The San Francisco 49ers struggled most of Sunday afternoon, and it cost them any chance at a comeback late. The 49ers lost 24-14 to the Cincinnati Bengals, and stupid mistakes were the name of the game. One mistake that did not cost them points, but was still really stupid was a personal foul by Corey Lemonier. A week after a facemask penalty negated a potential safety, Lemonier had a stupid unnecessary roughness penalty. The Bengals would eventually punt, but Lemonier's penalty is the kind of stupid thing this team can't have from young players.
The highlight of the situation came when NaVorro Bowman went up to Lemonier and slapped him across the helmet. The 49ers have veteran leaders, but not nearly enough following all the turnover this past year. Bowman is a critical piece if this defense is ever going to come close to approaching the greatness of some of the Vic Fangio defenses.