FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots clawed back from a four-touchdown hole against the 49ers on a cold and rainy Sunday night, but they could not complete their comeback.

With white knuckles and clenched teeth, San Francisco clung to its lead as the Patriots posted score after score in the second half. Though the Niners never relinquished the lead, the Patriots tied the score with 6:43 left and seemed to have momentum fully on its side.