The 49ers can apparently stomach close losses when a single play can be the difference between victory and defeat. But a blow out?
As the team was getting bulldozed by the Cowboys 40-10 in what would be their worst loss in eight seasons, the 49ers melted in frustration. At one point, veteran safety Eric Reid had a talk with second-year cornerback Rashard Robinson.
“Tempers flare especially when you lose a game like we lost today,” Reid admitted. “We’re busting our tails and when you don’t get the result you want, it’s frustrating.”
The 49ers might be victims of their constant desire to develop young players. The team benched ineffective quarterback Brian Hoyer, and now have to endure the on-the-job training of rookie quarterback C.J. Beathard. The team released veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman, and now have to groom rookie Reuben Foster not only as a tackler but as a defensive play caller.
Add in injuries to players like defensive end Arik Armstead and tackle Trent Brown (concussed against the Cowboys) and the 49ers are playing youngsters all over the field.
Reid himself is now playing linebacker in the team’s dime defense. His removal from the base defense takes another veteran voice off the field.
It may have led to the 49ers failing to stay in gaps in the run game. Against Dallas, the 49ers allowed a previously struggling Ezekiel Elliott to romp for 147 yards on 26 carries and a robust 5.7 yard average. Elliott came in averaging 3.7 yards a tote.
“We just have to get off blocks and get in our gaps and make tackles,” Reid said. “We didn’t do that well enough.”
Players also have to contend with continual position shifts. The team is now rotating their cornerbacks with rookie Ahkello Witherspoon getting more playing time mainly at the expense of Robinson.
Reid said staying positive while you switch positions or see your playing time reduced, can be detrimental to a player’s approach.
“If you start getting a bad mindset, it starts to affect who you are and how you play,” he said.
That’s why next week’s game against the ascending Eagles in Philly could be crucial. Players could jump off board if the 49ers get blown out again, and might be less willing to be content sacrificing playing time or trying a new position.
“It’s extremely frustrating when you work as hard as we have and you don’t get the results,” Reid reiterated. “It pisses you off. We just have to keep going, watch this film, and get back at it Monday.”
Reid said this young team has no other choice.