Grades from 49ers despicable prime-time loss to the Broncos
49ers Offensive Grades vs. Broncos
Quarterbacks
If there ever was a display of why the Niners chose to move off Jimmy Garoppolo and start now-injured quarterback Trey Lance, it would be this game.
San Francisco’s quarterbacking attack was putrid. Garoppolo missed open receivers for touchdowns that could have ended the game while it was early, he again threw into areas tightly covered with poor results, he was high and late, low and behind, he threw one interception at a terrible time, took an unacceptable sack in the final drive, and stepped out the back of the end zone for a safety in a game decided by a single point.
It was flatly pathetic, and the kicker is that there is no discernible upside from Garoppolo’s play.
Grade: F
Running Backs
It’s hard to run when the defense is fully committed to stopping the run, and Denver made this the case by loading five defensive linemen in the box.
The 49ers’ tailbacks tried, and they succeeded for the most part. They carried the ball 13 times for 82 yards and, beyond Jeff Wilson Jr.’s fumble that put an end to a game, the Niners were likely going to live or die by the passing game anyway.
Grade: C-
Wide Receivers
The same issue for the receivers. It’s hard to receive passes that are thrown with great inaccuracy. That said, San Francisco’s main cohort of receivers was able to get over 100 yards with a touchdown, even in the sub-par situation. The other receivers were situationally fine.
Although Deebo Samuel probably wanted Garoppolo to either lead him for a touchdown instead of just a 32-yard gain. Or hit him when he was uncovered and wide open for what would have been a walk-in touchdown, too.
Grade: B-
Tight Ends
George Kittle was keyed in the entire game, making his production very muted. Other than him, the tight ends were silent. Just 28 yards from the offense’s arguably best player, not good enough.
Grade: D+
Offensive Line
The Broncos defense was strong at the line, which came in part from their schematic usage and from their dominance of the 49ers’ offensive line. There was a solid stream of pressure that Garoppolo had to deal with, something that didn’t help his already poor performance.