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The 49ers were favorites to make another Super Bowl run at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, they failed to improve on their 12-4 record from 2013 as several factors resulted in the team falling apart. With their loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, the 49ers were mathematically eliminated from the postseason, and did not qualify for the first time since 2010. After the season ended, Jim Harbaugh mutually agreed to end his contract with the 49ers.
Despite missing significant starters on the defensive side of the ball due to injuries for most of the season (including Pro-Bowlers Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis), the 49ers still finished with the NFL's fifth ranked defense in total yards while also leading the league in interceptions with 23, led by cornerback Perrish Cox, who had five. The offense, on the other hand, struggled mightily. The 49ers finished 30th in passing yards per game, 25th in the league averaging just 19.1 points per game while Colin Kaepernick was also sacked 52 times during the season, a team record. From Weeks 7–15, the 49ers averaged just 13.8 points per game, last in the league. During that same stretch, they hit the twenty point mark just once. They were also outscored by 81 points in the second half of games, and scored just two touchdowns in the fourth quarter all year. As a result, offensive coordinator Greg Roman was fired after the season ended.
^[a] The 49ers acquired an additional second-round selection (No. 56 overall) as part of a trade that sent quarterbackAlex Smith to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs originally sent a third-round selection to the 49ers, however, the selection was upgraded to a second-rounder after a condition was met in which the Chiefs won a minimum of eight games during the 2013 season.
^[b] The Broncos traded their second- and fifth-round selections in 2014 (Nos. 63 and 171 overall, respectively) as well a fifth-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft to the 49ers in exchange for a second- and seventh-round selection (Nos. 56 and 242 overall).
^[c] The 49ers traded the second- and fifth-round selections they acquired from Denver[b] to Miami in exchange for Miami's second-round selection (No. 57 overall)
^[d]Jacksonville traded their third- and fifth-round selections (Nos. 70 and 150 overall) to the 49ers in exchange for the 49ers second-round selection (No. 61 overall).
^[e] The 49ers acquired an additional third-round selection (No. 77 overall) as part of a trade that sent their 2013 third-round selection to the Tennessee Titans.
^[f]Cleveland traded their fourth- and sixth-round selections (Nos. 106 and 180 overall) to the 49ers in exchange for the 49ers third-round selection (No. 95 overall).
^[h] The 49ers acquired an additional seventh-round selection as (No. 242 overall) part of a trade that sent linebacker Parys Haralson to the New Orleans Saints.
^[i] The 49ers acquired an additional seventh-round selection (No. 243 overall) as part of a trade that sent safetyColin Jones to the Carolina Panthers.
The 49ers would score touchdowns on each of three Cowboys turnovers, all before halftime. Even though the Cowboys held a significant edge in 1st quarter time of possession (13:26 to 1:34), the 49ers had a 21-3 lead due to the turnovers. With the 49ers up 28-3, the Cowboys would find themselves with their largest halftime deficit in a home opener ever. Although the 49ers would not score again in the second half, they would only hold the Cowboys to 14 more points, and win the game.
Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears
Week Two: Chicago Bears at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
In a pattern similar to the Dallas game of week one, the Niners jumped out to an early 17-0 lead, only to fall victim to a hailstorm of penalties, turnovers and a strong Bears comeback, 28-20. A blocked punt led to a Niner touchdown in the third minute of the game, but a seven minute drive later in the quarter stalled in the red zone and only yielded a field goal. After a short punt in the second quarter, the Niners scored a second touchdown, but Chicago answered with their first touchdown just before halftime. To start the third quarter, the Niners held the ball for more than nine minutes. But they once again failed in the red zone, and settled for another field goal. The Bears scored three touchdowns in the second half to emerge with the win. The Niners were called on 16 penalties for 118 yards, losing one touchdown run, and keeping Bears' drives alive on multiple occasions. Colin Kaepernick threw three interceptions, lost a fumble, and was called for unsportsmanlike conduct after an interception. The Niners outgained Chicago 361-216, and held the Bears to only 46 rushing yards, but the overwhelming weight of the turnovers and penalties negated any other advantage. The Bears scored touchdowns the last four times they had the ball.
Week 3: at Arizona Cardinals
Week Three: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals – Game summary
For the third straight game, the Niners jumped out to an early lead, only to be shut out for the remainder of the game. And for the second straight game, mistakes and penalties allowed their opponent to take the victory. The Niners had pulled out to a 14-6 lead with 5:07 remaining in the second quarter, but saw the Cardinals score 17 unanswered points for a 23-14 victory. The Niners failed to score the last six times they had the ball, and racked up nine penalties for 107 yards, most in the second half.
Week 4: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Week Four: Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
The Niners broke the pattern of their first three games, and mounted a second half comeback to beat the Eagles (the 49ers trailed 21-10 in the second quarter). Philadelphia exploited Niner mistakes to score first half touchdowns on a blocked punt recovery, an interception return and a punt return. But the defense never allowed a point by the Eagles offense, who had led the league in scoring through the first 3 weeks of the season, and on the strength of two Colin Kaepernick touchdown passes and four Phil Dawson field goals, they took a late 26-21 lead. Late in the game the Eagles moved to the Niner one yard line, but they turned the ball over on downs, and the Niners held on for the win. The Niners outgained the Eagles 407-213, and held the ball for 42:17.
Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Week Five: Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
In a game that saw the return of Alex Smith to the Bay Area, the Niners prevailed in a see-saw game, 22-17, on the strength of five Phil Dawson field goals. Kansas City took an early lead on a Smith to Travis Kelce touchdown pass, but Colin Kaepernick hit Stevie Johnson with a TD pass just before halftime for a 13-10 lead. Smith struck again in the third quarter with a 17 yard scoring pass to De'Anthony Thomas, but Dawson hit three more field goals to give the Niners the win. The Niners outgained the Chiefs 357-264, and had a 36:04-23:56 time of possession advantage, but they only scored one touchdown in four trips into the red zone, continuing their season-long problem in that area.
Week 6: at St. Louis Rams
Week Six: San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams – Game summary
After trailing 14-0 in the 1st quarter to the Rams, the 49ers completely turned the game around, outscoring the Rams 31-3 and won by a score of 31-17. With :24 left in the first half, the 49ers down 14-3 and getting outplayed on both sides of the ball, Colin Kaepernick hits Brandon Lloyd for an 80 yard touchdown pass that would eventually turn the game around and give the 49ers the momentum. Kaepernick threw for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns and Anquan Boldin had 7 catches for 94 yards and a touchdown. The 49ers defense recorded 5 sacks, matching their season total. It's the first time since 1986 that the 49ers have trailed by double digits and end up winning by double digits (last time was October 26, 1986 vs Green Bay). This is also the second time this season the 49ers erased a double digit deficit and won. (Week 4 vs. Eagles)
Week 7: at Denver Broncos
Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Behind Peyton Manning's four touchdown passes, the Broncos scored early and often, and administered a sound thrashing to the Niners, 42-17. After a Colin Kaepernick to Stevie Johnson touchdown pass had closed the halftime margin to 21-10, Denver exploded for three unanswered touchdowns in the third quarter to put the game away early. Manning was 22 of 26 for 318 yards and four touchdowns, with an almost-perfect quarterback rating of 157.2, as this was one of the worst displays of pass defense by the Niners in history. The Bronco defense held the Niners to 62 yards rushing and totally overwhelmed the offensive line.
Week 9: vs. St. Louis Rams
Week Nine: St. Louis Rams at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Colin Kaepernick fumbled away a quarterback sneak at the Rams 1 yard line with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, and the Rams held on to upset the Niners, 13-10. The game was a defensive struggle, with both touchdowns scored on drives of less than 40 yards. The 49ers offense continued to struggle, not registering a single point in the 2nd half.
Week 10: at New Orleans Saints
Week Ten: San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints – Game summary
With the season on the line, the 49ers got off to a quick start, leading 14-0 in the first quarter with a pair of rushing touchdowns by Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde. The Saints would rebound in the 2nd half to take a 24-21 lead. With 1:34 to go, and the 49ers facing a 4th and 10 from their own 22 yard line, Colin Kaepernick found a wide open Michael Crabtree for a 51 yard gain, that set up the game tying field goal. In overtime, Ahmad Brooks sacked Drew Brees, causing a fumble and recovered by the 49ers Chris Borland on the Saints' 17. On the very next play, Phil Dawson kicked the game winning field goal, giving the Niners a 27-24 win. This is the Saints first home loss in 12 games, and the first home loss under Sean Payton in 20 games (Payton was suspended for all of 2012 season).
Week 11: at New York Giants
Week Eleven: San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants – Game summary
With the 49ers offense continuing to struggle in the game, the defense more than made up for it. The 49ers defense intercepted Giants QB Eli Manning 5 times and sacked him twice. In the 4th quarter, with the 49ers holding a 16-10 lead, the Giants marched down the field to the 49ers 4 yard line with 5:25 left to play. The 49ers defense forced 3 incomplete passes and rookie linebacker Chris Borland intercepted Eli Manning's throw on 4th and goal to preserve the win. This is the second time this season the 49ers defense had a goal line stand late in a game (Week 4 vs Eagles). Colin Kaepernick went 15/29 for 193 yards and a touchdown pass. Frank Gore had 19 carries for 95 yards. With the win, the 49ers move to 6-4 on the season.
Week 12: vs. Washington Redskins
Week Twelve: Washington Redskins at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
For the first time in the Jim Harbaugh era, the 49ers lose their 3rd consecutive game. The 49ers, who were big underdogs in this game, stayed competitive throughout thanks to their defense. The 49ers defense sacked Russell Wilson five times, intercepted him once and held him to just 168 passing yards, while pressuring him throughout the game. But as the case all season, the offense was ineffective and couldn't find any rhythm. This is the seventh time in the last eight games the 49ers offense failed to attain at least 20 points. Since week 7, the 49ers are last in the league in offensive points per game (13.7 ppg) With the loss the 49ers were eliminated from playoff contention.
Week 16: vs. San Diego Chargers
Week Sixteen: San Diego Chargers at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
The 49ers dominated the first half and led 28-7 at halftime. However, their second half offense stalled while the defense fell apart as the 49ers squandered a 21 point 3rd quarter lead and a 14 point lead in the final minutes of the 4th quarter. The Chargers outscored the 49ers 31-7 after halftime. Trailing 35-28, the Chargers drove down the field for the game tying touchdown, converting two 4th downs on that drive. The 49ers attempted to win in the final seconds of regulation, but Phil Dawson's 60 yard kick was way off. The game went to overtime. The 49ers got the ball first, but a fumble by Quinton Patton allowed the Chargers to have possession on their own 40. The Chargers drove the 49ers' 22 yard line before kicking a field goal to hand the 49ers their fourth straight loss. The 49ers rushed for an astonishing 355 yards, including a 52 yard touchdown run by Frank Gore and a 90 yard touchdown run by Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers set an NFL record for most rushing yards in a loss[6] The 49ers also scored 35 points, a season high. However, their offensive struggles in the second half of games continued. During the four game losing streak, the 49ers have only 13 points in the second half of their games. They've been outscored 65-13 by opponents in the second half of those games. With the loss, the 49ers fell to 7-8, ensuring that they would finish without a winning record for the first time since the 2010 season.
Week 17: vs. Arizona Cardinals
Week Seventeen: Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Cardinals
7
10
0
0
17
49ers
7
6
7
0
20
at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Date: December 28
Game time: 1:25 p.m. PST
Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), sunny
Game attendance: 70,699
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV announcers (Fox): Thom Brennaman, David Diehl and Laura Okmin
Frank Gore, who needed just 38 yards to reach 1,000 rushing yards on the year, rushed for 144 yards on 25 carries. It's the eight time in his career that he has rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. 49ers Wideout Anquan Boldin caught a 76 yard touchdown pass, giving him over 1,000 yards receiving for the year. The 49ers defense intercepted Cardinals QB Ryan Lindley three times and sacked him twice, shutting Arizona out in the second half. This was the last game coached by 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh, as he and the 49ers front office mutually agreed to cut ties after the game.
^ abcThe NY Giants defeated both Atlanta and St. Louis head-to-head (Atlanta: Week 5, 30–20; St. Louis: Week 16, 37–27), while Atlanta finished ahead of St. Louis based on conference record.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest-ranked remaining team from each division.
Levi's Stadium parking issues
In November 2013, Levi's Stadium and 49ers' officials initially requested the NFL to not schedule any weekday home games during the preseason or regular season — including Monday and Thursday Night Football — during Levi's Stadium's inaugural season, due to parking issues in the Santa Clara area during weekdays.[8] Two months later (January 2014), the Santa Clara City Council approved a two-year deal with the Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club that would have opened up 10,000 additional parking spaces within walking distance of Levi's Stadium, as well as reimbursed the club $250,000 for each year, which would have enabled the team to host Monday and Thursday night games for both the 2014 and 2015 seasons.[9] However, the NFL decided not to schedule any weeknight prime-time games at Levi's Stadium during the 2014 season, for the exception of the Week 13 Thanksgiving game, until traffic flow within the area is figured out.[10]
