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

Special Teams and Coaching

Special Teams

The 49ers didn’t have a lot of opportunities in the return game on Thursday night, as neither of the Raiders’ two kickoffs were returnable, and only two of their punts were returned for a total of six yards. 49ers kicker Robbie Gould connected on both of his field goal attempts and all four of his extra-point tries. Punter Bradley Pinion played well, as he averaged 55 yards per punt, including a 64-yarder, while one of his deep punts found its way into the end zone. Meanwhile, Oakland returned just two kickoffs for a total of 51 yards, and failed to return any of Pinion’s three punts.

Grade: B

Coaching

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh called their best games of the season in Week 9. Shanahan’s offense was balanced throughout the contest, which kept Oakland’s defense guessing, and helped the 49ers’ play-action game. While many NFL coaches would have tried to protect a young quarterback in his first NFL start, Shanahan trusted Mullens by giving the QB the freedom to play his style of football and an opportunity to shine — which Mullens certainly did. Defensively, Saleh knew he needed to help his makeshift secondary by keeping Carr uncomfortable and out of rhythm with consistent pressure. Saleh and the 49ers’ defensive front was effective in his endeavor, as they recorded seven sacks and held Oakland to just 140 net passing yards.

Grade: A

In Week 10, the San Francisco 49ers host the one-win New York Giants under the lights of Levi’s Stadium on Monday Night Football.