Useful information
Prime News delivers timely, accurate news and insights on global events, politics, business, and technology
The San Francisco 49ers achieved a tough victory over the Atlanta Falcons by a final score of 20-10. With that victory in hand, the 49ers overtook the Los Angeles Rams for first place in the NFC West.
The Niners did a masterful job of containing Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who only had 92 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown in this game. At the same time, San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey torched Atlanta for 201 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
After an exchange of punts to start, the Falcons scored the first points of the game. They orchestrated a 19-play, 60-yard drive that led to a field goal for a 3-0 Atlanta lead early in the second quarter. That 10:40 possession included three third-down conversions, an impressive feat considering the 49ers came into this game with the sixth-fewest third-down conversions allowed in the NFL this season (23).
San Francisco could not give an adequate response. Even though they reached the Atlanta 23-yard line, a pass from quarterback Mac Jones hit the hands of wide receiver Jauan Jennings and was intercepted by linebacker Kaden Elliss. That was the second INT of Elliss’ career and the first since December 29, 2024.
After forcing a punt, the 49ers began relying on running back Christian McCaffrey, who ran the ball three straight times for 31 yards to reach Atlanta’s side of the field. From there, Mac Jones hit Jauan Jennings twice for 13 yards to enter the red zone. On the other side of the two-minute warning, Christian McCaffrey caught a 13-yard pass before being tackled at the one-yard line. After that, McCaffrey entered the end zone unscathed for a rushing touchdown and a 7-3 lead with 1:48 left in the first half. McCaffrey accounted for 54 of the Niners’ 80 yards on that drive.
Atlanta’s offense took the field with 1:42 left in the second quarter and two timeouts in its pocket. That’s when disaster struck. Michael Penix Jr. was sacked and stripped of the ball at the Falcons’ 39-yard line. That fumble was picked up by the Niners at the Atlanta 40-yard line.
The Falcons’ stout defense forced a three-pointer and even sacked Mac Jones on a third-and-six. But the 49ers were still close enough to attempt a 55-yard field goal, which Eddy Piñiero easily scored for a 10-3 lead. So far this season, Piñiero has made 17 of 17 field goal attempts.
Once the Dirty Birds took the field, Michael Penix immediately completed an 18-yard pass to receiver Drake London. On the next down, wide receiver Darnell Mooney made an acrobatic 38-yard catch to reach the San Francisco 22-yard line. Unfortunately for the ATL faithful, Michael Penix Jr. was penalized for intentional punishment, which included a ten-second run. Since that penalty was called with ten seconds left in the half, the second round ended the second quarter and Atlanta was forced to leave the field with a seven-point deficit.
San Francisco came out of halftime with a bang. Mac Jones completed passes of ten yards and 15 yards to receivers Kendrick Bourne and Skyy Moore to get the ball past midfield. That drive stalled at the Atlanta 25-yard line, so the Niners kicked a field goal to take a 13-3 lead.
Atlanta’s offense finally showed some life after a good kick return set them up on the San Francisco side of the field. The Falcons used their running game and picked up a first down before tight end Kyle Pitts led the offense into the red zone with a 17-yard reception. That ultimately resulted in a ten-yard catch and run by Bijan Robinson for a touchdown that cut the score to 13-10. That was Robinson’s second TD catch of the season and his first since Week One.
After that Dirty Birds touchdown, there was a big break in the score. These teams combined for four consecutive punts before more points were put on the board.
In the fourth quarter, Kyle Pitts caught a 19-yard pass to take the Falcons into enemy territory. Finally, Atlanta had a chance to convert a 4th-and-1 at the San Francisco 35-yard line, but a Michael Penix Jr. pass was well defended and rejected, resulting in a turnover.
Christian McCaffrey played like an MVP candidate tonight. He had 36 yards rushing and passing to help the Niners reach the Atlanta four-yard line. From there, McCaffrey made his way to the end zone for a 20-10 lead with 2:26 left in the game. McCaffrey finished the game with a team-high 129 rushing yards, 72 receiving yards, and two rushing touchdowns.
Atlanta’s offense took the field with 2:21 left in the fourth quarter. Michael Penix Jr. soon completed an 18-yard pass to Darnell Mooney to bring this to the two-minute warning. Faced with a 4th-and-10 with 1:31 left in the game, Michael Penix Jr. threw an incomplete pass to fumble the ball and give the 49ers the victory.
The Falcons are now 3-3 on the season following this contest. This loss ended Atlanta’s two-game winning streak.
*Author’s Note: All information and statistics are tracked in real time and provided by the game’s broadcaster, NFL.com and ESPN.com*
