49ers: Position grades, analysis from convincing playoff victory over Vikings

Special Teams & Coaching Grades

Special teams: B

The San Francisco 49ers’ kickoff coverage team was not very good this game, letting the Vikings gash them time and time again. But punter Mitch Wishnowsky was terrific in flipping field position, and his punts were hard to field, resulting in a fumble recovery by Raheem Mostert.

Robbie Gould went 2-of-2 on field goals and 3-of-3 on extra points, as well, although they were relatively easy ones to convert.

The coverage teams need to be a little better, but all in all, good work from the third phase of the game.

Coaching: B+

Both Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh had terrific game plans against the Vikings—Shanahan with the run game and Saleh with his coverages. However, this isn’t an A because Shanahan was extremely conservative with his playcalling the entire game.

Although it didn’t cost the Niners, it does raise a few questions for this extended postseason run.

Shanahan opted for field goals both times his offense was deep in Vikings territory, and in neither situation was it a difficult conversion. Given the performance of his defense, he could have been more aggressive.

The Vikings were in the game longer than they should have been, due in part to Shanahan’s play calling.

It’s not a huge concern, but it’s something to be debated. Shanahan was criticized for being too aggressive during his last time in the playoffs – the infamous Super Bowl while with the Falcons against the Patriots.

Could it be that his being too conservative will haunt the 49ers this year?

The 49ers will be hosting the NFC Championship Game next Sunday against either the Green Bay Packers or Seattle Seahawks.

These same units will need to step up once again.

Stats courtesy of ESPN.