It didn’t decide the game, but he can’t be missing those. If that keeps up, it’s going to cost San Francisco at some point in time, and you just have to hope that it’s not in a playoff situation. 

A loss the 49ers can learn from

Losing to the Falcons isn’t the end of the world for the 49ers. It’s one game, and this team is still loaded once it gets healthy.

The turnovers, the penalties, and the missing pass rush are all fixable, and they need to be fixed fast. I expect Purdy to bounce back in a big way, and I expect this team to look a lot sharper once Evans, Samuel, and Kirk are all in the lineup.

This bye week is coming at the perfect time for the team to rest and recover as they hit the back stretch of their season. Maybe, this loss to the Falcons is the kick in the rear that the 49ers needed.