For much of this season, the 49ers have been two different football teams. In the first half, they’ve held their own. In the second half, they’ve been blown out.
In the second game of the season, San Francisco trailed the Carolina Panthers just 17-10 at the half, then lost 46-27. The Niners were tied 14-14 with the Dallas Cowboys after the first two quarters, then lost 24-17. They trailed the Buffalo Bills 17-13 at the half, then were steamrolled in the second half, losing 45-16. And on Sunday, the 49ers were down just 13-10 at halftime to the New England Patriots before losing 30-17.
Now 1-9, the 49ers have a multitude of problems, including a lack of playmakers on both offense and defense, as well as key injuries on an already-thin roster, but their second-half breakdowns also have played a role in nine consecutive losses.
On Sunday against the Patriots, the 49ers offense had 12 first downs and 163 yards of offense in the first half, then could muster just eight first downs and 136 yards over the final two periods.
For the second straight game San Francisco was unable to score a point in the third quarter. The 49ers now have been outscored 58-16 in the third quarter this season and 153-89 in the second half.
Nick Wagoner, who covers the 49ers for ESPN.com, wrote after Sunday’s loss that the loss was similar to many this season, when the 49ers put themselves in position to win by halftime, and then collapsed.
“Whether it’s an inability to match the opponent’s halftime adjustments, simply running out of gas or any number of reasons, the Niners can’t find ways to play well enough in the second half to close out games with a victory,” he wrote.
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Wagoner pointed out, too, that Colin Kaepernick, in his five starts at quarterback since taking over from Blaine Gabbert, has had a similar drop-off in his second-half production. Sunday was typical, as he was 8-of-9 for 116 yards and a TD in the first half, but was just 8-of-21 for 90 yards and a TD in the second half.
“I know offensively, there’s just times where we get a little bit out of rhythm,” Kaepernick told reporters. He said the offense needs to stay on track, keep executing and converting for first downs – but it’s just not happening.
The 49ers will try to break their losing streak this Sunday in Florida against the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. in the Bay Area.
