Updates from Falcons-49ers matchup

Thus far, the Falcons have run a reverse, thrown a touchdown pass to a tight end who had one career reception in his first 22 games (Nick Muse) and then just converted a third-and-2 by motioning tight end Charlie Woerner under center for a successful quarterback sneak.

Maason Smith continued a solid game by punching out the football from the grasp of 49ers running back Kaelon Black, a fumble recovered by Gervon Dexter Sr.

The Falcons have the ball on their 29 yard line with 4:20 left in the half with the opportunity to take the lead.

After running back Khalil Herbert took a short pass down to the 1yard line, the Falcons ran a jumbo formation, and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees called play action.

In a deceptive move, Michael Penix Jr. hit tight end Nick Muse, who caught just his second NFL pass in his 23rd career game. It was his first touchdown, and his first grab overall since the 2023 season.

Good vibes didn't last much longer. Kicker Nick Folk missed an extra point, ending a 67-try streak of perfection that dated back to the 2023 season as well.

The 49ers lead 14-9 midway through the second quarter.

With star running back Christian McCaffrey out with an apparent hamstring injury, the 49ers didn't miss a beat on their third drive. Rookie running back Kaelon Black ran up the gut for a 30-yard touchdown run to give the 49ers a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter.

The Falcons surrended a four-play, 63-yard drive.

Thus far, the Falcons have had three first-down plays and have run running back Bijan Robinson on each, gaining a total of 22 yards.

The Falcons went three-and-out on their second drive, a series done in when a check-down throw on 2nd-and-7 to Robinson was unproductive and then the Falcons were penalized for having too many players in the huddle on third down.

Defensive tackle Maason Smith, acquired in a trade with the Jaguars in April, sacked 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy on first-and-10 for a 7-yard loss near midfield.

It was Smith's first sack this season and first overall since Dec. 29, 2024, during his rookie year with the Jaguars.

After a tipped pass and short completion, the 49ers were forced to punt.

The Falcons take over at their own 11 yard line, trailing 7-3 with 3:36 remaining in the first quarter.

With a 61-yard kickoff return by Zachariah Branch (who had two turnovers on special teams last week), the Falcons scored on their opening drive with a 39-yard field goal by Nick Folk.

Not great to answer a touchdown with a field goal, especially when the Falcons had such advantageous field position, but better than being down 14-0 as they were a week ago.

The Falcons won the toss and deferred, giving way to the 49ers to do what Atlanta's last two opponents have done: throw an early punch and get on the scoreboard.

The 49ers scored a touchdown on fourth-and-goal as running back Christian McCaffrey leaped over the pile of linemen and stretched the ball across the goal line, giving San Francisco an early 7-0 lead.

The Falcons have won the toss and deferred each of the past three games, only for their opponent to go down and score each time. The 49ers and Bears both scored TDs. The Ravens settled for a FG from the Atlanta 3.

Slow defensive starts have become a trend.

The Falcons will be without defensive backs Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) and Avieon Terrell (back/illness). Both have played extensively at nickel corner this season.

So, the Falcons' answer on passing downs? Mike Hughes, who worked with the slot corners at practice this week. 

Hughes has started his last 33 appearances on the perimeter, dating back to the start of the 2024 season, but entered Week 7 leading the NFL in passing yards allowed. He told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution earlier this week he's unsure if the move is permanent.

On my drive in this morning, the split of 49ers to Falcons fans heavily favored the visitors. Early returns from the pregame scene — the teams taking the field for their final round of warmups — suggests the driving sample size was, indeed, representative.

The 49ers ran onto the field to loud cheers from the crowd. In case you missed them for one position group, don't worry. You'll hear them for the next, too.

The Falcons' offense was forced to go with a silent count last week against the Bears. They may have to do so again this week.