Golden Nuggets: Who Needs a Hug?

Jim Tomsula is not one to run from responsibility and he has placed full blame upon himself again for a third straight loss. I have this scary thought that Jim is finally realizing that he may be in over his head. They will go to the film and try to break down what happened, but there may be no quick fixes to the glaring holes on this team. After that revelation, Jim could sure use a hug. We could all use a hug. The Boo Birds were heard at the game today and it's shaping up to be a long season.

• The offensive line is still the weak link on offense. They cannot pass block with any consistency, but that is not something new based on the past few seasons. Their worst transgression is that they cannot open up holes to establish the run game. Carlos Hyde has had to depend on his ability to cut, smash through defenders, and break tackles just to get positive yards. There's been very few instances where he's been able to burst into the second level unhindered. This is particularly alarming since these 49ers were "built to run". If Baalke wants to survive past this season, he has got to focus on getting top rate talent back on this offensive line.
• Colin Kaepernick is still talented but he has zero confidence out there. He doesn't trust his blockers, often running out of the pocket at the slightest sign of pressure. He also doesn't trust his receivers and he finds himself trying to do too much, regressing into bad habits as a passer. At this point, it's hard to say whether Kap can still rebuild his confidence to the point where he can be a competent starting QB. It's not about working harder anymore since we know his work ethic. Geep Chryst has got to double down and figure out what his pieces can do that will result in points. Seems like this coaching staff is even less talented than their players.
• The defense held tough against Aaron Rodgers and interestingly enough, the game plan looked a lot like something Vic Fangio would dial up. More straight up coverage packages, fewer blitzes, and just generally keeping the offense in front of them. Very much like the bend but don't break concept Fangio ran well for so many years.
• Bradley Pinion showed the inconsistency of a rookie and that is something he needs to work through, if he ever hopes to even tie Andy Lee's shoe laces someday. Vance McDonald is no rookie, but his contributions are quite disappointing. I don't see him on this team beyond this season.

Game Recaps

Final: Packers 17, 49ers 3 (Inman)

Instant Replay: 49ers keep it close, but fall to Packers (Maiocco)

Rodgers leads Packers past 49ers, Green Bay stays unbeaten (Barrows)

Game Rewind: 49ers Fall to Packers Despite Strong Defensive Showing (49ers)

Kaepernick struggles as 49ers fall to Packers (PFT)

Post Game Analysis

49ers report card: Good grade for the D; offense deserves a dunce cap (Barrows)

49ers low-scoring trend reaches historic levels after third straight loss (Inman)

What We Learned from 49ers vs. Packers (Price)

49ers fully shambolic after four weeks with no fix in sight (Ratto)

Packers win in San Francisco because of their defense (Rosenthal)

Frustrated Niners: Kaepernick overcorrects, takes no chances (Maiocco)

Colin Kaepernick fades late against Packers (Gutierrez)

For second week, plenty of 49ers frustration, very few points (Barrows)

49ers offense tough to watch in loss to Packers (Thompson)

Few opportunities, little production from Hyde, 49ers' ground game (FOX)

49ers defense does its part (SJMN)

49ers come up way short again in another embarrassing loss (SF Chronicle)

Packers vs. 49ers: San Francisco Grades, Notes and Quotes (B/R)

The Future

The 49ers ruined Colin Kaepernick (BASG)

Colin Kaepernick says 49ers slumping offense needs to find rhythm (Inman)

49ers head coach Jim Tomsula said he has no plans of benching Colin Kaepernick (Biderman)

No end to Kaepernick's nightmare (Purdy)

This is why 49ers built Kaepernick's $126M deal in such shrewd fashion (Yahoo)

Colin Kaepernick Isn't the Answer at Quarterback for 49ers, So What Is? (B/R)

VIDEO: Colin Kaepernick is struggling, who is to blame? (FOX)

VIDEO: How would Jimmy Johnson be handling Colin Kaepernick? (FOX)

Colin Kaepernick Discusses How 49ers Can Rebound from Packers Loss (49ers)

A return to the bad ol' days for 49ers (Killion)

San Francisco 49ers: The Sad Downfall of a Proud Franchise (B/R)

Spotlights

NaVorro Bowman Has Faith 49ers 'Will Get it Right' (49ers)

Jim Tomsula Evaluates Offensive Miscues against Packers (49ers)

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