The San Francisco 49ers return to action at Levi's Stadium this Sunday as they host the 6-2 Atlanta Falcons. The game kicks off at 1:05 p.m. PT, and will broadcast on FOX. The announcer crew consists of Chris Myers and Ronde Barber, with Jennifer Hale on the sideline. It should be no surprise this game is a regional broadcast.
These two used to be NFC West rivals before the NFL learned geography. The last time they met was December 23, 2013. That was also the last game at Candlestick Park. I was tempted to go with a picture of Boyz II Men singing in front of a video board saying "Farewell Candlestick", but figured I'd stay away from that. Instead, I went with a picture of the two head coaches, neither of whom is with their team anymore!
The 49ers opened this week as a three-point underdog, but the line quickly moved to a touchdown after they traded Vernon Davis and benched Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers will roll out Blaine Gabbert for his first start since 2013. He was not good then, and it is not inspiring the rest of the way. The 49ers offense is the worst in the league, but as they head into the second half of the schedule, they face a handful of really bad defenses. The Falcons are not a really bad defense, but they are not as good as some they have seen thus far. Furthermore, the Falcons have a poor pass rush, which benefits Gabbert. I don't expect much improvement, but it would not be shocking if this particular week, Gabbert had a decent performance.
The 49ers are back for their normal media schedule this week. The 49ers had their normal Wednesday routine, with the opposing team coach and player speaking to 49ers media. Jim Tomsula, Blaine Gabbert and Thomas McGaughey spoke as well. We'll have Tomsula and McGaughey transcripts later this morning.
On Thursday, Eric Mangini and Geep Chryst will meet with the media at 11:45 a.m. The locker room will be open from 12:00 to 12:45, and that will be followed by practice at 2:40 p.m. The 49ers wrap up the practice week on Friday with Jim Tomsula's final press conference of the week, scheduled for noon PT. The team will practice at 12:40 p.m., and then have locker room availability after practice.
Matchups: 77
Series Record: 49ers lead series 46-30-1
49ers Home Record vs. Falcons: 49ers lead series 27-11
First Meeting: 10/16/66, 49ers win 44-7, at Atl.
Last Meeting: 12/23/13, 49ers win 34-24, at SF
Current Streak: Won 2
Longest 49ers Win Streak: 5 - 3 times (Last 9/29/96 - 9/27/98)
Longest Falcons Win Streak: 4 - 2 times (Last 9/12/04 - 10/3/10)
Most 49ers Points: 56 (10/18/92): 49ers win 56-17, at SF
Most Falcons Points: 45 (10/11/09): Falcons win 45-10, at SF
49ers Shutouts: 4 (Last 11/23/86), 49ers win 20-0, at SF
Falcons Shutouts: 2 (Last 10/9/77), Falcons win 7-0, at SF
WR Anquan Boldin
- In 5 career games vs. Atl., has recorded 30 receptions for 398 yards and 5 TD.
- As a member of the Arizona Cardinals, registered a game-high 13 receptions for 162 yards and 2 TD vs. Atl. (12/23/07). 11 of his 13 receptions went for first downs.
- Recorded a 71-yard TD catch in the NFC Wildcard game with Arizona, the longest TD receptions of his playoff career, vs. Atl. (1/3/09)
LB NaVorro Bowman
- Recorded 10 tackles and 1 PD to help the 49ers win the NFC Conference Championship at Atl. (1/20/13)
- In the final game in Candlestick Park history, tied a season high with 16 tackles and registered the only pick-six of his career with an 89-yard TD return vs. Atl. (12/23/13).
CB Tramaine Brock
- Registered 6 tackles, 1 INT and 2 PD vs. Atl. (12/23/13)
K Phil Dawson
- In 4 career games vs. Atl., is a perfect 5-for-5 on FGA and 10-for-10 on XPA.
QB Colin Kaepernick
- Completed 16-of-21 attempts for 233 yards and 1 TD at Atl. (1/20/13) (NFC-C).
- Connected on 13-of-21 attempts for 197 yards and 1 TD and added 6 rushes for 51 yards and 1 TD vs. Atl. (12/23/13)
WR Torrey Smith
- As a member of the Baltimore Ravens, recorded 3 receptions for 81 yards and 1 TD vs. Atl. (10/19/14)
2015 Statistics
| 49ERS (rank) | FALCONS (rank) | |
| 2-6 (4th NFCW) | Record | 6-2 (2nd NFCS) |
| 13.6 (32nd) | Points per game | 26.6 (t-6th) |
| 282.3 (32nd) | Total Offense | 414.8 (4th) |
| 101.1 (18th) | Rushing Offense | 126.0 (8th) |
| 181.1 (31st) | Passing Offense | 288.8 (5th) |
| 27:43 (t-29th) | Possession Avg | 33:20 (2nd) |
| 25.9 (23rd) | Points allowed/gm | 21.6 (13th) |
| 403.8 (28th) | Total Defense | 345.4 (11th) |
| 123.8 (23rd) | Rushing Defense | 83.4 (3rd) |
| 280.0 (27th) | Passing Defense | 262.0 (24th) |
| 14 (t-20th) | Sacks | 10 (31st) |
| 44.0 (25th) | Punting Avg (Gross) | 48.0 (7th) |
| +1 (t-15th) | Turnover Differential | -2 (t-21st) |