Grades, analysis from 49ers injury-riddled win over Panthers

49ers Special Teams and Coaching Grades vs. Panthers

Special Teams Grade

The one area that probably didn’t do a good job, but in fairness, some of that was out of the 49ers’ control.

The Niners had a blocked field goal and a missed extra point (the latter by Mitch Wishnowsky due to an injury to Robbie Gould, so we can forgive that) on the day which left some points on the board. Gould did kick all his extra points and a 49-yard field goal, while Wishnowsky also managed to convert his second extra point, though that was tipped as well.

Kick returner Ray-Ray McCloud didn’t have a good game, dropping the ball a few times which mitigated any potential gains. He didn’t turn the ball over at least.

Wishnowsky had a good day himself punting at least, pinning the Panthers inside the 20 both times.

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The coverage unit itself needs some work, with Panthers kick returner Raheem Blackshear gaining 200 yards all by himself off seven kick returns at a 28.6-yard average.

Grade: C-

Coaching Grade

Good performances by Kyle Shanahan and DeMeco Ryans throughout, Ryans especially as he managed to make key adjustments to compensate for the loss of Nick Bosa. Throughout the defense put monumental pressure on Baker Mayfield, stalling drive after drive.

Speaking of Ryans, his mannerisms show why he’s the protege of now-New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh:

This was the first time all season the offense hummed along nicely too. They could have had even more points if not for the blocked field goal, the missed extra point (following a two-point conversion called back due to a penalty) and George Kittle’s fumble leaving as many as 12 points more on the board.

There’s too much to complain about, though, with a minor nitpick being that Deebo Samuel should have been given a lot more touches than he was.

But that being said, it was hardly a requirement given how well the 49ers were on offense today.

Grade: A