49ers grades from one-sided road win over Jaguars in Week 11

49ers Defensive Grades vs. Jaguars

Jacksonville doesn’t have much offensive talent despite fielding the No. 1 overall pick from this year’s NFL Draft, quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Perhaps running back James Robinson, who entered the game averaging 5.4 yards per carry, would have been an X-factor.

But the Niners held him to just 29 yards on 12 carries.

Defensive Line — A-

The Jaguars couldn’t get Robinson going, and his lone touchdown late in the fourth quarter wasn’t a difference-maker.

What was, though, was EDGE Nick Bosa‘s performance, as he netted two sacks to get to a career-high of 10 after setting his previous mark of nine back in his rookie 2019 campaign.

Depth EDGEs Arden Key and Samson Ebukam, the latter needing to step up for San Francisco, also made notable plays and made life difficult for an already struggling Jaguars offense.

Linebacker — A

Linebacker Fred Warner is back to his All-Pro ways, not only by leading the 49ers defense with seven tackles but also by recording a fumble recovery that helped give the Niners a plus-2 mark in the turnover differential for Week 11.

It’s also going to be tough for San Francisco to remove depth linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair from the starting lineup once Dre Greenlaw returns from his groin injury.

Al-Shaair has been the better option this season and probably will be moving forward.

Secondary — A-

About the only gaffe from the 49ers defensive backfield that was serious was strong safety Jaquiski Tartt committing defensive pass interference in the end zone that ultimately led to the Jags’ lone touchdown score.

Aside from that, though, it’s a testament the Niners surrendered a mere 146 pass yards through the air with Lawrence completing only 16 of his 25 pass attempts.

On the fumble recovery Warner had, embattled cornerback Josh Norman managed to punch it out, proving he can offer some upside as long as he’s not getting too handsy in coverage.

That was the case for him and the bulk of San Francisco’s secondary during the game, not affording Jacksonville the chance to ever get into the game.