49ers: Full Week 17 Grades & Analysis versus Seahawks

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Jan 1, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) dives after the fumble against Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) during the first quarter at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Grades

The Niners managed to get off to a relatively strong start, even leading 14-3 in the second quarter.

But San Francisco’s fumbling woes led to 10 Seahawks points before halftime. And the 49ers offense again went stagnant midway through the game.

Quarterback

In what might have been Colin Kaepernick’s final game of his 49ers career, San Francisco’s signal-caller went 17-of-22 for 215 yards and a touchdown to tight end Garrett Celek. All this amounted to a 122.3 passer rating — considerable, considering his career-long woes versus Seattle.

But Kap also fumbled twice, one of which was lost, and these ensured Seattle would overtake San Francisco in the momentum department.

Still, this was a relatively commendable effort from a guy who might have just played his final game with the 49ers.

Grade: A-

Running Back

With No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde (knee) out, ball-carrying duties fell on backup runners Shaun Draughn and DuJuan Harris.

Harris’ first-half fumble led to a Seahawks touchdown, and that hurt. Although Draughn did manage to find the end zone twice.

Overall, 49ers tailbacks combined for just 47 rushing yards and averaged a measly two yards per carry.

Grade: D+

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley made a strong effort in Week 17, hauling in six passes for 61 yards, including a clutch one-handed grab that helped set up tight end Garrett Celek’s nine-yard touchdown reception.

Second-year wideout DeAndre Smelter also got his first pro start of his career, hauling in a lone 23-yard pass.

Still, this group needs plenty of help this offseason.

Grade: C

Offensive Line

It’s clear the attrition was hurting San Francisco’s offensive line against a tough Seattle front-seven defense.

The Niners running game never got going. And Kaepernick was sacked five times for 24 yards.

Rookie guard Joshua Garnett continues to go through growing pains, and it’s pretty clear his first year at the NFL level has been little more than a disappointment.