NFL Week 4 Scores: Why The San Francisco 49ers Lost To The Atlanta Falcons

In their Week 4 matchup, the Atlanta Falcons kicked a last-second field goal to claim a narrow 16-14 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, dropping the red and gold to 0-4 on the 2010 NFL season. 

Their winless start has quickly become a major concern, and I've observed various key team elements that have contributed to their poor performance. 

Here are my thoughts on the top five reasons the 49ers lost to the Falcons.

Note: Here is my live blog on the game. 

Alex Smith's Second Half Struggles

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Alex Smith #11 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to pass upfield against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

As he's done throughout the season, quarterback Alex Smith played relatively well in the first half; completing 13 of his 16 pass attempts.

However, performing in act two has become the former No. 1 overall pick's real problem and yesterday was no different.

Smith made poor decisions and ill-advised throws down the stretch of the ball game, and it was ultimately the deciding factor. 

Nate Clements Fumble

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SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 15: Defensive back Nate Clements #22 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a final defensive stand during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Monster Park December 15, 2007 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco won 20-

I never like to pinpoint one play as to why a team loses a ball game, but I truly feel that Nate Clements' fumble after intercepting one of Matt Ryan's passes. 

Instead of sealing the ball game by sliding down, Clements demonstrated poor ball security and questionable judgement. 

Of course, the outcome of the play did set the Falcons back further than they previously were. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough. 

Roddy White

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Roddy White #84 of the Atlanta Falcons pulls in a reception against Tarell Brown #25 of the San Francisco 49ers at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Last time these two teams met, in Week 5 of last season, Roddy White's performance (8-210-2) was a primary reason why the Falcons beat down the 49ers 45-10. Therefore, I'm sure the 49ers coaching staff made containing him a priority.

For the most part, they did a great job doing so. However, towards the end of the ball game, they began to slip in their coverage and White capitalized.

White totaled with 7 receptions for 104 yards. 

No Big Plays On Offense

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs on to the field for their game against the New Orleans Saints at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

If you take a look at the 49ers losses, three have come on the road in three of the toughest venues to play in. 

While that's no excuse, there is an underlying principle that we should look into. In my opinion, the 49ers lack discipline and are unable to persevere through hostile environments.

Of course, big plays on offense can always negate that advantage as it swings the momentum back in the away team's favor, thus silencing the crowd.

The 49ers were unable to do that yesterday, and I think part of it was because they only targeted Vernon Davis, who's their most dynamic playmaker, a mere five times. 

Ineffective Rushing Attack

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks a tackle by Stephen Nicholas #54 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Since the 49ers have an inconsistent quarterback situation, they will need to implement an effective rushing attack in order to compensate.

While I was pleased with the 15 carries that Gore received in the 2nd half, he simply wan't able to do much with them as he ended the day with just 77 yards on a 3.7 YPC average.

The 49ers will need to improve their ground game if they want any chance at turning their season around.