49ers get good game grades from complete win over Falcons

49ers Offensive Grades vs. Falcons

When San Francisco was able to establish a type of rhythm, it fired on all cylinders. A thorough performance from top to bottom.

Quarterbacks

Jimmy Garoppolo played an exceptional game against the Falcons. Did the Falcons come into the game with a menacing defense? No. This was a game the 49ers offense needed to perform in, and they did just that.

There were no boneheaded interceptions, no egregiously misplaced passes, no absurd overthrows. It was smooth, efficient, and in some cases, valuably aggressive. Garoppolo attacked the middle of the field with enough depth to stretch the defense, and he was generally good with where to go with the football.

It wasn’t a performance for the ages, but without question, it was a quality performance that deserves its praise. A throw like this to Jauan Jennings looks simple enough but showcases exactly what the Niners need from Garoppolo:

Garoppolo finished with 235 yards and a touchdown.

Grade: A-

Running Backs

Another critical question for San Francisco was whether the running game, which had blossomed under the usage of Elijah Mitchell and Deebo Samuel but floundered when either player was no longer available.

Question answered.

In signs reminiscent of his play last year, Jeff Wilson Jr. rushed for 110 yards on 21 carriers, toting the ball at 5.5 yards per carry. That’s efficiency and volume mixed in its finest.

JaMycal Hasty, who had a terrible day on special teams, did had one carry for 13, and Kyle Juszcyzk had a touchdown run.

The running game was efficient for the most part, and the running backs did their job and then some.

Grade: A

Wide Receivers

Samuel’s multi-faceted usage continues to drive the 49ers offense, as he finished with 60 yards receiving and 29 yards rushing as well as a touchdown on the ground. With his ability to attack any part of the field from any position in the formation, he has made this offense dangerous.

Jennings caught three balls for 28 yards, showcasing an added dimension for a Niners offense, and although Brandon Aiyuk only had the one reception, his complete performance was exactly what San Francisco needed in this game.

A couple drops mar this performance, but by and large, well done by the 49ers receiving corps.

Grade: B+

Tight Ends

George Kittle had his worst game of the last three weeks by a long shot, a “lowly” six receptions for 93 yards after having back-to-back 150-yard games in the previous two weeks.

OK, yes, that’s a good game from Kittle, and he was generally dominant throughout the entire game in every element. The fact that both statements are completely true is why Kittle is one of the best tight ends in football.

His involvement in the offense has given the Niners a dimension they have sorely missed. It’s a good sign the “People’s Tight End” is truly back in business.

Grade: A+

Offensive Line

San Francisco’s offensive line played a remarkably clean game. On the ground, it mauled, paving lanes for Wilson. In pass protection, there were some slight issues, but most of the times Garoppolo faced real pressure came from either his own movement around the pocket or a blitz, which he dealt with well.

Pockets were clean, and the offense was a well-oiled machine as a result.

Grade: B+