Blaine Gabbert Throws for 185 yards, 2 TDs in Win vs. Falcons

Blaine Gabbert's first start in a San Francisco uniform ended victoriously, as the 49ers topped the Atlanta Falcons, 17-16. The fifth-year quarterback completed 15-of-25 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns while adding 33 rushing yards. Gabbert showed great pocket awareness throughout the game, moving to avoid pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. The 49ers offensive line didn't allow a sack in the contest.The 49ers first touchdown drive spanned 84 yards over 12 plays. On 3rd-and-6 from their own 20, Gabbert hit Quinton Patton on a 41-yard catch and run into Falcons territory. Later in the drive, Gabbert looked to reach the end zone on a nifty 9-yard scramble but the review showed the quarterback's knee being down at the 1-yard line. On the very next play, Gabbert found a wide open Garrett Celek off of play action for his first touchdown pass of the season. Three drives later with the second quarter winding down, Gabbert engineered his second touchdown drive of the half. A 30-yard run by Shaun Draughn got San Francisco inside the red zone. Three plays later,Gabbert found Celek in the end zone for the second time for a 12-yard touchdown. Gabbert finished the half 10-of-16 passing for 115 yards and the two scores. The quarterback threw his first interception in the third quarter. Gabbert launched a missile down the left seam to Jerome Simpson, but the receiver had the pass bounce off of his hands and into the arms of Falcon's cornerback Philip Adams. Gabbert left the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter for two plays after taking a vicious shot from Falcons linebacker Philip Wheeler. The hit was flagged for roughing the passer. Gabbert left the game for two plays before reentering. The quarterback's second pick came in the middle of the fourth quarter when he underthrew Garrett Celek down the left sideline. Gabbert's premier play of the day came on 3rd-and-4 with just over two minutes remaining of the game. Needing a first down to run out the clock, Gabbert ran a play-action fake and took off on a naked bootleg. The quarterback sprinted to the right, crossed the first-down marker and slid after a gain of five yards. The play sealed the 49ers third win of the season going into their Week 10 bye. San Francisco will head to Seattle to face the Seahawks in Week 11. In all liklihood, Gabbert will receiver his second consecutive start.