For one drive, it looked like the change to Mike Johnson at offensive coordinator for the 49ers would make a big difference.
The 49ers marched 88 yards on ten plays for a touchdown against Atlanta on their opening drive. Matt Maiocco of Comcast SportsNet Bay Area notes the team used six different personnel packages and rotated players in and out.
That drive was the last time the 49ers offense scored all day. Alex Smith threw two interceptions and had a crucial intentional grounding late in the game. We were surprised to hear coach Mike Singletary say Smith played well for the most part. The offense scored seven points.
Johnson helped to get Michael Crabtree more involved; Crabtree had five catches for 58 yards. Frank Gore continues to “enjoy” a monster season; he’s on pace for for 1,000 yards rushing and receiving.
Ultimately, the 49ers had seven drives after their touchdown. That included two turnovers and five punts. They gained fewer total yards (269) than they averaged in the first three games under former coordinator Jimmy Raye.
At least they got the play calls in on time.