AP photo San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) eludes New England Patriots defensive back J.C. Jackson (27) after catching a pass in the first half Sunday,

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – A lot of attention certainly will be placed on the New England Patriots’ anemic offense after Sunday’s 33-6 drubbing at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers at Gillette Stadium.

But defensively, New England had its struggles, giving up an opening touchdown drive that set the tone.

San Francisco had 467 total yards, and rushed for 197, led by little known Jeff Wilson, Jr., who came into the game with 114 career yards and rushed yesterday for 112 and three TDs.

“We never had control of the game,” Pariots safety Devin McCourty said. “Inside runs, outside runs, a couple different plays., the wheel route in the passing game.

“A lot of the passes were, you know, that kind of missile jet sweep. It’s like a run but it’s a pass and bubble passes. But I mean, you know, you give up 33 points, I don’t think we did anything really well today.”

“They had their way with us,” Patriots corner Stephon Gilmore said of the Niners. “Frustrated because we just lost, lost bad. Just have to go back and watch the film and see what we can do better and go from there.”

Here’s one telling note: Two weeks in a row, the opposing offense did not punt the football the first three quarters. In fact, the first San Francisco punt came with just 3:02 left.

“Everybody’s different each and every week,” Gilmore said. “The things we don’t stop other teams are going to run until we stop it. So, if we don’t stop it they’re going to keep running it. We got to take it from there.”

Belichick said there were a plethora of problems defensively, including a fundmental breakdown.

“As I’ve already said several times, that was part of it, for sure,” he said. “Fundamentals, some scheme, coaching, playing. Everybody contributed to it.”

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Jarrett Stidham got perhaps the most regulars season time he’s seen on Sunday, completing 6 of 10 for 64 yards but with an interception.

He says he’s learned what not to do.

“I think the biggest thing, first of all, is ball security,” he said. “Making the right decision, making a good decision when that presents itself. …. So there’s a lot that goes into it, but I’m just ready to get back to work starting tomorrow and try and get better for Buffalo.”

Belichick declared Newton as his starter, but Stidham said he always prepares as if he’s the guy.

“Those types of things I can’t control,” he said. “But what I can control is how I prepare. And the things I can control is how much film I watch, how prepared I am for that game coming up and the game plan and everything like that, and that’s regardless of what’s going on around me.”

Stidham says his reps haven’t changed dramatically now that he’s been the No. 2 QB the last couple of weeks. But he knows he can’t keep throwing interceptions when he gets his chance.

“Obviously, that throw to Julian (Edelman, picked by the Niners), I got to place the ball better,” he said. “Can’t leave it inside on an out breaking route. So there’s a lot of things I can personally work on.”

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Patriots veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer, who started three weeks ago against Kansas City, was an inactive for the second straight week.

The Patriots also played musical tight ends, having rookie Devin Asiasi inactive after playing last week, and Dalton Keene active after not being on the game day roster a week ago had a seven-yard reception.

Rookie safety Kyle Dugger, nursing a bad ankle, was inactive along with running back J.J. Taylor, defensive back Myles Bryant, and defensive lineman Carl Davis.

For the 49ers, defensive backs Parnel Motley, Jaquiski Tartt and Jimmie Ward were all out, along with QB C.J. Beathard, wideout Dante Pettis, and linebacker Kwon Alexander.

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Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said that Wilson suffered what looks like a high ankle sprain, but during the week felt he was the Niners’ best back. “Jeff showed in practice he was healthy enough to go,” he said. “Once he got cleared, it was a pretty easy decision.” ….

Several Patriots returned to action on Sunday, including starting center David Andrews, guard Shaq Mason and defensive linemen Byron Cowart and Derek Rivers…

Patriots offensive lineman Joe Thuney suffered an ankle injury and had to leave the game but it wasn’t believed to be serious. However, wide receiver N’Keal Harry left with a head injury and didn’t return…

Next Week: Patriots at Buffalo next Sunday, 1 p.m.