San Francisco 49ers: 3 Big takeaways from loss vs. Buccaneers in Week 12

The San Francisco 49ers slumped to one of their worst losses of the season in Week 12. Here we look at three takeaways from the defeat.

Week 12 was the lowpoint of the Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch era for the San Francisco 49ers, who were well beaten 27-9 by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The result would have been disheartening in isolation, but the fact it came on a weekend that saw the 49ers release former first-round pick Reuben Foster following another arrest on a domestic violence charge for the linebacker exacerbated the impact for a team enduring a nightmare season few anticipated.

A sad end to Foster’s brief 49ers career will continue to be the talking point through the week, but here we look at three takeaways from matters on the field as San Francisco dropped to 2-9.

Mullens mania proves short-lived

After his excellent debut against the Oakland Raiders and a respectable follow-up in the Week 10 loss to the New York Giants, there was reason to be intrigued about seeing Nick Mullens pit himself against a very poor Bucs defense with a bye week to prepare.

However, Mullens endured a hugely disappointing afternoon, his run of two games without a sack coming to an end as he was taken down four times amid a stream of pressure far more consistent than what he has been used to in his brief time under center for the 49ers.

Finishing 18-of-32 for 221 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions, Mullens struggled on throws down the field and outside the numbers, his well-documented issues with arm strength coming to the fore as his limitations were laid bare.

Kyle Shanahan, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, has confirmed Mullens will start at Seattle in Week 13. But with the magic from his first start seemingly disappearing, it is fair to wonder how long his leash is and how far away the Niners are from turning back to C.J. Beathard as they look to finish out the season strong.