SANTA CLARA -- The 49ers played one of their most impressive halves of football this season on Sunday, getting off to a strong start and a 20-point lead on the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium.
The 49ers have lost 10 or more games for the fourth consecutive season -- the worst such streak in franchise history -- but they thrived in the spoiler role with a 20-14 win.
Landing the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is looking a little more questionable for the 49ers (3-10) after they stopped a three-game losing streak, yet there will be no complaining anywhere within the organization. The Broncos (6-7) suffered a major blow to their AFC wild-card playoff hopes with the loss.
Here are three immediate takeaways from the 49ers' upset:
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SIGN UP HERE Kittle is central focus of offense
George Kittle has become a star. We could have written that before Sunday’s game, but it's much easier to declare now.
The tight end has emerged this season as a top playmaker. This season has been a disaster for the 49ers, but they must feel secure in the knowledge that they can move forward in 2019 with Kittle in a starring role.
[RELATED: Kittle wins fantasy football playoff games for 49ers fans]
Kittle had a first half for the ages, as he racked up seven receptions for 210 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. The play gave the 49ers a 13-0 lead, which was extended to 20-0 on Dante Pettis’ 1-yard TD catch.
Earlier this season, Kittle scored on an 82-yard touchdown catch-and-run against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Kittle entered halftime just 4 yards shy of Shannon Sharpe's single-game NFL record for a tight end. However, Kittle did not catch a pass in the second half.
Young and hungry on D
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The final games of this season are not about this season at all. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the team has an eye to the future. And that was apparent on the defensive side of the ball.
The 49ers need to see what some of the young players bring to the table -- and to the organization's future.
The day belonged to rookie defensive backs D.J. Reed and Marcell Harris. Both came up with some big plays in the 49ers’ defensive backfield.
Reed, playing in place of injured K’Waun Williams, had a team-high 12 combined tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss. Harris, making his second start at strong safety, made some big plays late in the game. He finished with seven total tackles, including two for losses.
The 49ers went with young players throughout. D.J. Jones started at nose tackle and played the most he has this season, as the 49ers kept veteran Earl Mitchell in reserve. Linebacker Elijah Lee started in place of Malcolm Smith.
The results were encouraging, as the 49ers’ defense looked young, fast and aggressive for the first time in a while.
Mullens continues to shine
Since taking over in Week 9, first-year quarterback Nick Mullens continues to do his job while earning one start after another after another. He unquestionably will be back as the starter next week when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks.
Mullens was solid in the first half, as he used Kittle and his run-after-the-catch skills. Mullens threw a perfect pass to Kittle on a crossing route to enable him to catch the ball in stride en route to the 85-yard TD. Mullens had 209 passing yards in the first half.
But Mullens got no help from his supporting cast in the second half.
Slot receiver Trent Taylor failed to catch a pass that hit his hands in the fourth quarter. The deflected throw ended up as Mullens’ only interception. On the 49ers' next drive, Pettis dropped an easy third-down pass on a crossing route that would have extended a drive and provided a big gain.
Pettis did help out Mullens with a 31-yard reception on a third-and-7 play with more than 3:30 remaining. Taylor later picked up a big first down with a 6-yard catch on a third-and-3.
Mullens finished with 20 completions on 33 attempts for 332 yards and two touchdowns with one interception for a passer rating of 102.1.