The San Francisco 49ers couldn't have scripted a better outcome in the final "Battle of the Bay." San Francisco beat the Oakland Raiders handily, 34-3, on "Thursday Night Football." Oakland kicked a field goal on the game's opening drive, but it was all 49ers from there on out. Let's dive right in to the game's takeaways on a night headlined by Nick Mullens' NFL debut.
1. Mullens was marvelous on Thursday, and that's no exaggeration. C.J. Beathard (wrist) was healthy enough to play, but Kyle Shanahan gave Mullens the starting nod anyways. Mullens made Shanahan look good from the jump, leading touchdown drives on each of the 49ers first two possessions. The second-year pro out of Southern Miss finished the game with 262 yards on 16-of-22 passing and three touchdowns. Mullens didn't turn the ball over, and he wasn't sacked once. He was so good, in fact, that Twitter verified his account during the game.
Pierre Garçon's opening drive touchdown came from 24 yards out and marked his first score in a 49ers uniform. The 49ers second drive was capped by a 4-yard touchdown pass from Mullens to Kendrick Bourne. Mullens' third score went to George Kittle, who was an absolute monster all game long.
2. Kittle left the game after his first catch of the game, but returned to provide the highlight of the night: a one-handed grab in traffic that ended up being a 71-yard catch-and-run. Kittle was rewarded a few plays later when Mullens found him for a 5-yard touchdown. According to Elias Sports, Kittle became the first NFL tight end to post multiple receptions of at least 70 yards in the same season since New York Jets tight end Rich Caster in 1972. Kittle finished with four receptions for 108 yards and one touchdown. It marked his second 100-yard performance of the season.
3. San Francisco's defense was stout for all four quarters. Oakland opened the game with a promising drive but was forced to settle for a field goal. The 49ers pitched a shutout from there in an effort led by a consistent pass rush. Cassius Marsh was a nuisance throughout and posted 2.5 sacks. San Francisco had seven sacks as a whole. Ronald Blair, Dekoda Watson, Solomon Thomas and DeForest Buckner were the others with at least one sack. Derek Carr was limited to just 171 yards before being pulled at the beginning of the fourth quarter.
4. Raheem Mostert had a big game before leaving with what looked to be a serious forearm injury. He ran for 86 yards on just seven carries, highlighted by a 52-yard touchdown run. Mike McGlinchey paved the way for Mostert all the way to the goal line in what was the running back's first career touchdown. He's been a stud of late, and it would be a shame to see him go down for any extended period of time.
5. On a night of "firsts," Ross Dwelley posted his first career reception, an 8-yard gain in the first half. Richie James also posted a career long 53-yard reception.
What's next. The 49ers, now 2-7 on the season, will take the weekend off before hosting the New York Giants on "Monday Night Football" in Week 10.
