Listen, I can be a harsh grader. In fact, during my two years with Niner Noise, I've been accused of being everything from miserable to being a hater.
But that's because when the Niners really do fire—as they did Thursday night (or Friday morning, Aussie time)—it's a beautiful thing to witness.
They went to Australia, did their own thing, trusted themselves, and brought a roster that kicked the Los Angeles Rams' behinds. This is the same Rams who everyone was crowning for the Super Bowl as soon as they acquired pass-rusher Myles Garrett and brought Aaron Donald out of mothballs.
Hell, I read one prominent LA writer say they'd go unbeaten on the way to a Super Bowl title.
Yeah, about that...
Anyway, enough gloating (for now). Let's get into the grades. It was a true team win, and you'll see that reflected in the marks being given out.
49ers offense
Quarterback: A-
Brock Purdy is just so good. He was efficient, smart, and made three touchdown throws, the best of which was probably the deep ball to Demarcus Robinson, but all three had elements of the best of Purdy's play. He also busted out a Steve Young impression, as he usually does. He was tremendous.
The only ding to his grade comes from "that" horrible interception, and the three- to five-play sequence that followed it where Purdy looked ill at ease, jittery, and somehow managed to complete a pass to his center, Jake Brendel.
Once the QB settled down again, he was excellent. It's just always that worrying sequence in the middle that seems to happen to him. Still, I'm nitpicking. I'm glad he's the 49ers quarterback.
Running Backs: A
Surprisingly, Kyle Shanahan actually spelled Christian McCaffrey with Kaelon Black. And I think it helped both of them. McCaffrey was McCaffrey, especially at the start of a crucial second-half drive, but Black's addition adds a turn of pace and power the Niners haven't had behind McCaffrey essentially ever.
Black hits the hole with a thud and pads with a crack, and it was hard not to be wowed by him. The eventual share of carries and yardage broke down almost evenly, and let's hope they do the same again for the rest of the way. It seems to bring the best out of McCaffrey—possibly by annoyance.
Kyle Juszczyk is still awesome, and ran so much of what I would've called "disco" motion in my coaching days that he's probably dizzy. Still, he's a phenom and a building block of this 49ers era.
Wide Receivers: A
I think this is the best wide receiver group the 49ers have had since I began following them in 2005. It's just so well-rounded, with a diverse set of skills, and Shanahan's clever rotations of each player brought a good game out of all of them.
Demarcus Robinson is full of veteran savvy and caught another deep ball touchdown. Deebo Samuel goes in where it hurts and sets a physical tone with his attitude after the catch and blocking.
Finally, Mike Evans, the big offseason acquisition, showed to the watching world he's still got it: a menace in both the red zone and on third down.
The downer was the injury to rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, who I desperately hope isn't badly hurt. He was racking up the snaps and making a nice impact blocking before he left the field.
Tight Ends: B
A lower grade, but not due to performance, just a quiet night. George Kittle and Luke Farrell were primarily used as blockers, while Jake Tonges left the game injured after doing the same. A solid night's work, although Kittle might want another shot at a few passing plays.
Offensive Line: A
OK, everyone breathe deep. Yes, I, the biggest critic of the 49ers offensive line on the Internet, scourge of draft and free agency discussions, am giving the Niners offensive line an A-grade for tonight's performance.
Why? As a unit, they were perfect. Trent Williams stonewalled several rushes. Connor Colby looked great at left guard. Brendel was Brendel and found a way to catch a pass. Dominick Puni looked like the first-year version, not the injured one San Francisco had last year, And Colton McKivitz shut down the play side superbly.
Nothing to complain about, lots to be encouraged by. Brilliant stuff. Although the caveat would be they did it with the Rams missing Aaron Donald and a semi-injured Myles Garrett.
Wait... what? Really? Just the one?
49ers defense
Defensive Line: B
A mixed bag. Nick Bosa was tremendous, as was Osa Odighizuwa, but the interior run defense struggled pretty much all game against the Rams' head-up runs. CJ West was being moved around like a bowling ball, although the introduction of Gracen Halton did seem to stem the tide for a while.
The unit bounced back well in the second half, though, producing a wonderful goal-line stand, led by Keion White. White's been through a lot just to get back on the field, and he had another quietly effective game, helping out with a depleted intior.
Linebackers: A
Forced fumbles, big hits, and good coverage are the three non-negotiables of the 49ers defense, and this unit delivered them in spades. Fred Warner continued his living, breathing Hall of Fame career, but having Dre Greenlaw back next to him seemed to reinvigorate him as well, as Rams player after Rams player felt the force of their reunion.
Big shout for Jaden Dugger, too, who seemed to hold plenty of snaps in a difficult game and keep his play consistent. We'll see more of him.
Cornerbacks: A
We saw plenty of these guys tonight, as defensive coordinator Raheem Morris even deployed dime backs (four corners) at times, allowing Deommmodore Lenoir, Renardo Green, Upton Stout and Jack Jones to all stake claims for a starting spot. All four had something to cheer.
There were glimpses of lockdown work from Lenoir, Green had an interception, and Stout was a gnat in the offense's hair all night, useful against the run, on the blitz, and in pass coverage. Jones had a nice pass breakup that could've been an interception, too.
Let's see these four grow together. They've all got huge ceilings on their potential and have every chance of being part of an excellent unit.
Safeties: B
Much like the defensive line, a mixed bag. Ji'Ayir Brown had some hopeless plays against the pass and run, but mostly fixed himself in the second half, while many of the other kids couldn't get involved in the game. I didn't see separation between Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle, with both showing up with decent run stops.
It's still the weakest spot on ths team.
Special Teams: A-
One miss by Eddy Piniero, but he was otherwise great, while the coverage teams hit fast, hard, and with purpose. Add in a big kick return from Samuel and its a good night for Brent Boyer. No problems here.
Coaching: A*
This was probably the 49ers' most complete performance in a couple of seasons, so lets give it the credit it deserves. Shanahan called an almost-perfect game to neutralise rushers and keep the Rams at bay, while Raheem Morris was everything Robert Saleh often wasn't: aggressive, adaptive, and willing to use what's at his disposal rather than lamenting what he doesn't have. His unit's turnovers were his reward.
All in all, an absolutely top-notch performance and big upset win to start the season. Everyone at the 49ers should be proud. An overalll grade of A is well earned.
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