Nate the Great

Nate Clements had a nice game. The 49ers’ left cornerback was second on the team in tackles with eight, had an interception and broke up two passes. The seven-year pro also returned a punt 41 yards for the third-longest effort of his career.

“I definitely do enjoy it, going out there and making plays,” Clements said about the return.

Because of his close defense on Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith, who had eight receptions for 64 yards and no touchdowns, Clements had to be flattered at the attempts the Panthers made to get their star receiver away from him.

“You saw that, too?” Clements said.

The Panthers had Smith line up at quarterback in the shotgun formation for the direct snap and also put him on the side of the field away from Clements.

On the down side, Clements was flagged for a 15-yard late-hit penalty when he belted Smith too late after an incomplete pass. “I was late,” he said. “I should have eased off.”

Of the 49ers’ 3-9 season, Clements said, “Definitely not what I expected, not what this team expected. Got to roll with the punches and keep going. I don’t care what our record is, how many points we’re down, we all play this game because we love it. We’re definitely disappointed in how the season is going.”

Source: San Francisco Chronicle

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