SAN FRANCISCO — This is the live blog for the second quarter of the 49ers’ Week 16 game against the Falcons. I’ll update this frequently with information and analysis from the press box.
6:15 Colin Kaepernick tries to run for the first down on third-and-1 and gets sacked by Stephen Nicholas for a loss of six. Andy Lee punts. Touchback.
6:21 The 49ers call their first timeout after Matt Ryan hits Drew Davis for a 59-yard gain on third-and-6. Davis beat Carlos Rogers. It’s first-and-goal for the Falcons and the 5.
6:26 Steven Jackson runs a sweep around the left side, breaks a Donte Whitner tackle and scores a 2-yard touchdown. 7-3 Falcons. That play was set up when Whitner hit Jackson helmet-to-helmet on second-and-7 and was flagged for a personal foul, and then was flagged again for unsportsmanlike conduct for yelling at the officials.
6:34 Kaepernick tries to scramble on third-and-13 and gains just 6 yards before getting tackled. Andy Lee punts it 53 yards. McClain returns it 11 yards to the Falcons’ 22.
6:42 The Falcons gain 27 yards and 2 first downs before they punt. The 49ers almost block it. Morris bumps into James who almost drops the fair catch. That was ugly. 49ers’ ball at their 13 with 2:25 left in the first half. The Falcons were driving before Justin Smith sacked Matt Ryan for a 7-yard loss on second-and-5 at midfield.
6:44 Vernon Davis still is not in the game. He’s standing on the sideline holding his helmet in his hands.
6:48 The 49ers go three-and-out. Kaepernick stares down Boldin on third-and-four and the pass gets tipped at the line of scrimmage. Lee punts it 50 yards. McClain shakes Eric Reid and returns the punt yards 22 yards to the 49ers’ 47. 1:41 left in the first half.
6:51 The Falcons use their first timeout facing third-and-4 at the 49ers’ 30.
6:53 Ryan completes a 4-yard pass to Gonzalez on third-and-4. First down. Harbaugh takes timeout No.2. with 26 seconds left.
6:56 Harry Douglas gains 11 yards on a tunnel screen on third-and-12. Matt Bryant makes a 35-yard field goal attempt. 10-3 Falcons with 10 seconds left in the first half.
6:58 Hunter returns the kick to midfield and the first half ends.
6:58 What is the excuse for the 49ers’ offensive performance in this first half? The Falcons have a horrible defense. Greg Roman made a horrible play call on third-and-1, the first play of the second quarter. That play killed what could have been a big drive. When you are struggling offensively, just get the first down. Generate some continuity and develop some rhythm. Why attempt a play like that with “big” people when it is not going to go for 6 points? Don’t be cute. Get the first down.
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