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San Francisco 49ers: What worked, what didn’t from the offense in Week 1

By Jeremy Wohlfart

Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Minnesota Vikings Week 1 position grades analysis
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 09: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers attempts to catch the ball over defender Mike Hughes #21 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

What worked

Jimmy Garoppolo

It’s strange to say, when you look at the overall stat line including three interceptions and only one touchdown, but quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was victimized a bit in this game.

His receivers had numerous drops, including multiple ones in the end zone. His offensive line blocking can be best described as abysmal, and the running game couldn’t take some of the pressure off of him.

Also, if tight end George Kittle had not dropped that wide open pass in the second half, Garoppolo probably wouldn’t have thrown the pick on the very next play.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

By no means was this his best game, but everyone must lose eventually. Garoppolo had almost nothing going for him, yet he was only one possession from making it happen.

Speaking of Kittle…

George Kittle

Yes, Kittle dropped a sitter. You could indirectly blame him for the interception that happened right after.

But overall, Kittle had a great game which showcased the Garoppolo-Kittle chemistry.

Kittle caught five passes from nine targets in the game (going for 90 yards) and, as discussed, it could have been more.

Garoppolo loves those intermediate-range throws, and Kittle is one of the best already at getting open.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was a good game overall. And it’ll be fun to see how much of a weapon he can be.

Dante Pettis

It was more a flash than a great game, but we already got a highlight-reel play from the 49er very first touchdown of the season when Garoppolo got out of trouble to find heralded rookie Dante Pettis in the back of the end zone:

Dante Pettis Makes Incredible Grab for First Career TD

WHAT A CATCH!Congrats on the first of many, Dante.Catch the 49ers home opener this Sunday on NFL on FOX.

Posted by San Francisco 49ers on Monday, September 10, 2018

Pettis showcased great route-running skills against one of the best secondaries in the league and should be looked at as a major riser in Kyle Shanahan’s offense as the season moves along.

For now, he’s had a very good start.