Jaguars vs. 49ers: Week 16 San Francisco grades and analysis

Offensive Grades

San Francisco’s hot start was largely due to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who saw plenty of targets go his way early.

The Niners’ first two drives were exciting, especially considering the Jaguars defense entered the contest with the No. 1 ranked scoring defense (209 points allowed). Although it was something of a shock to see the 49ers not utilize the running game more, considering Jacksonville also was allowing an average of 4.5 yards per carry on the ground.

Nevertheless, the Niners passing game still held its own against a tough, tough Jags pass defense.

Quarterback

Garoppolo went 21-of-30 for 242 yards with two touchdowns against an interception — all for a passer rating of 102.4.

The stats don’t tell the whole story, though, as Garoppolo’s ability to manage pressure within and outside the pocket has been key to San Francisco’s offensive success. And it helps to be able to get the ball out quickly too.

He’s been the difference maker for the Niners these four weeks.

Grade: A

Running Back

Jacksonville’s defense might be elite, but not so much against the run. However, this group did a solid job limiting running back Carlos Hyde and Co. for much of the contest.

Hyde finished with only 54 yards on 21 carries — an average of 2.6 yards per attempt. But he did record his sixth rushing touchdown of the season on a six-yard run in the fourth quarter.

No. 2 tailback Matt Breida provided nice complementary efforts, including his 30-yard touchdown run that iced the game for San Francisco.

And fullback Kyle Juszczyk? So much for him only needing to be a blocking option against Jacksonville.

Grade: C

Wide Receiver/Tight End

The Jaguars did a good job limiting wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to the tune of 37 receiving yards, but the Niners made up for it incorporating slot receiver Trent Taylor and tight end George Kittle.

Both Taylor and Kittle had touchdown scores, and Taylor’s third-down end-zone reach was both at a crucial moment and a thing of beauty, especially finding the seam in the Jaguars defense:

So, while the Jaguars were able to shut down Goodwin, mostly, targets like Taylor and Kittle made up the difference.

That’s what good teams do.

Grade: B

Offensive Line

The Niners were forced to scheme the passing game quickly, preventing the Jaguars’ dangerous pass rush from getting home.

It could have gone worse, as Jacksonville mustered one sack and four quarterback hits. But pressure was still a problem, especially against fill-in right tackle Zane Beadles.

And Beadles might have been responsible for Garoppolo’s first-half interception too. Just watch the former at right tackle:

Run support was also problematic for the offensive line, as the Niners managed just 3.7 yards per carry.

But we do have to acknowledge this was up against one of the best defensive fronts in the league.

Grade: B-