Week 4 Game Recap: San Francisco 49ers 0, Kansas City Chiefs 41

What you need to know

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco came to Kansas City with the look of a team beginning to assert itself. They had only one win in three games but were beginning to show an offense with the potential to keep them in games.

They fell apart in this match up and were almost totally dominated in all phases of the game. This was the worst shutout for San Francisco in the franchise’s history. They were soundly beaten on special teams, on offense, and on defense. If their offense was not being stopped by the Chiefs’ defense, then they were stopping themselves. They repeatedly surrendered the ball, losing two fumbles while Alex Smith was intercepted two times. It could have possibly been slightly worse as one other time San Francisco was able to recover its own fumble.

The 49ers’ defense made it a little difficult for Kansas City rushers, but eventually they did wear down and gave up well over 100 yards. The pass defense was victimized all game long and made Huard look like a Pro Bowl contender. The special teams for San Francisco turned the ball over on their best return of the day and allowed a 60 yard touchdown to Dante Hall on a Chiefs’ punt return. The special teams consistently lost field position for the 49ers.

San Francisco had been seeing glimpses of hope for the future, but they must now put this defeat behind them and regroup. They can not allow this embarrassing loss to demoralize them for the rest of the season.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City had a rough start this year losing their first two matches. They went into their bye week hoping to recharge and figure out how to turn things around. Their defense was looking good, but the once feared offense seemed to be lost. This was just one game and it was against one of the less strong teams in the league, but the Chiefs came back in their third game to make a statement.

The Chiefs dominated. The offense saw quarterback Damon Huard completing 78% of his passes while distributing the ball easily to five different receivers. Huard looked fantastic passing against the 49ers. Larry Johnson repeatedly crashed into the San Francisco defensive line forcing the 49ers to always plan first for Johnson’s runs. That kept the passing game running smoothly for the Chiefs. Johnson ran in two touchdowns and Huard threw for two touchdowns.

The Chiefs’ special teams continually provided great field position for the Chiefs while forcing the 49ers to start deep. They forced a fumble by Maurice Hicks on the end of a long San Francisco return and then scored a touchdown on a Dante Hall 60 yard punt return.

Kansas City’s defense improved on earlier good games against the Bengals and the Broncos. They swarmed to the ball, forcing turnovers and preventing the 49ers’ offense from mounting any serious challenge. It is beginning to look like a miraculous turnaround for the defense under Head Coach Herman Edwards and Defensive Coordinator Gunther Cunningham. This was the first shutout for the Chiefs’ defense since Dec. 1, 2002.

What you ought to know

QB Alex Smith, Pass: 13 - 25 - 92 - 0 TD / 2 INT, Rush: 3 - 15 - 0

Smith came into this game beginning to look comfortable against NFL defenses. He was harassed and hurried throughout the contest and never became untracked. He compiled a horrible 27.4 passer rating. He totaled less than 100 yards passing, threw no touchdowns and was intercepted twice. He did show good mobility, which was essential, as the Chiefs were all over him all game. He was caught five times behind the line of scrimmage for sacks by the Chiefs’ defense.

RB Frank Gore, Rush: 14 - 65 - 0, Rec: 2 - 14 - 0 (5 targets)

Gore had some success running the ball averaging 4.6 yards per carry. He lost a fumble during the contest. That has become somewhat of a worry for San Francisco head coach Nolan. Gore has exhibited excellent ability moving the football, but has been having a problem holding onto it. There had been some concern that he might lose many of his touches to Michael Robinson because of his fumbling, but the 49ers kept him as their preferred carrier. He was also a favorite target for Alex Smith in the passing game.

RB Michael Robinson, Rush: 4 - 13 - 0

Robinson became a hot pick-up after the previous week as a possible goal line substitution for Frank Gore. The 49ers never got close to the Chiefs’ goal line and Robinson saw limited duty as an occasional replacement at running back for Gore.

RB Maurice Hicks, Rec: 1 - 2 - 0 (1 targets)

Hicks saw limited duty as an extra wide receiver. He was primarily utilized as a kick returner providing good yardage. He had many opportunities due to the high scoring by the Chiefs’ offense. Unfortunately, he will primarily be remembered in this contest for fumbling one away after a long return that would have given the 49ers their best starting position of the day.

RB Moran Norris, Rec: 1 - -7 - 0 (1 targets)

Fullback Norris saw limited duty in multiple back situations. The only time he was targeted for a pass his catch was well behind the line of scrimmage and he was thrown back for a substantial loss of seven yards.

WR Arnaz Battle, Rec: 3 - 34 - 0 (4 targets)

Battle managed to get open for a few mid-range catches from Smith. He was an occasional good outlet as the second receiver in a rough passing day.

WR Antonio Bryant, Rec: 2 - 29 - 0 (6 targets)

Bryant continues to be one of the favorite targets of Alex Smith. He unfortunately only caught two of the passes sent his way. He did not have much chance as the Kansas City defense gave little chance to Smith.

WR Bryan Gilmore, Rec: 1 - 6 - 0 (1 targets)

Gilmore saw little action on a day when the Chiefs’ pass defense prevented the top two San Francisco receivers from enjoying success. He caught the only pass targeted to him but had no chance to gain significant extra yardage.

TE Eric Johnson, Rec: 3 - 14 - 0 (7 targets)

After being looked at seldom early in the contest, Johnson ended up as the most sought after target for Alex Smith. He was usually thrown to on very short routes and while catching three passes, he also had a couple passes bounce off that he should have caught. He was the primary tight end as rookie Vernon Davis is out with an injury.

PK Joe Nedney 0 - 1 FG, 0 - 0 XP, 0 points

Nedney had only one chance during the contest. He unsuccessfully attempted a 51 yard field goal for the 49ers. San Francisco never got close enough to give him a second opportunity.

SF Rush Defense

The good news for San Francisco is that their rush defense held Kansas City to a low average per rushing attempt, only 3.1 yards per carry. The bad news is they still gave up 125 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. They only managed that by putting extra effort into their attempts to slow down Kansas City runner Larry Johnson.

SF Pass Defense

The 49ers’ pass defense was torched by Damon Huard. They never sacked him, they collected no interceptions and they mostly did not pressure him during this game. Huard compiled just over 200 yards against San Francisco but he was able to complete 78% of his passes. Ensuing weeks will determine whether Huard is becoming a bit of a star or if the 49ers’ pass defense by allowing dominance to a replacement passer is in serious trouble.

QB Damon Huard, Pass: 18 - 23 - 208 - 2 TD / 0 INT, Rush: 1 - 4 - 0

Huard had a career game against San Francisco. The Chiefs have to feel better about their chances while Trent Green is recovering from the serious concussion he received three weeks ago. He was provided excellent protection while completing 78% of his passes and recording a 133.3 passer rating. He spread his passes amongst Larry Johnson, Tony Gonzalez and the wide receivers. He was showing greater comfort as he targeted the wide receivers more often including touchdown passes to Parker and Kennison. Huard stands to get at least two more games in as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback before Green is even evaluated for a return consideration as quarterback for the Chiefs.

QB Brodie Croyle, Rush: 3 - -3 - 0

Rookie Brodie Croyle led the Chiefs in the final two series for Kansas City during mop-up time. His activities consisted of handing the ball off on the first series and kneeling down three times on the final series of the game. At least he experienced actually being on the field during some real professional football action.

RB Larry Johnson, Rush: 30 - 101 - 2, Rec: 4 - 41 - 0 (4 targets)

Johnson was again the prime weapon for the Kansas City offense. His contributions were numerous. While San Francisco stacked the front against Johnson, he still managed 100 yards on the ground. He scored his first two touchdowns of the year. Additionally, he continues to be a favorite passing target in the Chiefs’ game plan. Johnson’s presence allows the quarterback more time as the defense spends so much effort trying to contain Johnson. His pass blocking skills have improved considerably and he is an excellent back for all situations.

RB Ronnie Cruz, Rush: 4 - 15 - 0

Cruz saw some action at fullback and in spot relief for Larry Johnson. He was twice handed off to while lining up as the lead fullback.

RB Dee Brown, Rush: 2 - 8 - 0

Brown was brought in a couple times to give Larry Johnson a rest. Brown came in as first relief for Johnson because Michael Bennett was held out of the game with a hamstring injury he picked up in a race during the past week. Brown provides an emergency backup for Johnson and Bennett.

WR Eddie Kennison, Rec: 6 - 86 - 1 (8 targets)

Kennison had let the Chiefs know during the break that he would like to see more action during the games and to the benefit of the entire team he was utilized more. He was a favorite for Huard during the contest catching six passes from the eight times he was targeted. He was the recipient of a nice long pass for a touchdown in the second quarter.

WR Samie Parker, Rec: 2 - 9 - 0 (2 targets)

Parker caught both passes thrown his way during the game. Like Eddie Kennison, he had also expressed a desire to be targeted more often in the passing game.

WR Dante Hall, Rec: 1 - 13 - 1 (2 targets)

Hall played his typical all around game excelling on punt and kickoff returns and lining up as a wide receiver. He scored a touchdown on a pass from Huard and another on a long punt return. The return touchdown gave him 11 touchdown kick returns in his career.

TE Tony Gonzalez, Rec: 5 - 59 - 0 (6 targets)

Gonzalez had a productive day and was a favorite target for Huard catching five of the six passes that were targeted to him. He caught a 14 yard throw in the second quarter, which moved him past Ozzie Newsome into second place for most passes caught among NFL tight ends all time. That catch made 663 completions in his ten year career with the Chiefs. During the game he also claimed third place all time in career receiving yards for tight ends, passing Jackie Smith.

PK Lawrence Tynes 2 - 2 FG, 5 - 5 XP, 11 points

Tynes had a perfect game successfully converting all five extra point attempts and both field goal tries. His longest field goal was for 49 yards.

KC Rush Defense

The Kansas City rush defense controlled the line of scrimmage. They limited San Francisco to 93 yards on the ground and forced a fumble. They held strong preventing San Francisco from ever reaching the Kansas City red zone. They denied even a threat of a rushing touchdown.

KC Pass Defense

The Chiefs’ pass defense stifled the 49ers. They were constantly hurrying Alex Smith into bad choices. They intercepted Smith twice, sacked him five times, and held him to less than 100 passing yards. The 49ers had only allowed four sacks in their previous three games. The Chiefs did not allow a passing touchdown and they prevented Smith from ever getting comfortable.