San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan pauses as he speaks to members of the media following an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

By: Joe Lami

For the first time in the history of the National Football League, a team has lost five straight games by three points or less. The San Francisco 49ers made history for the wrong reason on Sunday with a 26-24 loss to the Washington Redskins.

Make it a combined 13 points now for those five losses, as the 49ers continue to get close but aren’t able to get it done.

It wouldn’t have been close without the emergence of rookie quarterback, C.J. Beathard who came in relief after Brian Hoyer’s ineffective start, as he completed four passes for 34 yards on 11 attempts.

Beathard was forced to play catch-up, as the 49ers were trailing 14-0 before the former Hawkeye came into the game with 6:39 left in the second quarter. He was able to turn things around for the 49ers and it all started right before the end of the half, as he led a drive that finished with a 4th and goal touchdown run from Carlos Hyde to cut the score to 17-7.

Although the rookie wasn’t getting much help from his receivers in his first couple of drives as drops continue to be a major concern for this club, the second half Niners seemed like a brand new team. It clearly showed as they started the third with a 12 play, 42-yard drive ending with a field goal to make it 17-10.

With the new found confidence, the 49ers were better in all aspects of the field and it bled into the defense as well. A big fumble recovery by Jimmy Ward and a return of 43 yards gave the Niners the ball on the one-yard line to set up Hyde’s second score of the game tying it at 17.

Rumored to be coming to the city by the bay next season, quarterback Kirk Cousins finished 25-of-37 for 330 yards, two touchdowns, and one pick. He led Washington to nine points in the final quarter to secure the victory.

Beathard cut the deficit down to two with his first touchdown throw of his career on an insane play in which he was able to escape pressure and chuck it 46 yards to a wide-open Aldrick Robinson.

With a chance to comeback and win it after a 17-point deficit, the 49ers once again fell apart when it mattered most. Penalties once again became the downfall. This time a pick play offensive pass interference penalty called on Pierre Garcon on a 2nd down at the Redskins 40. The horrible call cost the Niners ten yards putting the 49ers out of field goal range while costing them the chance at the win.

Despite the loss, and a record of 0-6, things are looking up still for the Niners and it has a lot to do with Beathard. His final line was 19-of-36 for 245 yards, a touchdown, and an interception (coming on the last play of the game).

The focus now comes to the Cowboys as the red and gold search for their first win, but their new quarterback seeing first-team reps this week will give the faithful hope.

After all, it’s the second time in franchise history the team has started 0-6. The last time was led by Bill Walsh.