The 49ers came just short of claiming their first win of the season on Thursday. As other teams get into their third respective games today, Kyle Shanahan and his staff will continue to prepare for Week 4.
First, the first-year head coach had to address what happened against the Los Angeles Rams in that 41-39 loss.
Was it pass interference?
Wide receiver Trent Taylor was called for a crucial offensive pass interference toward the end of the game. It was a dubious call, at best. Accordingly, Shanahan didn’t have much to say about that when he addressed reporters on Friday.
“I saw a very good route,” Shanahan said when asked what he saw on that play.
Will reuben be back?
Reuben Foster was on the sidelines, nursing an ankle injury and wearing a 49ers jersey with “Savage” written on the nameplate. The excitable linebacker wants to be back on the field next week, but his head coach isn’t so sure.
“I’d be shocked if he came back this week,” Shanahan said. “I’d be surprised. We’re taking it week-to-week.”
Was Shanahan angered by loss?
After the second preseason game, Shanahan was visibly disappointed in his team’s performance. That wasn’t the case on Thursday night. So what gives?
“I think I’m more realistic in terms of how we play,” he said. “… By no means did we play perfect, and I don’t think we played as good as we can, but I thought the guys gave it everything they could.”
Red-flag quarterback?
Shanahan went two-for-two on challenging plays. He wasn’t shy about chucking the red flag on the second one, either.
“Glad I didn’t hit anybody with the flag,” Shanahan said.
jpalmer@sfexaminer.com
