49ers vs. Patriots 3rd quarter thread: The Zebras are doing everything they can to keep this close

A pick-six is one way to score without worrying about the red zone. Fred Warner continues to perform like the best defensive player in football.

That wasn’t necessarily a bad read by Jacoby Brissett. It was an unbelievable play from one of the best players in the sport.

New England put together an 11-play drive on their next series that chewed up nearly six minutes off the clock. The Patriots converted three first downs, but a 4th & 1 attempt came up short after Ji’Ayir Brown and Fred Warner met Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield.

Maliek Collins deserves most of the credit, as his penetration forced Stevenson to cut back. Collins has been better than advertised to begin the season and came through for the defense once again.

Jordan Mason caught a 38-yard touchdown pass after a nifty move before outrunning the defense. George Kittle was flagged for a phantom holding call that negated Mason’s touchdown.

Kyle Juszczyk scored on the drive, but that was also called back. The 49ers were flagged for an illegal shift penalty. The replay showed that Jauan Jennings had gotten set.

So, once again, the offense was facing a 3rd & 10 in the red zone, staring at their third field goal attempt. George Kittle had other ideas.

On the drive before the half, Kevin Givens recorded another sack, which gave him 2.5 on the afternoon. At that point, Givens led the team in sacks.

The 49ers’ first punt of the game came with 49 seconds remaining in the first half.

Maliek Collins added to the sack total on the ensuing drive to end a scoring chance for the Patriots before the half. New England attempted a 63-yard field goal as the clock expired, and it was good to make the score 20-3 at the half.