Game grades, analysis from 49ers division-clinching win over Seahawks

49ers Defensive Grades vs. Seahawks

Defensive Line

The 49ers defensive line ran roughshod over the Seahawks, and quarterback Geno Smith never had a chance to be comfortable.

The defense had nine quarterback hits, three sacks, one pressure that should have caused a pick-six but was called back because of an atrocious roughing-the-passer call, and held Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III to 3.9 yards per carry, much of which came off a single run for 15 yards.

Grade: A

Linebackers

The Niners have the best linebacking group in the NFL, and their play continued on Thursday night. Dre Greenlaw forced a vicious fumble that eventually gave San Francisco a lead it would not relinquish and almost had an interception.

The linebackers in general played their cues well, and they controlled the middle of the field.

Grade: A

Secondary

The 49ers secondary was going to be tested, and it passed the test… for the most part.

Cornerback Charvarius Ward, in particular, played well against Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, not allowing him much space. Smith got his yards, but it was overly inefficient, with 238 yards coming on 5.4 yards per attempt.

The one issue was a coverage bust by safety Talanoa Hufanga on Seattle’s second-half touchdown, a slowly growing concern.

Overall, though, it was a cohesive effort by the back end.

Grade: B