49ers CB Nate Clements seemed to seal a victory with a late interception, but he fumbled on the return and the Falcons wound up winning 16-14.
Said 49ers C David Baas, “We lost it as a team. The offense could have done stuff, too, that wouldn’t have put him in that position.”
QB Alex Smith led the 49ers to a touchdown on their first drive for the first time since 2008, but two interceptions undermined that early success.
Rookie S Taylor Mays scored on a blocked punt and led the 49ers with 11 tackles in his first start.
49ers LB Parys Haralson had two sacks, moving him into fifth place in franchise history for linebackers.
For the second straight week the Falcons had K Matt Bryant’s foot to thank for the winning points.
Falcons WR Roddy White was quiet for three quarters, but caught six passes for 82 yards in the fourth quarter to go with the fumble he forced following Clements’ interception.
Said Falcons G Harvey Dahl of the game-winning drive, “They were coming for Matt [Ryan]. They were blitzing. We knew if we could give Matt enough time he can make anything happen especially with our receivers and our tight end. They’re so good. So we just give him enough time and he made it happen.”
LB Stephen Nicholas returned to the starting lineup and led the Falcons with 13 tackles.
Falcons S William Moore had an interception, forced a fumble and forced a key intentional grounding penalty on a fourth quarter blitz.
