49ers vs. Bills: Second quarter open thread

The San Francisco 49ers take a 3-0 lead into the second quarter of their Week 5 matchup, but some poor execution at the goal line and a brutal chop block have cost the team additional points. Alex Smith completed a big 63-yard play action pass to Vernon Davis, but after getting down inside the Bills 3, Frank Gore was stuffed on back-to-back plays. The 49ers settled for a field goal.

On the next 49ers drive, Alex Smith had completed a long 41-yard catch and run to Michael Crabtree, but it was called back by a chop block penalty against Frank Gore. The 49ers ended up punting, and the Bills now have the ball and are driving. Alex Smith is off to a solid start, completing 5 of 6 passes for 101 yards, even with the 41-yard pass called back. Frank Gore has looked solid, but the penalty and goal line struggles have hurt.

The real problem in the first quarter was special teams coverage. The 49ers kept the Bills from scoring following their returns, but when the Bills have an opportunity to return a punt or kick, it has not been pretty. The 49ers special teams coverage units have struggled this year and will need to get it together soon.