En route to their first loss, the San Francisco 49ers lost two of their biggest stars. San Francisco also lost its first game of the season Sunday to the Cleveland Browns by a score of 19-17 after rookie kicker Jake Moody missed a last-second field goal attempt.
Mistakes left the 49ers beaten
Running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel were injured during Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns, which ended the 49ers' regular-season winning streak at 15 games.
However, fans were more upset about a penalty called on the 49ers a few minutes before the field goal attempt. With less than three minutes left in the game, 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. was penalized for unnecessary roughness after tackling Browns receiver Elijah Moore on third down. Most fans considered this to be a clean play.
Because of the penalty called on Gipson, the Browns got another set of opportunities. Two plays later, 49ers corner Charvarius Ward was penalized for defensive grab, giving the Browns another automatic first down.
Cleveland then scored a field goal on this series, putting the team ahead 19-17. Then came the missed field goal attempt.
However, fans of the NFL were still concerned about the penalty against Gipson and partly blamed this for the 49ers' first loss of the season.
McCaffrey scored on a 13-yard pass in the first quarter, extending his streak to 15 consecutive games with a touchdown.
Still, the versatile runner was unable to overcome an injury to his oblique in the second half.
Samuel injured his shoulder sometime in the first half and did not return, leaving quarterback Brock Purdy without two of the NFL's most dynamic players.
49ers coach Mike Shanahan had little to offer on the injuries to McCaffrey or Samuel. He did comment that McCaffrey also has a rib problem.
In addition, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams left Cleveland Browns Stadium in a walking boot after suffering a right ankle injury in the first half that initially appeared serious.
❤️ 𝟰𝟵𝗲𝗿𝘀 ❤️ 𝟰𝟵𝗲𝗿𝘀 ❤️
Today more than ever GO NINERS!
It's time to take on everything that went wrong in Cleveland and keep working.
The team is 5-1, showing exceptional offense and defense, with a spectacular Purdy.
You have to believe in #49ers ❤️ and without taking on mistakes you don't grow💪 pic.twitter.com/Jwhlt3vfYs
- 𝟰𝟵𝗲𝗿𝘀 Spain (@49ers_Spain) October 16, 2023
Injuries Left San Francisco Exposed
With McCaffrey and Samuel out, the 49ers needed someone to stand out, but no one did. Tight end George Kittle, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, had just one reception for one yard, and the 49ers consistently found themselves in unfavorable situations.
San Francisco committed a season-high 12 penalties for 105 yards. Kittle said the performance was sloppy. At the end of the day, he said, it did not reflect the 49ers' signature style of play. Up to this point, they had maintained a fairly clean game, committing no fouls such as false starts, grabs or hands to the face.
In his opinion, Kittle commented that they had overloaded their teammates with the pressure of having to make plays.
McCaffrey was not on the field on the 49ers' first possession after halftime, remaining on the sideline to stretch before being taken to the medical tent.
He returned briefly the next time San Francisco had the ball, but left again and headed to the locker room before being ruled out.
Samuel, one of the league's most dangerous threats, was hurt in the first quarter. The 27-year-old spent several minutes in the medical tent on the sideline before heading to the locker room.
Samuel, who was involved in a pregame altercation between the teams, had two carries for 11 yards. He did not catch any passes. He came into the game with 20 receptions for 302 yards and a touchdown. He also had 84 yards on 16 carries.
In 2021, Samuel had 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. He totaled 365 yards on carries with eight touchdowns.
