Panthers vs. 49ers: Full San Francisco grades and analysis
Quarterback
There’s no hiding it, Brian Hoyer had a horrible game. Part of that was because the offensive line allowed pressure throughout the game and the other part was because Hoyer didn’t execute his throws.
He just failed to deliver, finishing the game 24-35 passing for 193 yards with one interception and one fumble. For the game, Hoyer averaged a measly 5.5 yards per completion. Barring Pierre Garçon, no 49ers wide receiver had over 22 yards receiving. All in all, not the showing you hope to get from a starting quarterback.
Grade: D
Running back
Right off the bat, it seemed Carlos Hyde was due for a big game. Hyde was running with authority, and appeared to be finding holes with ease. But, for whatever reason, the usage wasn’t there for the 25-year-old running back.
The production certainly was, as Hyde carried the ball 9 times for 45 yards. He was also a factor in the passing game, finishing with 6 receptions for 32 yards. Behind Hyde though was a barren wasteland — rookie Matt Breida had 4 carries for 11 yards, and Raheem Mostert didn’t receive a carry.
For the game, the 49ers had 15 carries for 51 yards.
Grade: B-
Wide receiver/Tight end
It’s clear, Garçon is the best wide receiver on this team by a good distance. As such, he was the only viable option in the passing game for Hoyer, finishing the game with 6 receptions for 81 yards.
The targets were there too for Garçon, and he figures to be a staple in this offense moving forward. Garçon had a very good. That’s where the good news stops, as Marquise Goodwin was the only other receiver to top 20 yards. Rookie tight end George Kittle did have 5 receptions, but for a mere 27 yards.