Thoughts and observations after watching the film of the Bears’ 26-6 victory against the 49ers on Sunday.

Nick in the middle

For better or worse, the Bears have leaned on rookie linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski more after Danny Trevathan was injured and Jerrell Freeman was suspended.

There are some plays that Kwiatkoski won’t like to see on film.

Bad angles resulted in missed tackles on three plays. It included running back Shaun Draughn’s 15-yard gain on a shovel pass in the second quarter when Kwiatkoski was impeded by left tackle Joe Staley.

Kwiatkoski also was handled by center Daniel Kilgore on Draughn’s 29-yard run early in the first quarter. Kwiatkoski was fortunate that Draughn’s two long gains were negated by penalties.

Despite those gaffes, Kwiatkoski, one of the Bears’ three fourth-round picks, had an encouraging performance.

His instincts and tackling were evident in the red zone in the second quarter. On first-and-10 from the Bears’ 19, Kwiatkoski shot through a gap and dropped Carlos Hyde for a one-yard loss. He later filled a hole on a first-and-10 play on the 11-yard line and stopped DuJuan Harris.

Kwiatkoski, who played all 58 defensive snaps, was the only inside linebacker in a successful package that featured a five-man front and five defensive backs. It was a personnel grouping that led to one-on-one matchups up front and a long day for quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

As far as his best attribute, Kwiatkoski has the pop that Shea

McClellin lacked, whether it’s rushing the passer, taking on blockers or tackling. In the first quarter, he eluded right tackle Trent Brown and forcefully stood up Hyde.

In the fourth quarter, Kwiatkoski ripped through right guard Joshua Garnett, the No. 28 overall pick, and pressured quarterback Blaine Gabbert before batting down his pass.

Coach John Fox said Kwiatkoski’s comfort level is noticeable. He also covered tight end Vance McDonald in the slot and running backs going into the flat.

“[It’s] not only what we’re doing but how to prepare per opponent,” Fox said. “With those experiences and that preparation, he’s playing faster.”

D-line dominance

The Bears’ best player was defensive lineman Akiem Hicks (two sacks), who was on the field for every defensive play.

But Eddie Goldman’s return to form shouldn’t be overlooked. He was credited with one sack, but his pressure led to Willie Young’s first-quarter sack.

On Hicks’ second sack, Goldman held up Kilgore before he dropped into coverage. Hicks beat left guard Zane Beadles.

Barkley over Kaep

Quarterback Matt Barkley’s performance looked even better because Kaepernick was horrendous.

Kaepernick’s best completion was the shovel pass to Draughn that was negated by Garnett’s holding penalty.

Coach Chip Kelly’s play-calling made it obvious that he didn’t trust Kaepernick to throw in the snow.

The Bears’ five-man front contained Kaepernick as a runner.