49ers grades, analysis from nailbiting overtime win vs. Raiders

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Tashaun Gipson Sr., San Francisco 49ers(Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images) /

49ers grades: Defense

Defensive Line:

The defense was strangely non-existent today, and it came down a lot on the defensive line who weren’t able to get even one sack on Jarrett Stidham.

Stidham had ample time to find his receivers on most snaps, and was able to use his legs to escape on other occasions.

Two big plays resulting in turnovers stop this from becoming a total failure though. EDGE Kerry Hyder tipped a ball right into rookie Drake Jackson’s waiting hands, and Nick Bosa pushing the lineman into Stidham resulted in the pick that essentially won the game.

Even when they were well beaten on the day, they still managed to find some big plays.

Grade: C-

Linebackers:

The 49ers were able to clamp down on the run somewhat, but Raiders running back Josh Jacobs still ran for 69 yards and a touchdown to have the most success of any running back this year. It was a below average performance in run defense.

Fred Warner had a brutal game by his standards with two costly penalties. A facemask penalty gave the Raiders a first down when they had no chance of getting one, and a pass interference penalty set them up on the goalline. Those penalties ended up costing 14 points.

Unfortunately the linebackers were not nearly as good in coverage, although the defensive line weren’t able to give them favorable looks either with all the time allowed to Stidham.

Grade: D+

Defensive backs:

Unfortunately for the defensive backs, receivers Davante Adams completely tore them apart no matter where he played on the back of a seven reception, 153 yard, two touchdown performance.

Deommodore Lenoir showed in particular he also has a lot to develop, with Adams having him in all sorts when it came to playing the ball. Lenoir has a tendency to get trapped with his head movement, meaning he can’t time his swats to the ball as he has to be worried about giving away a penalty.

Pro Bowler Talanoa Hufanga was in the same boat, his overly aggressive play resulting in the Raiders first touchdown. To his credit, he did recover to perform tight coverage afterwards.

Grade: D+