The 49ers needed to take care of business against the Falcons, and they did so, winning 31-13. Niner Noise hands out grades from the win.
The San Francisco 49ers have had a propensity of playing around the level of their opponent for much of the 2021 season. That means they can be a challenge against any team, capable of going toe-to-toe with the heavyweights of the NFL as they boast their own blue-chip players.
But it also means games that should be “gimmes” turn into close affairs.
Heading into Week 15, the Niners were not in a position to let up against the Atlanta Falcons, who entering the game at 6-7, were still sitting precariously in a crowded playoff picture.
A playoff picture head coach Kyle Shanahan and Co. were also looking to hang onto in what could have a lot of implications for seeding in only a few weeks.
Luckily San Francisco came to play, winning 31-13 in an almost complete full-team effort that saw the offense get out to a strong rhythm with star players making impacts. And a 49ers defense that made life extremely difficult on whatever Atlanta wanted to do on offense.
Certainly not a case of the Niners playing down to the level of their opponents, as this was a well-rounded victory in nearly every facet of the phrase.
Niner Noise hands out position grades from the performance, and thankfully, they’re pretty good.