Grades, analysis from 49ers ‘get right’ win over division rival Rams
49ers offensive grades vs. Rams
Quarterback
After last week’s fiasco, anything would have been an improvement. And while Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t light the world on fire, he showcased the baseline competency necessary for the Niners defense to win a game.
If that description is vague and demeaning, it’s not meant to be. At this point, Garoppolo is largely defined as a player. This type of performance is his average, and it’s one San Francisco will take. It’s just not one to overhype: 16-of-27 for 239 yards and a touchdown that came off short quick passes.
That’ll play.
Grade: B-
Running Backs
The 49ers eschewed their running back-by-committee approach, giving 19 of their 23 carries to Jeff Wilson Jr., a fruitful decision.
Wilson played with a good pace, scoring an opening drive touchdown and generally playing his role well.
And 4.1 yards per carry will always play.
Grade: B+
Wide Receivers
What more can be written about the sheer individual brilliance that is Deebo Samuel? His capacity to break any play off into a huge one is unmatched in the league, and his physicality at the receiver position is a weapon unto itself.
His touchdown was a textbook example of what makes Deebo, well… Deebo:
DEEBO WAS RUNNINNNNN @19problemz
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 4, 2022
📺 #LARvsSF on @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/ca842lL7ZJ
The other receivers were equally productive when called upon, with the exception of a couple drops. It was a good day at the office for the receivers, exemplified by their shining star.
Grade: A
Tight Ends
George Kittle‘s usage in the pass game has become a legitimate question. Whether it’s a factor of scheming up calls for him or Garoppolo simply missing him, four targets for, at worst, the fourth-best tight end in the league is inexcusable.
His blocking was great, but it’s hard to grade a player who simply doesn’t get opportunities to showcase themselves.
Grade: B
Offensive Line
The 49ers offensive line made it work without stalwart tackle Trent Williams, but that doesn’t mean it was always pretty. The play in the passing game looked clean for the most part, a product of a quick game offense and a good effort up front. And the play in the run game had its warts but held up over the course of 60 minutes.
Nothing to write home about, but nothing to scoff at either.