NFL 49ers' offense unable to capitalize on defense

Dennis Erickson said the defense gave the offense a chance, but it just fizzled.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Thirty-six hours after the San Francisco 49ers' most frustrating loss in a dismal season, head coach Dennis Erickson says the hard thing to accept about Sunday's 23-13 loss to the Bears in Chicago is that his defenders played well enough to give the Niners a late chance.
Turnovers and an inept offense (162 total yards) were the culprits as the franchise owned by John and Denise DeBartolo York of Canfield slipped to 1-6.
"We had so many opportunities, but we just didn't make any plays on offense," Erickson said Tuesday in a telephone conversation from team headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif. "We need a win and it's not like [the 2-5 Bears] are Super Bowl contenders.
"Ken certainly didn't have his best day."
Erickson was referring to second-year quarterback Ken Dorsey, who made his third start because Tim Rattay was sidelined with a forearm/thumb injury.
The Niners produced only two field goals on offense. Tight end Eric Johnson, who was second in the NFL in receptions, had few passes thrown at him and caught just one. Defensive back Dewaine Carpenter returned a fumble 80 yards for the team's touchdown.
The most frustrating thing, Erickson said, was leaving Soldier Field knowing the Niners "had put ourselves in a position to tie, but we kept overthrowing [receivers]."
Rattay will try to practice
Erickson said Rattay, the five-year veteran who started three games last year and took over for the departed Jeff Garcia, will try to practice today in preparations for Sunday's home game against the NFC West Division-leading Seattle Seahawks (4-3).
"It's a day-to-day situation because it's such a weird injury," said Erickson, explaining that Rattay experiences pain from his lower forearm to his thumb. "The doctors haven't been able to find anyone whose suffered the same thing, including baseball pitchers."
If Rattay can't go, Dorsey will make his second start against the Seahawks, who have lost three of four games since beating the Niners, 34-0, in Week 3.
Erickson said Dorsey's experience preparing for the Seahawks six weeks ago should help.
While cornerback Ahmed Plummer and defensive end Andre Carter may be healthy enough to play, the Niners' second-year coach said defensive end Brandon Whiting, the player the Niners received from the Eagles in the Terrell Owens deal, is through for the season with an ACL tear.
Injuries, turnovers
Erickson said the Seahawks' stumble can be attributed to injuries and costly turnovers.
"They had the Rams beat, then let them come back to win," Erickson said. "I think that might have created a two-game hangover for them, but they seem to be over it now.
"They lost at New England and there's no shame in that," Erickson said. "Turnovers really hurt them against Arizona."
With Tuesday being a day off for all NFL players, Erickson said he hoped most took time to vote, whether it was done in advance by absentee ballot or at the polls.
"The election has been a hot topic in the locker room, with guys on both sides with strong opinions," Erickson said.
Because coaches don't get a day off until the season ends, Erickson said most of them did what he did -- voted by absentee ballot.
williams@vindy.com