49ers grades vs. Raiders: San Francisco's first complete game of 2018

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San Francisco 49ers Oakland Raiders Thursday Night Football grades

QB Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Offensive Grades

Quarterback

Nick Mullens was the quarterback the 49ers needed on Thursday night. Mullens was poised and confident from the first snap, as he led San Francisco’s offense on two consecutive touchdown drives to begin the game. The quarterback’s first game action as a pro was one of the best quarterback debuts in the history of the NFL. Mullens completed 72 percent of his passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions, for a passer rating of 151.9.

Grade: A

Running Back

The 49ers’ cadre of running backs supplemented Mullens and the team’s passing attack, as they amassed over 140 yards on the ground at a clip of over five yards per carry. Running back Raheem Mostert‘s 52-yard third-quarter touchdown run sealed the game for San Francisco; unfortunately, the arm injury he sustained later in the game will end his season.

Grade: B

Wide Receiver/Tight End

Tight end George Kittle made one of the highlight plays of the 2018 season as he caught a one-handed pass in heavy traffic which he took for a 71-yard gain — and later admitted to reporters that his eyes were closed when he made the catch. Mullens spread the ball around to his wide receivers, hitting both Pierre Garcon and Kendrick Bourne on touchdown passes. Mullens also connected with Richie James on a 53-yard catch-and-run, although later in the drive, the rookie wideout was unable to haul in a pass that would have likely gone for a score.

Grade: B+

Offensive Line

The 49ers’ offensive linemen did exactly what they needed to with a first-time quarterback under center — they kept him upright and his jersey clean. Mullens was quick to get the ball away when he was pressured, which was infrequent thanks to the play of the big men in front of him. San Francisco’s offensive line didn’t dominate in the running game — aside from rookie tackle Mike McGlinchey on Mostert’s long touchdown run — but they played well enough to finish the Raiders off once the 49ers took control of the game.