It’s like déjà vu all over again, a blown fourth quarter lead against an undefeated team. The defense forcing turnovers and playing lights out for the first 45 minutes only to implode before my eyes. I took a look at the schedule earlier, finding it completely plausible that we can still finish 10-6 which would put us on the cusp of the playoffs, but from what I’ve seen this year it seems more unlikely than anything else.

Many are saying that we’re only a few plays away from being 5-1. If Dion Bailey doesn’t slip, if we run some more clock against the Bengals, or if Sherman and Thomas get their coverage straight yesterday. I see it as they’re one play away from being 1-5.

This team was never meant to be a juggernaut on offense, but they still haven’t found a way to convert, even at home. And even though Jimmy Graham was added this offseason, the ultimate red zone threat, they still can’t convert. What’s even worse is what they gave up to get him. Max Unger, a Pro Bowl center PLUS a first round pick, and they are still yet to see dividends from the deal. Add to that the fact that the last time the offense scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter was Week 1, and it makes you want to pull your hair out. What’s even more frustrating is considering all the investment made in the offense between extensions to Russell Wilson and Beast Mode on top of the Graham trade.

Still this defense is supposed to be feared, all the core pieces remain in tact yet they can’t figure out how to close, the one thing they always knew how to do. Could it be on new defensive coordinator Kris Richard? Dan Quinn has the Falcons flying high, is he that much of a difference maker? That remains less likely as Pete Carroll is a defensive minded coach.

Bottom line is no facet of this team is moving in a winning direction. Not even special teams, apart from Hauschka and Jon Ryan. And all of a sudden a lowly 49ers team doesn’t look like the pushover everyone thought they would be before the season.

Photo: Flickr/Ben Rea