49ers vs. Cardinals: Position grades and analysis for San Francisco

Offensive Grades

Quarterback

Beathard turned the ball over four times, which was the primary reason the 49ers lost this game. Beathard’s two interceptions were more understandable; the first was a high but catchable pass that was tipped by wide receiver Pierre Garcon, and the second was a desperation throw on fourth-and-long. However, the quarterback’s two strip-sack fumbles were inexcusable. Beathard lost the first fumble on a first-and-10 in Arizona territory, and the second while the 49ers were driving to take the lead — and the fumble was returned for a touchdown. While Beathard was able to dink-and-dunk his way to 349 passing yards and two touchdowns on 54 passing attempts, his lack of pocket presence was the deciding factor in this game.

Grade: C-

Running Back

Breida ran for 56 yards on 8 attempts and added a five-yard touchdown reception in less than a quarter of play. After his injury, the 49ers averaged just three yards per carry on the ground, and third-string running back Raheem Mostert fumbled in Arizona territory on his first rushing attempt. Veteran running back Alfred Morris needs proper blocking in order to be effective, while Breida can create something out of nothing with his speed and ability to change direction. However, Morris did contribute in the passing game by hauling in three catches for 30 yards. If Breida is forced into an extensive absence, the 49ers will likely add another running back to the roster, so they can keep Mostert on special teams and out of the San Francisco backfield.

Grade: B-

Wide Receiver

The 49ers need wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. Without Goodwin in the lineup, the Cardinals stacked the box and moved their safeties forward, knowing San Francisco lacks a viable deep threat. The normally sure-handed Garcon appears to be dealing with an injury that limits his ability to catch the football, as he dropped multiple passes, including one that was tipped for an interception. Garcon didn’t simply forget how to catch the ball at age 32; there is something physically wrong with the receiver. The 49ers’ wide receiving corps did little in this game, as none of the team’s wideouts averaged over 10 yards per reception.

Grade: D-

Tight End

The 49ers’ best and most explosive receivers were tight end George Kittle, and the multi-use “offensive weapon” Kyle Juszczyk, who were the only Niners who averaged over 10 yards per catch. Arizona’s defense focused on Kittle, but Shanahan moved the talented player around the field, which allowed Kittle to catch five passes for a team-high 83 yards. Juszczyk was the Niners’ second-leading receiver, after hauling in six passes for 75 yards. Negatives for the team’s three true tight ends included sub-par run blocking, a missed two-point-conversion attempt to Kittle and an egregious drop in the end zone by TE Cole Wick.

Grade: B

Offensive Line

San Francisco’s offensive line did a great job of blocking every Cardinals defensive lineman not named Chandler Jones. Unfortunately, the defensive end finished the game with a sack, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. While the 49ers handled the rest of Arizona’s defensive line, they did have trouble with blitzing linebackers and defensive backs. Once Breida went down, the 49ers’ running game followed, as the Cardinals loaded the box and controlled San Francisco’s rushing attack with numbers. Overall, the 49ers’ offensive line played fairly well, and would have earned a higher grade if they limited penalties, and did a better job of keeping Jones out of the backfield.

Grade: B