49ers: The good, bad and ugly from Week 15 win over Titans

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 17: Marquise Goodwin #11 of the San Francisco 49ers tries to fight off the tackle of LeShaun Sims #36 of the Tennessee Titans late in the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

The good

Passing game

Ever since Garoppolo took over the reins as the starting quarterback, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin has seen a significant rise in his production. Against the Titans, Goodwin was again a favorite in the passing game.

Goodwin had 10 receptions for 114 yards, marking a career-high for most catches in a single game for the fifth-year wide receiver. All game long, it was Goodwin who consistently found ways to get open and extend drives.

On the season, Goodwin now has 24 receptions for 315 yards in three games with Garoppolo.

Another familiar name popped up as well, with tight end Garrett Celek continuing his hot streak with Garoppolo too. Celek had three receptions for 67 yards and one touchdown, including a long of 41 yards. That is back-to-back games with a score for Celek.

But a new name surfaced for the 49ers — undrafted rookie wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. In the 4th quarter, Bourne had a crucial 54-yard reception.

Jimmy Garoppolo finds Kendrick Bourne on the first play of the drive for 54 yards. #49ers pic.twitter.com/oQBpd95Kp4
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) December 18, 2017

For the game, Bourne finished with four receptions for 85 yards (both career-highs).

Robbie Gould’s right leg

All season long, the most reliable player for San Francisco has been kicker Robbie Gould. For the second time in three games, it was Gould’s kicks that contributed to a large share of their scoring.

Gould was an outstanding 6-6 on field goals, including booting the game-winning 45-yarder. It is the fourth time this season Gould has made four or more field goals in a game, and moves Gould to 36-38 for 2017.

Robbie Gould with the game-winning kick for the #49ers!https://t.co/Nwtkeu7WvV
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) December 18, 2017

The record for most field goals in a season is 44, set by none other than former 49ers kicker David Akers in 2011. So it is unlikely there will be a record set, but Gould is kicking at an all-time level right now.

Stopping DeMarco Murray

There is no debating it — running back DeMarco Murray is one of the best players on the Tennessee offense. And against San Francisco, Murray struggled to find room to operate.

Murray had only 59 yards on 18 carries, an average of 3.3 yards per rush. In the receiving game, Murray did not have it any easier as he had one reception for four yards.

The performance by Murray was indicative how the unit played as a whole, as the Titans had 90 yards on 28 carries. Overall, an exceptional showing from the 49ers’ rush defense.

It was up to Mariota to win the game, and the quarterback was unable to get the job done.