Warner addresses ‘annoying’ 49ers trend in disappointing season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ 20-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday seemed like a replay of a movie San Francisco has seen too many times this season.

With the 49ers leading 17-13 late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Geno Smith led the Seahawks down the field on an 11-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to retake the lead with just 12 seconds left on the clock.

Fred Warner was visibly disappointed after the game when asked by the defense about the last actions on the field.

“We just couldn’t stop,” the 49ers linebacker said. “Geno, kudos to him for using his legs to extend the drive and ultimately get into the end zone. We have to find a way, and we haven’t.”

The 49ers’ loss left them tied for second place in the NFC West, which is likely the only path the 5-5 team can take to earn a spot in the NFL playoffs. No teams are officially eliminated at this point, but any loss will reduce the 49ers’ chances of making the postseason.

The loss also marked the third time this season that the 49ers have surrendered a fourth-quarter lead to a division foe.

“It’s just annoying, honestly,” Warner said. “But I will always have the confidence of the world in everyone we have in our building. All the answers are here. It’s just about doing it.”

The 49ers haven’t played up to their potential with All-Pros and Pro-Bowl selections across the roster. Yes, there have been injuries, but they happen every year. What’s missing is consistency. There hasn’t been a game where the defense has completely suppressed an opponent.

After every stop in Sunday’s loss, there seemed to be productive play from Smith and the Seahawks. On that final drive, following a run by Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III for no gain, Smith completed a seven-yard pass to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

After an incomplete pass on the next play, another completed pass of 15 yards followed. On the ensuing play, the 49ers’ Leonard Floyd sacked Smith for a three-yard loss, but that play was followed by a 16-yard first-down scramble by the Seahawks quarterback.

Then, two plays later, the nail in the coffin was Smith’s 13-yard touchdown run, which put Seattle ahead by three points.

“Yes, it’s not like us, but that’s exactly what we showed this year,” Warner said. “So I think until we stop doing that, that’s who we are.”

The 49ers have an even tougher road ahead with two road trips. In Week 12, they will face a 7-3 Packers team in Green Bay, followed by a visit to Buffalo to play the Bills who are atop the AFC at 9-2.