Niner Noise
FanSided

Week 7 position grades, analysis following 49ers win over Redskins

By Akshaj Dwivedula

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a first down with teammate wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 20: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a first down with teammate wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 against the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 20: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers dives with the ball against the Washington Redskins during the first half in the game at FedExField on October 20, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

49ers Offensive Grades

Quarterbacks: C-

Even though it didn’t look like it, by the end of the game, Garoppolo had thrown for 151 yards, 7.2 yards per attempt and above a 50-percent completion rate. Garoppolo managed to run for first downs as well, another sign he’s beginning to trust his reconstructed knee.

That said, Garoppolo threw an ugly interception in the third quarter, one that could have shifted momentum in favor of the Redskins.

Luckily, the 49ers defense held firm.

https://twitter.com/Redskins/status/1185988383778267136

Niner Noise’s Robert Morrison detailed why this game was one for Garoppolo to assert himself, but it didn’t play out that way. The rain makes it hard to gauge his play, and apart from the interception, Garoppolo didn’t play the Niners out of the game.

For that reason, he receives a C-minus, a barely passing performance.

Running Backs: C+

Matt Breida got injured with both a head and eye injury, dampening the Niners rushing attack. The tandem of Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson combined for 82 yards, but needed 25 carries to do so. It wasn’t completely on the running backs (more on that later), but a usually explosive attack was tempered because of the weather and performances.

Another victim of the weather, the running backs pass this week as well.

Wide Receivers: D+

The 49ers passing attack was bad all around. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin had to exit the game after being lit up by corner Jimmy Moreland, and Dante Pettis was a non-factor in a game built to show his abilities.

That said, Kendrick Bourne managed to make some plays, and Richie James had a huge catch. All in all, the 49ers wide receivers continue to be an afterthought in the offense, hence the low grade.

Tight Ends: A-

Tight ends usually don’t receive their own section, but this week warranted special consideration. George Kittle continues to be the primary receiving option for the Niners, at times carrying the offense on his back. Ross Dwelley, playing a mix of fullback and tight end, with fullback Kyle Juszczyk out, had a terrific catch on fourth down, extending a 49ers drive. Even Levine Toilolo got in on the action.

The tight ends were solid and spectacular, helping drive the Niners to victory.

Offensive Line: F

The running game was limited in part because the 49ers offensive line got manhandled by the Redskins front. For most of the game, Garoppolo had to deal with pressure in his face. In a game filled with slips, spills and old-fashioned football, the offensive line needs to be dominant.

They were nowhere close this game.

Of course, the usual excuses can be made: the weather, having two backup tackles playing on the bookends. But the grades are for who’s on the field. The 49ers won in spite of their line, not because of it.