Grades, analysis from 49ers ‘get right’ win over division rival Rams
49ers special teams and coaching grades vs. Rams
49ers Special Teams Grades
Robbie Gould’s missed field goal could have resulted in a tricky situation for San Francisco, but the defense took care of it otherwise.
In all, it was an unremarkable day for the special teams unit, a good sign for a team often maligned with the third phase of the day. Stealing yards, either with good punt coverage or smart returns, can make a big difference.
Grade: B-
49ers Coaching Grades
Demeco Ryans is probably the best defensive coordinator in the league, and he called a masterclass. Kyle Shanahan called a gameplan that mitigated his team’s biggest offensive weaknesses.
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That all was good to great.
The situational calling, though, was lacking from Shanahan. Head coach decisions should be evaluated on process, not results, and the process was not great. Choosing not to go for it on 4th-and-goal, punting at mid-field, and not taking shot plays when in favorable situations; Shanahan made his decisions accounting for a stellar defense in a way that left the door open.
The benefits of a defense that can shut everyone down is the opportunity to be aggressive. It worked out this game, but it won’t always.
Grade: B (A+ for defensive game plan, B+ for offensive gameplan, D+ for situational decisions)
The 49ers will try to start a winning streak against the Panthers.
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