Things wen't from bad to worse Sunday at Levi's Stadium as the 49ers allowed the Bengals 400 yards of total offense and Brock Purdy threw two interceptions in the Bengals 31-17 win.
The loss is the 49ers third consecutive defeat and sends them at 5-3 into second place in the NFC West behind the Seahawks who improved to 5-2.
Here are some key takeaways from the postgame press conferences after the 49ers first home loss in over a calendar year.
Burrow's escape set the tone for the day
On Cincinnati's first offensive possession the 49ers forced the Bengals into a third and 10 at their own 31-yard line but Joe Burrow was able to escape from the grasp of both Arik Armstead and Nick Bosa to complete a pass to Tee Higgins for a first down.
Kyle Shanahan said after the game he thought that play set the tone for the whole afternoon.
Purdy's first interception was a back breaker on a botched play
With the 49ers trailing 17-10 and driving early in the fourth quarter Brock Purdy missed a hand off to George Kittle on an option play. Purdy improvised and scrambled right where his throw was intercepted by Germaine Pratt of the Bengals.
Both Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy addressed the play postgame.
Burrow hit Ja'Marr Chase on the first play after the interception to put the Bengals up 24-10 and that was basically a wrap for the 49ers third straight defeat.
Searching for answers on offense -- George Kittle
Searching for answers on defense -- Kyle Shanahan
Kyle Shanahan lamented poor tackling and a lack of being able to finish off opportunities for sacks as key reasons the 49ers are struggling to defend. While third down defense was a major problem against the Vikings, first and second down was the bigger issue against the Bengals. Cincinnati had 20 first downs in the first half.
49ers eager to use the bye week to get on track
Both Brock Purdy and Fred Warner talked about using the by to recalibrate and both were strong in saying the 49ers wouldn't back down for the stretch run that begins in two weeks at Jacksonville.