Kneejerk Knotes: The more things change ...

Forgive me if I struggle to put together a coherent stream of thought this afternoon. I am a beaten man. Random notes today.

* This feels a lot like the Steelers game, and not just because of the nearly identical scores (37-16 and 33-15). They were both road games — long trips to face very good opponents. Both times, the 49ers tried with some success to open up the offense. Both times, they still lost by big margins. They're simply not as good as these teams, and they're not as good as we all thought they'd be.

* I'm surprised to be saying this, but it was the defense that was the over-conservative unit today. There was almost none of the exotic blitz looks that have caused teams problems this season. Far too often, it felt like they were just sitting back and waiting for something to happen. When they finally got a little creative, what was the result? A sack of Eli Manning inside the 5-yard line that led to a blocked punt for a safety.

* So, to summarize: The offense looks better when it's aggressive. The defense looks better when it's aggressive. BE AGGRESSIVE! (Chant with me.)

* There were a few times that the 49ers looked like they were in this game (just like against the Steelers). Today it was turnovers and penalties that did them in, plain and simple. Oh, the turnovers.

* I don't think Mike Nolan should be fired. I don't think Jim Hostler should be fired. I do think the offensive changes made over the bye week will have a positive effect. But until the O-line begins to do its job (without penalties and without surrendering sack after sack), this team will accomplish nothing.

* Thank goodness we finally saw the team take some shots down the field to Ashley Lelie. It's amazing that it took this long. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come.

* I have one personnel move to suggest (a series of moves, actually). Release Michael Lewis (the Beer Man, not the safety), put Lelie in the starting lineup alongside Darrell Jackson at WR, and make Arnaz Battle the No. 3 receiver and starting punt returner. Please.

* The NFC West is one horrible, horrible division. The 49ers are a bad football team, yet if the Rams can upset the Seahawks today, they'll still be tied in the loss column with first-place Arizona and Seattle. If they could just get this mess turned around, they actually could still challenge for a playoff spot (8-8 could really win this division).

* Even if they did, though, it would only mask the problems this team still has. The priority next offseason must be on offense. They need a true No. 1 receiver, and they need to replace guys like Larry Allen on the offensive line. As much as I hate to say it, the 49ers are still a year away from being a legitimate playoff team.