49ers grades, analysis from NFC Championship win vs. Packers
B+. . . . WIDE RECEIVER
Similar to the quarterback grade, it’s hard to say much about the receivers when there was so little passing done by the San Francisco 49ers. Instead, a bulk of this grade is devoted to the blocking shown by the receivers, led by rookie sensation Deebo Samuel.
Samuel was the star, as much as a receiver can be a star in a game like this, with two reception for 46 yards and some nasty blocking. He also contributed two carries for 43 yards off a pair of reverses.
Kendrick Bourne caught one pass for six yards, while Emmanuel Sanders didn’t touch the ball at all with so little opportunities to be had.
Like with Garoppolo, having so little impact is more on how the game was played rather than any deficiencies on the part of the receivers.
B+. . . . TIGHT END
It’s pretty common knowledge by now that George Kittle is happiest when he’s blocking on whatever play Kyle Shanahan has concocted. Hitting the defender and moving him, that’s the dream for Kittle.
In the NFC Championship Game, his dream sure came true.
Kittle led the tight end corps with some very effective blocking. Kittle was essentially a sixth offensive lineman. You know by now that there was less impact when it came to receiving.
Kittle had one catch for 19 yards. That’s it.
Truth be told, he was probably annoyed that it was a play where he didn’t get to hit somebody.
. OFFENSIVE LINE . A+. .
Simply put, you will not find better blocking from the 49ers’ offensive line this season. It was an absolute masterclass.
They took a bit of time settling in. The initial offensive drive ended quickly, and the line allowed one sack. Afterwards, it was as good as anyone could ask for.
Mostert set a franchise record for yards behind a line that relished being able to hit the Packers. Sack aside, Garoppolo was otherwise allowed to be pretty comfortable in the pocket on the rare occasion he did throw.
A very big tick for the blocking.