Big plays were the story for the 49ers offense as they beat the Chiefs 27-17

The San Francisco 49ers opening drive saw them march to the Kansas City Chief’s 30-yard line, but Jimmy Garoppolo’s pass was tipped on 4th & 1, and they had to turn it over. They were able to convert two first downs, though. It didn’t take long for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense to score. Three plays later, Damien Williams beat Solomon Thomas, yes, you read that right, for a 62-yard touchdown. Jaquiski Tartt missed the tackle, but you can’t put Thomas in that situation, especially on third down. Especially when you are already down Dee Ford and Nick Bosa.

The 49ers offense bounced back in a significant way, scoring on a 78-yard drive to make it 7-7. Richie James ran a beautiful double move, and the throw may have been even better.

Matt Breida found the end zone on a wheel route, and that tied it up.

The Chiefs made it 10-7, after a field goal.

A promising drive was stalled after a Ross Dwelley drop. Tough to be upset, as George Kittle would have caught that pass. A Robbie Gould field goal tied it to make the score 10-10.

Jimmy Garoppolo came back out for the two-minute drill, but the offense ran the ball on first down. Then on 4th & 1, with two timeouts, Kyle Shanahan elected to kick a 34-yard field goal. I wasn’t a fan of that. I would have liked to see Garoppolo get a chance to play some situational football. Gould’s field goal put the Niners up 13-10.

After Mitch Wishnowsky pinned the Chiefs on their three-yard line following a 62-yard punt, the 49ers backups made life too easy and Kansas City waltzed their way down the field for a touchdown to put the Chiefs up 17-13.

I know it’s preseason, but following up a score with a score is what good teams do. The 49ers answered with a 12-play, 75-yard drive that was capped off by a four-yard touchdown run by Jeff Wilson. Jordan Matthews had a couple of big gains to put the 49ers in scoring position. That made it 20-17.

After a three-and-out, the 49ers scored on another long drive. Dante Pettis, who played well into the fourth quarter, drew a defensive pass interference. Richie James had a nice catch on a third and five. Kendrick Bourne stepped up on a third and two, and Wilson punched it in from seven yards out to put the 49ers up 27-17. That was the final score.

Garoppolo finished 14-20 for 188 yards and a touchdown. I imagine Rob will have more on this, but the receivers were excellent tonight. That was great to see. 23-0. The dream lives on.