DENVER -- A few thoughts on the San Francisco 49ers' 42-17 loss to the Denver Broncos:
What it means: The 49ers' three-game winning streak came to a crashing halt at the feet, and arm, of Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who established a record for most career touchdown passes. He needed two to tie Brett Favre and he obliged by throwing four; Manning now has 510.
The Niners were missing three injured starters -- linebacker Patrick Willis, cornerback Chris Culliver and left guard Mike Iupati -- and were simply outmanned by a deeper and speedier Broncos team. Rookie Chris Borland was more than serviceable in playing for Willis as he had a game-high eight tackles through three quarters, including his first career sack. Fellow rookie Aaron Lynch also had his first career sack. And that was about as positive as it got for the Niners, whose bye week comes at a perfect time. The 49ers remain in second place in the NFC West at 4-3, behind the Arizona Cardinals (5-1), but ahead of the Seattle Seahawks (3-3) and St. Louis Rams (2-4).
Stock watch: Falling -- offensive line. To be fair, it is not at full strength, not with Iupati out with a concussion, though right tackle Anthony Davis was back to make his second start of the season. But the line gave up a season-high six sacks and could clear only enough space for the 49ers to rush for 37 yards on 11 carries through the third quarter. To make things worse, center Daniel Kilgore had to be carted off the field after suffering a left leg/ankle injury in the third quarter and was replaced by undrafted rookie Dillon Farrell. Then Farrell limped off in the fourth quarter and Joe Looney moved over from left guard to center, with Jonathan Martin coming in at left guard. Expect third-round draft pick Marcus Martin, who has been rehabbing from a left knee injury suffered in the third exhibition game, to ramp up his preparations for St. Louis on Nov. 2.
Depleted secondary: The 49ers entered the game already down two defensive backs with Culliver (hamstring) and rookie Jimmie Ward (quadriceps) on the inactive list. Then they lost Chris Cook to a hamstring injury in the third quarter, leaving the Niners with only three corners. That included starter Tramaine Brock, who was playing for the first time since the season opener after injuring a toe. Think Manning wasn't licking his chops looking at that depleted secondary?
And the game ball goes to: Not much to choose from here, but Colin Kaepernick had a good first half -- he had more yards passing than Manning at halftime. After the Broncos turned it into a blowout, Kaepernick became a marked man. Still, he has now thrown a TD pass in 14 straight games, the third-longest streak in franchise history behind Steve Young (17) and Jeff Garcia (15). Kaepernick threw for 263 yards on 24-of-39 passing with a touchdown pass and an interception. He did lead the 49ers on an 80-yard TD drive late in the first half on seven plays to get them within 21-10 at the half.
What's next: The 49ers enjoy their bye week to heal, both physically and mentally, before returning to play host to the St. Louis Rams at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Nov. 2.
