49ers game grades, analysis from costly Week 2 win over division rival Seahawks
49ers Offense Grades
Quarterbacks
Grading the quarterbacks for this game is nearly impossible. Trey Lance’s brutal injury came too soon to make any definitive statements about his play, and Jimmy Garoppolo came cold off the bench running a game plan that wasn’t meant for him.
The performance, though, was typical Garoppolo. He was largely efficient in the middle of the field, hit or miss when not throwing there, with a couple of concerning throws and a couple of spectacular ones.
It’s an outing 49ers fans have seen since 2019. He finished with 154 yards with a touchdown in the air and another on the ground.
All in all, a difficult situation to be in, and a decent showing out of it
Grade: B-
Running Backs
The Niners won this game on the ground, and their running backs, particularly Jeff Wilson Jr., were exceptional: 84 yards on 18 carries, plus the ability to make the first man miss, that’ll play no matter what.
Rookie Tyrion Davis-Price was a little less efficient, though he faced heavier boxes throughout the game, but his performance was also encouraging.
Plus, Kyle Juszczyk got a touchdown, so everyone performed.
Grade: A
Wide Receivers
San Francisco’s passing game wasn’t vertical, nor was it entirely threatening once Garoppolo took over. But the receivers made the most of their opportunities in the air and the ground. Beyond a bad drop, Brandon Aiyuk had a spectacular day, and Deebo Samuel continued to punish Seahawks, finishing with 97 scrimmage yards, distributing those on the ground and through the air.
The receivers did what they were asked to do, whether it was receiving, running, or blocking.
Grade: A-
Tight Ends
Another game without George Kittle, as he missed a second week with a groin injury, and another relatively quiet day for the tight ends, but they largely did what they needed to.
No. 2 tight end Ross Dwelley scored a touchdown, and the run-blocking was serviceable. All in all, it was a good performance from the backups as Kittle heals up.
Grade: B+
Offensive Line
Only one sack allowed, per the official scorer, and that sack might have actually been a QB run, plus 4.2 yards per carry, which includes many goal-line runs, the offensive line came to play.
The holes were clear and the trenches were clearly in favor for the 49ers, especially in the first half. In the second half, things were a little less dominant, but all in all, a good day for the boys up front.