{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"49ers downed by Eagles","video":"bjun5JEzDC1J","thumbnail":{"uri":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/short_form_video/hero/100420_PGL_MAIOCCO_SITE.jpg","alt":"Why 49ers will look at 25-20 loss to Eagles as huge missed opportunity","title":"Why 49ers will look at 25-20 loss to Eagles as huge missed opportunity"},"credit":"Getty Images","published":1601873320,"caption":"

So much for any momentum the 49ers might have gained with their steam-rolling sessions through the New Jersey teams in Weeks 2 and 3.

The 49ers came crashing down on their return to Levi’s Stadium with a listless 25-20 loss to the previously winless Philadelphia Eagles in front of a national television audience and no one else.

Let’s take a look at this week’s grades after the humbling Week 4 loss in front of an official paid attendance of zero.

"},{"title":"Rushing offense","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Aiyuk_Grades_GETTY_1278501428.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1601874262,"caption":"

The 49ers had a good statistical day on the ground but consistency was a problem. The 49ers managed only four rushing first downs. Jerick McKinnon continues to be a bright spot with 54 yards and a touchdown on 14 rushing attempts.

Receiver Brandon Aiyuk took a long lateral for a 38-yard touchdown in the first half for the team’s highlight of the game. Kyle Shanahan said he expects more out of the team’s run game.

There were some opportunities available for big plays in the run game, but one or two players were off on their assignments.

Grade: B-minus

"},{"title":"Passing offense","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Mullens_N_USATSI_15022578.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601874433,"caption":"

The offensive line struggled throughout the game against the best defensive line they have faced this season. Nick Mullens was sacked four times for minus-28 yards.

Mullens had two very bad interceptions. His first was in the red zone, which prevented the 49ers from scoring any points on that first-half drive. Late in the game, Mullens was sacked and fumbled. That set up the Eagles’ go-ahead score. Then, on the 49ers’ next offensive snap, Mullens threw directly to Eagles linebacker Alex Singleton.

That interception was returned 30 yards for a touchdown. That play led to Mullens’ benching. C.J. Beathard stepped in and moved the ball. Left tackle Trent Williams had a rough, rough game.

Grade: F

"},{"title":"Rushing defense","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Wentz_C_USATSI_15022610.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601874581,"caption":"

The 49ers’ run defense generally did a good job against the Eagles’ top runner Miles Sanders. He gained 46 yards on 13 rushing attempts.

The Eagles used quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts as part of their running attack with read options. Wentz rushed for 37 yards on seven attempts, and Hurt had 18 yards on three rushes.

The Eagles scored the first points late in the first quarter on Wentz’s 11-yard TD run.

Grade: C-plus

"},{"title":"Passing defense","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Wentz_C_USATSI_15022572.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601874721,"caption":"

Wentz certainly did not have a good statistical game against the 49ers. But he made the play he had to make to give the Eagles the late lead.

Wentz made a perfectly thrown pass to Travis Fulgham for a 42-yard touchdown against 49ers cornerback Dontae Johnson to give the Eagles an 18-14 lead.

Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had a first-quarter interception early in the first quarter but the 49ers could not cash it in for any points.

Grade: C

"},{"title":"Special teams","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Gould_R_USATSI_14927622.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601874953,"caption":"

The 49ers got more consistency from their long-snapper, Taybor Pepper, who made his debut with the club after the mid-week release of Kyle Nelson.

Special teams were a wash, with neither team getting much in the return game. Eagles punter Cameron Johnston had a 46.8 net average on six punts, while Mitch Wishnowsky’s net was 42.3 on four tries.

Robbie Gould’s onside kick attempt late in the game was secured by the Eagles.

Grade: C

"},{"title":"Coaching ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Shanahan_K_USATSI_15022906.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601875187,"caption":"

Coming off the second half of last week’s game against the Giants when everything was clicking, the 49ers never found any rhythm against the Eagles. Shanahan could not find the right combinations to get things unlocked.

Maybe it is difficult to truly gauge the energy level in an empty stadium, but it looked as if the 49ers did not play with the same spark or enthusiasm.

In the matchup of Shanahan’s offense against Jim Schwartz’s defense, the upper hand goes to the Eagles.

Grade: D

"},{"title":"Overall","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/Mullens_N_GETTY_1278514254.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1601875366,"caption":"

This was a game the 49ers needed against a team that was struggling. After all, there are not many easy games the rest of the way for this team.

The 49ers made too many critical mistakes. And as a result, they fell a full two games behind the Seattle Seahawks for the lead in the NFC West.

There is plenty of time to reverse course, but this loss against a seemingly inferior team could be looked back upon as a season-wrecker.

Grade: F

"}]}

49ers report card: Grades on offense, defense in Week 4 loss to Eagles