49ers game grades from tough win over Vikings in Week 12

Special Teams: F

The 49ers had arguably their worst special teams game of the season, and they’re exceptionally lucky that it didn’t come back to haunt them.

Of course, it is hard to be worse than giving up a kick-return touchdown when momentum was entirely in the hands of your team, taking an 11-point lead only for it to be cut down to five without your defense getting to make a play.

If that wasn’t enough, Robbie Gould missed a field goal with two minutes to go that would have iced the game in its entirety, giving the Vikings one last breath of air.

The third phase of the game is often what makes the small difference necessary during the postseason, and while the Niners offense and defense is starting to round into form, special teams has a way to go.

Coaching: B

San Francisco came into this game like it has with their prior games, with a clear intent to run the Vikings into the ground.

Mission accomplished.

While the 49ers didn’t get to 40 rushing attempts in the game (they had 39), it was more than evident the ground-and-pound game was going to play a key role. And it worked.

There were a couple questionable play calls on the part of Kyle Shanahan on offense, and a couple moments where increased aggressiveness could have been rewarded, but you can’t really complain.

The Niners will play the Seattle Seahawks next week in a game that will have major ramifications in terms of tiebreakers, in case San Francisco reaches such a spot, and in any case, will be huge in showing this team has the fortitude necessary to take care of what has been a constant struggle for 49ers teams.