49ers position grades from tight Week 2 win over Eagles
49ers Offensive Grades
Although the end result looks halfway decent with over 300 yards of total offense, San Francisco’s offense did not operate particularly well for most of the game.
Two long drives saved the team, but a week after looking unstoppable, the 49ers offense was the furthest from intimidating.
Quarterbacks
In the first half, up until the two-minute warning, Jimmy Garoppolo was on track to play potential his worst-ever game on the team. The offense had no rhythm, in large part because Garoppolo simply could not hit his outside receivers on open breaking routes or throw with any accuracy or zip.
Things changed as the game progressed, and Garoppolo’s pass to Deebo Samuel during the two-minute drill was as pretty a ball as he’s ever thrown.
All in all, Garoppolo was the quintessential average game-manager this game, not creating or producing beyond what was easily given to him.
It worked against the Eagles, and a lot of credit has to be given to Jimmy G for standing tough in the pocket, showing evasiveness and a willingness to fight contact, and dominating the QB sneak game.
But the quarterback play has to improve, and Garoppolo has to be able to hit plays outside the numbers, otherwise the 49ers offense will eventually be unable to break through. Much to improve under center.
Grade: C-
Running Backs
The 49ers running backs dealt with a severe lack of running lanes during the game. It would be simple to box score grade them off 3.6 yards per carry, especially how it seems Elijah Mitchell was the worst of the three, but that wouldn’t give them justice. The running backs managed to find yards when none were available, and the play-calling didn’t always put them in the best position to perform.
Kyle Juszczyk got a lot of run as a fullback, and the backs worked out a gritty game.
Grade: C
Wide Receivers
It’s always difficult to separate receiver play from quarterbacks, but in this game, it became much simpler. The Niners receivers were gaining separation on several plays, and they didn’t have any bad drops; in fact the one drop — a wide receiver screen that would have been blown up — was probably beneficial. When called up, they produced up and down the board.
Jauan Jennings caught his first career catch and touchdown. Brandon Aiyuk finally got on the board in 2021, and Samuel continued his ascent as a wide receiver.
Great game for the wideouts.
Grade: B+
Tight Ends
A quiet game for the 49ers tight ends, as George Kittle only got four targets, which he converted into four receptions. What many considered to be a strength for the Niners this game, attacking linebackers with Kittle, turned out to be much of nothing. It is worth noting how quiet Kittle has been in the early part of the season and whether that turns into something larger.
But for now, a quiet game coupled with strong run-blocking is about average for a top-three tight end in the NFL
Grade: C
Offensive Line
It was clear San Francisco’s offensive line would have its hands full this game, and it did not completely step up to the occasion. The Eagles are strong and deep in their front four, and they took full advantage of it.
Of all the linemen, perhaps only Trent Williams had himself a strong game. The two guards in particular struggled heavily.
It’s only one game against a formidable defensive line, but the dominance of the Eagles defensive line was a large part of why the 49ers offense could never truly get in rhythm.