49ers vs. Cardinals: Full Report Card Grades for San Francisco
The San Francisco 49ers have yet to score a point in the fourth quarter of any of their three games in 2014.
Week 3 has added to that statistic and the game eerily reflected the epic meltdown the 49ers suffered a week ago to the Chicago Bears.
This time, San Francisco dropped its Week 3 matchup on the road versus the Arizona Cardinals. To their credit, the Cardinals now sit at 3-0 atop the toughest division in the NFL—the NFC West. On the other hand, the 49ers can only boast a 1-2 record.
Just like a week ago versus Chicago, San Francisco held an early lead in this game and all the momentum sat in its quarter. But the second half provided another epic meltdown from Jim Harbaugh and his 49ers.
Penalties, mismatches and costly mistakes once again took their toll as the 49ers dropped Sunday's game to the Cardinals, 23-14.
San Francisco has the talent on its roster to remain an elite team. But there are almost too many problems to count when evaluating just what has gone wrong with this team early in 2014.
Still, we will try to take a look at all the issues plaguing the 49ers after three weeks into the season. There are some positive takeaways, but the vast sea of negatives have proven disastrous to San Francisco's start.
In this slideshow, we'll evaluate each of the 49ers' units and grade them out based on performance. It was an ugly loss, but let's pick it apart.
Quarterback
1 of 10
Colin Kaepernick probably won't receive much of the blame from San Francisco's loss.
Last week versus Chicago, Kaepernick turned over the ball four times—three of which were interceptions. It appears as if those problems were put to rest against a tough Arizona Cardinals secondary that has Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie and Tyrann Mathieu on the roster.
Kaepernick finished the game with 29 completions on 37 attempts, good for 245 yards and one touchdown.
More importantly, turnovers were not a part of Kaepernick's game.
In all, Kaepernick's passer rating was 103.3—marking the first time in the team's history that the 49ers have lost when Kaepernick has posted a rating of 100 or better per Taylor Price of 49ers.com.
"This was first time #49ers lost with @Kaepernick7 posting a 100-plus QB rating as a starter. He had a 103.3 rating today vs. AZ.
— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice49) September 21, 2014"
As it stands, it will be hard to blame Kaepernick for his efforts in this one. By the numbers, Kaepernick had about as solid a performance as he could have.
Unfortunately, he was unable to provide the necessary difference in the second half. A couple of 49ers' drives stalled and Kaepernick was not able to adjust, as well as the remainder of the offense.
The 49ers have plenty of problems. Kaepernick wasn't one of them on Sunday.
Grade: A-
Running Back
2 of 10
On the positive side of things, rookie running back Carlos Hyde notched his second NFL touchdown of his young career—and as it turned out, the 49ers' final points of the game.
Hyde's six-yard run gave the 49ers a 14-6 lead in the first half, and it was good to see Hyde get back on the scoreboard after posting zero yards in Week 2 against Chicago.
But the entire picture does not measure up too well for San Francisco and its running back department.
Hyde averaged 4.3 yards per carry, but only carried the ball three times for 13 yards. Frank Gore only carried the ball six times for 10 yards.
"Frank Gore 6 carries in a close game? Complete joke. Same mistake as last year in first 3 weeks #49ers
— Al Sacco (@AlSacco49) September 21, 2014"
Perhaps this is on the coaching staff as it is on the crop of backs. We cannot blame Gore and Hyde if they aren't getting the touches, but unfortunately the grade falls back to haunt the tandem.
Without the touchdown, the running backs would have received a poorer rating. Hyde ups the grade thanks to his impressive run, but this aspect all but disappeared from the 49ers' offensive approach.
Don't worry, San Francisco's coaches will get their own grades shortly.
Grade: D+
Wide Receiver and Tight End
3 of 10
The Good: Stevie Johnson and Michael Crabtree.
The Bad: Anquan Boldin and his penalty.
In all honesty, San Francisco's receiving group put in a pretty solid game against a tough Cardinals defense. Most notable were the efforts of offseason acquisition Stevie Johnson, who led all 49ers receivers with 103 yards on nine receptions.
"Greg Roman realized we have Stevie Johnson on the team.
— Gary Althiser (@NFLGary) September 21, 2014"
Just behind Johnson was Michael Crabtree. Crabtree posted ten receptions, but for 80 yards and the 49ers' first touchdown—a two-yard reception in the first quarter that gave San Francisco an early lead.
".@KingCrab15 slippin' & slidin' after the TD catch...cleat game is always on point. pic.twitter.com/HUHqdhcnw4
— CSN 49ers News (@CSN49ers) September 21, 2014"
But Anquan Boldin's third-quarter penalty for butting heads with an Arizona defender was perhaps a turning point in the game. One could argue the play essentially robbed the 49ers of whatever momentum the team had during the quarter.
San Francisco couldn't get it back.
"Anquan Boldin makes catch at 6, then head butts CB for 15-yard penalty
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 21, 2014"
Boldin's mistake hurt the 49ers in more ways than just the yardage. But it wasn't the only setback.
San Francisco was without its Nos. 1 and 2 tight ends, Vernon Davis and Vance McDonald, on Sunday. Derek Carrier started and had a nice game—one reception for 23 yards.
But Davis' absence could have assisted with the lack of production from San Francisco's offense, especially in the second half.
We'll never know what Davis'—and potentially McDonald's—presence might have meant versus the Cardinals, but we do know that Boldin's actions were painful.
That is surprising coming from a veteran and cannot continue moving forward.
Grade: B+
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
San Francisco's offensive line could not control the ability to run the ball throughout the game.
We've touched on the lack of production from the 49ers' tandem of running backs. Frank Gore averaged just 1.7 yards per carry against a defense that did a solid job of closing up lanes and eliminating rushing windows.
Considering the need for San Francisco to move the ball on the ground, a preeminent strength, it is surprising to see this setback on what was once an elite unit.
Colin Kaepernick was able to move the ball on the ground, but his elusiveness was frequently because of the O-line's lack of pass protection.
Guard Mike Iupati continued to struggle against pass-rushers and backup tackle Jonathan Martin—again filling in for injured Anthony Davis—committed a costly 15-yard penalty for clipping in the second half.
"Kaepernick’s run is a yard short, but Jonathan Martin is called for clipping. That’s another 15-yarder.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 21, 2014"
Like the 49ers' entire game, the O-line suffered a "tale of two halves." In spite of the problems blocking for the run, this unit was still able to give Kaepernick decent protection in the first half.
All of that changed in the second, forcing Kaepernick to scramble and rarely find his target.
"Also worth noting: 49ers' offensive line blocked well in first half, have looked terrible in second. Same in first two games.
— James Brady (@JamesBradySBN) September 21, 2014"
The offensive line has to bear a huge portion of the blame for the 49ers' inabilities in the second half this year. San Francisco has scored just three points in the second half. True that responsibility needs to be shared, but this remains a problem moving forward.
Grade: D
Defensive Line
5 of 10
After three weeks, we know the 49ers pass rush is one of the team's weak spots.
Unfortunately, this will likely continue.
On the positive side of things, 34-year-old veteran defensive end Justin Smith—whose strong performance included four tackles—is looking like he did back in 2011. Nose tackle Ian Williams also had a nice game with five tackles, including one for a loss, and one pass defensed.
The 49ers also continued to start defensive end Ray McDonald, in spite of calls for the team to deactivate him, as described further by Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today.
McDonald posted three tackles against the Cardinals.
The D-line perhaps isn't a major liability right now, but it hasn't been able to get the pass rush once generated by outside linebacker Aldon Smith. San Francisco's defense failed to log a single sack on the day and only generated effective pressure when blitzes were called.
Not good, not bad.
Grade: C
Linebacker
6 of 10
Vic Fangio drew up a number of well-timed blitzes in the first half, using his linebackers to create pressure otherwise lacked by the inept 49ers' pass rush up to this point in the season.
Much of this problem has emanated from the absence of Aldon Smith on the outside.
Dan Skuta has been starting in place of Smith on base downs, while second-year pro Corey Lemonier is inserted into passing downs.
But the former-Auburn pass-rusher entered Week 3 not having lived up to San Francisco's expectations. Per Pro Football Focus (h/t Eric Branch of SFGate.com), Lemonier had yet to log a single quarterback pressure despite 50 pass-rushing attempts.
Lemonier was able to generate some pressure against Arizona, but the numbers are still a far cry from what Smith was known for.
"Unofficially, Lemonier with a QB hit and pressure already. Both firsts this year.
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) September 21, 2014"
The linebacker core had a few other positives. Michael Wilhoite posted six tackles—tying him with Patrick Willis for the team's lead. The entire group also helped hold the Cardinals to just 84 yards on the ground and an average of 3.1 yards per carry.
But the bigger story in the 49ers' group of linebackers was the costly bunch of penalties committed by players who one might not think could do such a thing.
Taylor Price of 49ers.com goes into further detail about the nature of these penalties, and we could argue for days about whether or not the calls againts Willis and Dan Skuta were merited.
"I don't ever go out there with any bad intent. I'm just going to go out there and be physical and tough. @PatrickWillis52 on roughing call
— Jennifer Chan (@jenniferleechan) September 21, 2014"
But the key part is that these calls hurt.
Even worse, this unit could not generate the pressure, nor stem the momentum, generated by the Cardinals in the second half. Instead of putting the necessary rush upon quarterback Drew Stanton, the linebackers were unable to come up with the answer San Francisco needed most.
Grade: D+
Secondary
7 of 10
Like so many other units on the 49ers, San Francisco's secondary suffered another "tale of two halves" letdown in Week 3.
Notice a trend here?
Unfortunately, it's not always how one starts, rather it's how one finishes. The secondary finished in poor fashion in spite of some commendable efforts to start the game.
With cornerback Tramaine Brock (toe) again absent, the primary coverage duties fell upon Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.
Culliver had a few positive moments early, but allowed a 45-yard reception to Arizona's No. 1 receiver Michael Floyd.
The Cardinals tested the other side of the field, but Cox nearly picked off a similar pass.
"Cardinals test Chris Culliver deep with Michael Floyd — 45-yard gain. They test Perrish Cox, and he nearly picks it off.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 21, 2014"
But perhaps the biggest story of San Francisco's weaknesses in the secondary focuses on rookie first-round draft pick Jimmie Ward.
Ward was victimized by Chicago Bears wideout Brandon Marshall for three touchdowns in Week 2. The Cardinals were expected to take a similar approach to exploit this as described by Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
While Fitzgerald did his damage, it was rookie John Brown that torched Ward twice in Week 3—two 20-plus yard receptions in the third quarter when Ward was in coverage.
"John Brown again. He gets behind Jimmie Ward and Antoine Bethea is not there to help him. Cardinals take 20-14 lead .
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) September 21, 2014"
Ward is making a name for himself being the wrong guy in opposing players' touchdown-reception photos. This can be chalked up to rookie inexperience early, so we shouldn't jump to negative conclusions just yet.
Still, it's ugly.
In all, the secondary could not contain a backup quarterback. They let a rookie receiver burn them for two touchdowns that gave Arizona the lead. A few positive moments in the first half keep this score from the ultimate low.
Grade: D
Special Teams
8 of 10
Punter Andy Lee averaged 43.5 yards on four punts and Bruce Ellington averaged 22 yards on two kickoff returns.
Aside from that, there wasn't a lot of positives to describe San Francisco's special teams unit.
But, of course, the biggest setback was the blocked kick from Phil Dawson off the arm of Tommy Kelly. True, Arizona's special teams unit has to get some credit here, and we cannot entirely blame Dawson. The attempt was from 46 yards out, meaning the trajectory would be much lower than easier attempts.
"Phil Dawson’s 46-yard field goal attempt is blocked.
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 21, 2014"
The 46-yard attempt was crucial for San Francisco's chances. The 49ers were trailing 20-14 in the fourth quarter at the time, and the score would have brought San Francisco within three.
In turn, this might have taken a little pressure off the 49ers' offense later in the quarter, knowing they could have played for another field goal.
But this never happened and the attempt was blocked—another ugly moment in an otherwise ugly game.
Grade: D+
Coaching
9 of 10
Perhaps no greater blame falls upon the 49ers than on their coaching staff.
First, we can talk about the penalties and flags. While conjecture and discussion may force us to question whether or not the penalties were justified—Anquan Boldin feels they weren't—it is impossible to avoid the fact that penalties are killing San Francisco early in 2014.
Sixteen penalties in Week 2 resulted in 118 penalty yards against the 49ers. One might have thought the team would vastly attempt to correct this issue against Arizona in Week 3.
Instead, San Francisco committed a further nine penalties for 107 yards.
Putting up those numbers makes it difficult for any team to win games, let alone versus a tough divisional opponent.
"Jim Harbaugh always admired Al Davis. Now, his team has achieved Al-like status when it comes to penalties. #49ers #Raiders
— Brian Murphy (@knbrmurph) September 21, 2014"
Even though some of the penalties were the typical, "lose your cool" moments (Boldin, Culliver, etc.), almost every penalty should be chalked up to the efforts of the coaching staff. San Francisco's reputation of penalties has paralleled the Jim Harbaugh era and the team leads the league in penalties in 2014.
Heed the requests of the fans, coaches. This needs to stop.
But it isn't just the yellow flags. It's the in-game adjustments. It's the appliance of pressure for 60 minutes, and not just the first half.
While it was nice to see some early experimentation from the 49ers on offense—some five-receiver sets, hurry-up offense and different looks—the absence of San Francisco's running back tandem is obviously questionable. As stated before, Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde combined for a mere nine carries.
"Common thread through every 49ers loss in the Jim Harbaugh (or more importantly, Greg Roman) Era: The disappearance of Frank Gore
— Ruthless Sports Guy (@Ruthless_Sports) September 22, 2014"
Who deserves this share of the blame may be up for debate. Greg Roman's approach early in the game was nice to see. It wasn't predictable, nor was it lacking in creativity. But there were zero adjustments in the second half from Roman and the offense.
This is not a new concern.
But most importantly, the 49ers' coaching staff is failing to make the necessary adjustments and in-game changes to prevent any shift in momentum taken by the opposing team. We saw this in Week 2 and it repeated itself again in Week 3. It is eerily similar how these two games panned out.
The coaches bear a huge portion of the blame when putting all that together. If there was a lower grade, we should not question its issuing.
Grade: F
Final Grades
10 of 10
QB: A-
RB: D+
WR/TE: B+
OL: D
DL: C
LB: D+
Secondary: D
Special Teams: D+
Coaching: F
Cumulative Grade: D
Again, the 49ers' fate was determined by their ineptitude to maintain pressure and consistency for 60 minutes. A second-half letdown burned them in Week 2 and did so again in Week 3.
The major difference between the two weeks was the play of quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick could shoulder the majority of blame versus Chicago after tossing three interceptions, but his strong performance against Arizona suggests the problem(s) reside elsewhere.
Personnel makes plays and, yes, the 49ers' players committed huge mistakes. They need to own their fair share of the debacle that took place against the Cardinals.
But this is Jim Harbaugh's team, and he needs to be even more accountable for the struggles and issues that have plagued San Francisco in back-to-back weeks.
It is still early, and we cannot forget that the 49ers started off 2013 with a 1-2 record before turning things around and making it to another NFC Championship Game. Thus, let's put to rest any thoughts that this team is finished and done.
For now...
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers' news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterMcShots on Twitter.
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