Full 49ers Awards at the Quarter Mark of the 2014 NFL Season

The San Francisco 49ers found themselves last Sunday in their 26-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. It wasn't pretty, but the 49ers ended their ugly two-game losing streak. 

A 2-2 start isn't what fans expected through the quarter mark. Mediocrity isn't meant for a team boasting multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl players.

Of course, injuries have played a role, but they should not serve as an excuse for such a talented and deep team. Some might point to issues relating to the coach or front office, but ultimately victories and losses are influenced by on-field play. 

Nonetheless, this victory against the Eagles put the 49ers on the right track. However, the next few weeks will be a far tougher test.

Will the 49ers whittle away or use the critics and injuries as a source of motivation? We'll have to wait and see. 

In the meantime, let's look at the top contributors of the first quarter.

Defensive Rookie of the Quarter

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Pick: Jimmie Ward (S/CB)

If you look at this selection from a purely numbers standpoint, Ward wouldn't be the pick. Then again, there aren't any rookies on this defense receiving the same playing time as Ward. 

As many 49ers fans can agree, Ward has had an up-and-down start to the season. The flashes of talent are evident, but we're starting to see why Ward is a better prospect at safety than corner. 

Don't get me wrong, Ward has looked solid in the slot. However, I feel his current role is limiting his range and ball-hawking capabilities. 

Ward is a natural free safety with superior range. His run-stopping ability allows him to flourish near the line of scrimmage, which makes him a perfect fit because defensive coordinator Vic Fangio loves interchangeable safeties. 

Against smaller receivers, Ward can hold his own in the slot. However, we're seeing more and more teams utilizing bigger receivers in the slot to combat the size deficiency of corners like Ward. 

Ward should be fine as the season progresses, but like many, I will be counting the days until he eventually makes the transition to his natural position at safety.

Offensive Rookie of the Quarter

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Pick: Carlos Hyde (RB)

Carlos Hyde is the obvious selection here for offensive rookie of the quarter. In fact, prior to the 49ers' victory over the Eagles in Week 4, Hyde was playing better football than Mr. Frank Gore himself. 

When the 49ers moved up to draft Hyde in the second round, it became clear that the former Ohio State product would be the successor to Gore. 

Gore is still the heart and soul of this offense, and his play on Sunday against the Eagles showed No. 21 still has plenty of juice in his legs. However, his time, like many other aging backs before him, will eventually come to a close. 

Whenever that time comes, Hyde will be more than ready to take that mantle. 

In terms of his play on the field, Hyde has been sensational in his role as a goal-line back. He has two touchdowns in the first four games of the season. 

If the 49ers offense can find its stride, expect more red-zone opportunities for Hyde in the coming weeks. As I said previously, I wouldn't be surprised if Hyde nears double-digit touchdowns in his rookie season.

Comeback Player of the Quarter

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Pick: Ian Williams (NT)

This sort of award usually goes to an injured player. Honestly, it's a pretty useless award in real life, but it serves a purpose in this instance.

If there were any 49ers player deserving of this award, it's Ian Williams. 

Williams locked up the nose tackle job last offseason, but he suffered a season-ending injury in just his second start of the year against the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. Glenn Dorsey then took over the job and didn't look back. 

If Dorsey were healthy this year, Williams would likely serve as his backup. Instead, the situation has flipped, with Williams serving as the likely starter for the rest of the season. 

In his return, Williams has been sensational as the starting nose guard. The 49ers run defense has even improved from last season, and it starts with the play of Williams in the middle. 

Despite the improved run defense, the pass rush has suffered, and Dorsey's absence definitely has played a role. Hopefully the return of Aldon Smith will remedy the 49ers' pass-rush issues. 

In the meantime, expect the 49ers run defense to be top notch with Williams manning the middle.

Defensive Player of the Quarter

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Pick: Patrick Willis (ILB)

An honorable mention should go to Perrish Cox, but ultimately the selection has to be Patrick Willis.

Statistically speaking, Willis doesn't really stand out, but if you put on the film, No. 52 is a huge part of this defense. Granted, the 49ers are 2-2, but the blame shouldn't be placed on the defensive side.

Even with injuries to NaVorro Bowman, Smith and Dorsey, the 49ers defense ranks second in terms of yards allowed per game. They have a top-seven pass defense and a top-two run defense.  

You take Willis out of this lineup, and this defense will fall apart. 

If Willis can keep up his play, he should be a strong candidate for the real DPOY award.

Offensive Player of the Quarter

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Pick: Colin Kaepernick (QB)

If this selection were based off of Week 4, Frank Gore would be the obvious selection. However, we have to base this pick on the first four games of the season. 

As we all know, Gore and this 49ers running game was practically nonexistent the first three weeks of the season. During those three weeks, it was Kaepernick and this passing game lifting up this offense. Though, we can't truly say it was an effective period, but Kaepernick did show major improvement in the pocket. 

This is a huge improvement from where Kaepernick was last season. You can see Kaepernick clearly going through his progressions and making pro-ready reads in the pocket.

Now, he still has a long way to go, as evidenced by his four interceptions.  

Nonetheless, Kaepernick has a great chance of improving even further as the season progresses. Once the 49ers can truly get healthy along the offensive line, we should see a far more accurate Kaepernick.

Most Valuable Player of the Quarter

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Pick: Patrick Willis (ILB)

Everyone has different criteria of what constitutes an MVP. While production should be valued, you also have to look at the team's potential without said player. 

Looking at both elements, its obvious the answer is Willis. On the field, Willis is the best linebacker in football, and it's not even close. Not to mention, Willis is the true definition of what it is to be a leader. 

He brings intensity, physicality and heart on every Sunday. There's a reason Willis leads the huddle prior to the start of the game. Everyone from Kaepernick to Gore is huddled up around No. 52, and for good reason. 

Honorable mention should go to Gore, but his production outside of Week 4 has been unimpressive. 

As I said before, without Willis, this team falls apart.