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

Offensive Grades

Quarterback

After losing the game for his team last week, 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard was fantastic during Monday night’s matchup with the Packers — until the final minutes of the game. Beathard made an immediate connection with wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, who returned this week from injury, as he hit the receiver with a pair of long touchdown passes in the first half. Unfortunately Beathard wasn’t the same QB as the game progressed; like his coaching staff, Beathard played like he didn’t want to lose. On a key third down play near the end of the game, the quarterback cowered in the pocket with a firm grip on the ball, simply waiting to be sacked. And then, after playing extremely passive, when it was time to play it safe, Beathard decided to take the risky route. Although Beathard’s key interception was both a bad decision and a bad throw, over the course of the game, he matched up favorably against one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

Grade: B+

Running Back

Running back Alfred Morris took a back seat to special-teamer Raheem Mostert, who split carries with fellow RB Matt Breida. The duo ran for nearly 150 yards at 5.7 yards per attempt, despite the fact that the Packers knew when many of the rush attempts were coming. You can’t ask much more from San Francisco’s Week 6 rushing attack.

Grade: A

Wide Receiver

Goodwin made his presence felt, as the wideout tallied 126 receiving yards and two touchdowns on the day. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon looked healthier than in previous weeks as he added 37 yards on four receptions, and WR Kendrick Bourne had a single catch for 22 yards, but dropped a key third-down attempt. Rookie wideout Richie James wasn’t given an opportunity in the passing game, despite the absence of Trent Taylor.

Grade: B+

Tight End

Tight end George Kittle, who played through injury during the game, caught four passes for 30 yards, and fought for a tough first down. Kyle Juszczyk caught three passes for 30 yards, but also fumbled after one of his receptions. Compared to previous weeks, it was a quiet day for this group, aside from Juice’s fumble.

Grade: C

Offensive Line

The 49ers’ offensive line had one of its best games of the season, especially since the majority of the team’s starters showed up on the Niners’ official injury report this week. The team’s linemen opened up big holes for San Francisco’s running backs and kept Beathard clean for most of the contest. After six weeks, the 49ers’ line appears to be getting into a much-needed groove.

Grade: A-