SANTA CLARA, Calif. – A look at San Francisco 49ers players who were "up" and those who were "down" in Sunday's 25-20 defeat of the Baltimore Ravens.
UP
Colin Kaepernick: A series of short, safe passes against a decimated Ravens defense built his confidence and rhythm. Enough that he was able to take long shots later in the game. His 225 yards passing before halftime was a career high, and he averaged 18.8 yards per attempt against the blitz in the first half after averaging 4.5 yards per attempt on such first-half plays entering the game. He finished with 340 yards passing and two touchdowns without an interception.
Torrey Smith: Facing his former team and his former roommate with the 49ers (cornerback Shareece Wright),Smith went off and showed the deep-threat capability for which he was acquired. His 76-yard touchdown reception was a thing of beauty and had to make Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco wince. Smith finished with three catches for 96 yards.
Anquan Boldin: He's in his third season with the 49ers now but he always plays with a chip on his shoulder, so beating his old team and slipping in and out of coverage had to be gratifying for him. He finished with five catches for 102 yards.
DOWN
Jarryd Hayne: The Australian rugby league convert fumbled his first punt return, though the 49ers somehow recovered despite there being a sea of Ravens players around the ball, and Hayne later made a fair catch of another punt … inside the 49ers' 10-yard line. That's a no-no.
Tramaine Brock: Yes, I know Brock gets credit for "breaking up" Steve Smith Sr.'s two would-be touchdown catches in the end zone, but the fact is, Smith beat Brock on both plays. On the first, the ball bounced off Smith's chest, enabling Brock to make a play. On the second, the ball simply went through Smith's hands and the Ravens had to settle for two field goals, leaving eight points on the field.