The San Francisco 49ers fell 29-20 to the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, moving to 6-1 on the season heading into their Week 8 Bye.<\/p>\n
San Francisco opened the game with touchdowns on two of its first three possessions, holding a 14-12 lead at halftime. The 49ers mounted a fourth-quarter push, but four turnovers stalled the team’s momentum in its first loss of the season.<\/p>\n
Despite the result, the afternoon featured several notable individual performances, including a milestone for RB Christian McCaffrey<\/a>, a strong showing from TE George Kittle<\/a>, and the first NFL touchdown for RB Kaelon Black<\/a>.<\/p>\n Here are the key takeaways from Sunday’s matchup:<\/p>\n 1. Watkins and Juszczyk Make an Impact as 49ers Push Late<\/p>\n WR Jordan Watkins<\/a> stepped up in San Francisco’s passing attack, recording three receptions for 56 yards, including the team’s longest completion of the afternoon.<\/p>\n Watkins opened the second half with a 15-yard reception before connecting with QB\u00a0Brock Purdy<\/a> for a 35-yard gain early in the fourth quarter as the team made its push. The wide receiver nearly added a 23-yard touchdown later in the drive, a toe-tapping sideline grab that eventually was overturned following the review.<\/p>\n Along with Watkins, WR\u00a0Jacob Cowing<\/a> also stepped up adding three receptions for 38 yards, including an 18-yard gain in the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n