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Sour Kittles: 49ers have never looked more reliant on their star tight end than in loss to Falcons

SANTA CLARA — Even when George Kittle doesn’t touch the ball, even in the rare instance of being on the losing end of a game this season, he’s the one making the most impressive plays on the field.

Just ask Falcons safety Ricardo Allen.

While running back Raheem Mostert barreled into the end zone for the 49ers’ first score in Sunday’s 23-22 loss to the Falcons, Kittle was eight yards deep in the end zone, laying on top of Allen like maple syrup, laughing. Or at least that’s how it appeared.

“He kinda did a little screech when he slammed me,” Allen said, in better spirits after Julio Jones pulled in a last-second catch to deliver a heartbreaking loss to the 49ers.