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The San Francisco 49ers put on an embarrassing spectacle Sunday in the team’s 27-9 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kyle Shanahan’s team, coming off their Week 11 bye, looked ill-prepared for what should’ve been a winnable matchup.
Making matters worse was the team’s release of second-year linebacker Reuben Foster Sunday morning, who Saturday night was arrested again on charges of domestic violence. It was a rough weekend for San Francisco.
Here’s our stock report after the 49ers’ disappointing 27-9 loss on Sunday:
Stock up: RB Matt Breida
For the first time in his career, Breida put together back-to-back 100-yard performances. The 49ers leading back carried the ball 14 times Sunday for 106 yards, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He also added three receptions for 34 yards. It was an impressive performance for the former undrafted free agent who looks like a genuine No. 1 running back. Breida’s on pace to break the 1,000 yard mark on the season.
Stock down: QB Nick Mullens
The magic has worn off for Mullens. The former third-string quarterback looked the part on Sunday, completing 18 of 32 passes for 221 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions and a quarterback rating of 62.1. The 49ers’ offensive line did Mullens no favors, allowing four sacks and handful of hits and pressures after two games of keeping him upright. Mullens was under consistent duress and looked nervous in the pocket. It wasn’t the performance the 49ers hoped to see against a bottom-of-the-barrel Tampa Bay defense.
Stock up: WR Dante Pettis
The 49ers were waiting for a breakout game for Pettis, who finally obliged Sunday against the Bucs. With receivers Pierre Garçon (knee) and Marquise Goodwin (excused) out of the lineup, Pettis led all receivers with seven targets, reeling in four passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Pettis’ highlight play came on a 13-yard slant in the red zone, creating easy separation against Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis for the team’s only touchdown of the day. It was an encouraging performance for the 49ers’ second-round pick.
Stock down: 49ers secondary
The 49ers’ defense couldn’t capitalize on the Buccaneers’ lack of continuity after naming Jameis Winston the starter for the second time this season before their Week 12 matchup. Winston completed 29 of 38 passes for 312 yards and two touchdowns as the secondary struggled to cover Tampa Bay’s stellar receivers. Even veteran Richard Sherman gave up his fair share. Targets were routinely running open for easy completions, To pile on, free safety Jimmie Ward suffered a broken forearm and is done for the season, leaving the 49ers dangerously thin at the position after Adrian Colbert was placed on injured reserve in October.
Stock up: LB Fred Warner
Warner immediately becomes the 49ers’ future hopes and dreams at linebacker after Foster’s release. The third-round rookie has put together a strong season for the 49ers, giving them a reason to remain positive about the center of their defense. Warner led to team with seven total tackles Sunday while adding in another pass breakup. His development over the final five games of the season will be one to watch as the 49ers gauge their options at linebacker heading into the offseason.
Stock down: Kyle Shanahan
No, Shanahan isn’t anywhere close to anything resembling a “hot seat.” The 49ers’ second-year head coach has been dealt a bad hand in 2018, but it’s only fair he receive some criticism after the 49ers’ poor performance on both sides of the ball Sunday. Despite 13 days to prepare, Shanahan’s team looked lost against the now 4-7 Buccaneers. The 49ers’ offense, deprived of a handful of starters, was only able to muster 9 points against Tampa Bay’s vulnerable defense. Shanahan’s stock takes a hit after Sunday whether it’s his fault or not.