The San Francisco 49ers dropped their first game of the 2025 season, falling 26-21 to the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's® Stadium. Despite the loss, San Francisco showed grit on both sides of the ball, highlighted by explosive plays from Christian McCaffrey, timely defensive stops, and a late push that kept the Faithful on their feet until the final minutes. The 49ers now sit at 3-1 on the year.

Here are five takeaways from the Jaguars-49ers game:

Defense Opens Strong, Then Tested by Etienne Jr.

San Francisco's defense came out sharp, forcing a Jaguars punt on their opening drive with tackles for loss from Bryce Huff, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Deommodore Lenoir. Linebacker Fred Warner nearly picked off Jacksonville's QB Trevor Lawrence twice in the half. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. capitalized on a turnover and Lawrence connected with TE Hunter Long for two Jaguars touchdowns in the first half.

Pearsall's Playmaking Sparks the Offense

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall hands continue to impress. His one-handed grab for 32 yards in the second quarter got Levi's® Stadium rocking. Later in the half, Pearsall was at the center of a trick play, catching a short pass from QB Brock Purdy before lateraling to McCaffrey for 20 more yards, giving the 49ers a 23-yard gain on the hook-and-ladder. He finished with four catches on five targets for 46 yards (11.5 average).

Warner Climbs the Record Books

Linebacker Fred Warner made history in Week 4, forcing the 17th fumble of his career to move past Patrick Willis on the 49ers all-time list. The milestone came in the third quarter when Warner punched the ball loose from Jaguars WR Travis Hunter after a short reception. Though Jacksonville recovered, the play was an example of Warner's ability to swing momentum in big moments. He also finished the game with six tackles.

Offensive Response

Down 26-14 after turnovers shifted momentum, the 49ers offense didn't back down. Purdy led an eight-play, 92-yard drive in just over four minutes, capping it with a 21-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jake Tonges. K Eddy Piñeiro extra point made it 26-21, showing San Francisco's offensive ability to respond efficiently in clutch situations.

Costly Mistakes

The 49ers had opportunities to take control, but a few errors shifted momentum. Two interceptions gave Jacksonville short fields, leading directly to points. While San Francisco battled until the final whistle, the turnover miscues proved too costly in a one-score game.

The 49ers now stand at 3-1 and will play on a short week in Los Angeles against the Rams in Week 5 "Thursday Night Football" on October 2.