By Cam Inman
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Blaine Gabbert threw two touchdown passes in place of deposed starter Colin Kaepernick, and the 49ers patchwork defense held firm enough to capture a 17-16 win Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons.
The 49ers (3-6) now head into their bye week, having snapped a two-game losing streak and won for only the fourth time in their past 14 games. The Falcons (6-3) have lost three of their past four.
Gabbert not only led an efficient offense with his arm (15-of-25, 185 yards), but his legs (six carries, 35 yards). When the 49ers especially needed a play to help kill the clock, Gabbert responded with a 5-yard bootleg run for a third-down conversion with two minutes remaining.
Both of Gabbert’s touchdown passes went to tight end Garrett Celek en route to a 17-13 halftime lead. That would prove to be a big enough cushion as the 49ers played inspired defense, especially linebacker NaVorro Bowman.