Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Report-card grades & analysis from Weeks 1 through 4

By Peter Panacy

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers fights off the tackle of Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Pierre Garcon #15 of the San Francisco 49ers fights off the tackle of Quandre Diggs #28 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

. WIDE RECEIVER. D+. .

Granted, Marquise Goodwin’s early injury in Week 1 hurt this unit. His absence prevented the 49ers from spreading the field, therefore allowing opposing defenses to lock down underneath and prevent fellow wideouts Pierre Garçon, Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis from making significant plays.

Second-year receiver Kendrick Bourne leads this group with two touchdowns on the season, though, so that’s a good thing.

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Garçon never truly established a rapport with Jimmy Garoppolo before he got hurt, amassing just seven receptions for 79 yards. That might change a bit now with second-year quarterback C.J. Beathard under center. But we’ll see. To highlight the issue, though, Garçon just became the first 49ers wideout to surpass 100 yards receiving on the season.

Doing so in Week 4. Simply put, San Francisco’s wideouts haven’t been much a factor at all this season.

What’s Good

There have been flashes, for sure. Bourne is turning into something of a red-zone weapon for Kyle Shanahan. That’s a plus, considering the Niners’ woes there early this season.

Pettis also flashed some playmaking ability with his nifty touchdown grab in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Other than that, though, there isn’t much here to brag about.

What Needs Improvement

Taylor was a massive third-down weapon for the 49ers last year. He has yet to establish himself as such in 2018.

More importantly, though, none of San Francisco’s wide receivers have been able to consistently gain the separation they showcased later on last season. This was especially apparent in Week 2, when Garoppolo took six sacks against the Lions.

Maybe the Niners do need that true No. 1 receiver after all.