Cardinals vs. 49ers: Full Report Card Grades for San Francisco
Head coach Jim Harbaugh ended his tenure in San Francisco with a 20-17 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in the final regular-season week of 2014.
After the game, Niners CEO Jed York commented in a statement announcing Harbarugh's departure, per ESPN.com's Paul Gutierrez:
"Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions. ...We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best.
"
With the 49ers no longer in the playoff picture, and all the speculation surrounding Harbaugh's future, this game was also quite possibly the last 49ers game for a number of players.
Aside from Harbaugh, a number of critical players could also have witnessed their final moments in a 49ers uniform. Running back Frank Gore, wide receiver Michael Crabtree and offensive guard Mike Iupati are free agents this offseason. Veteran defensive end Justin Smith has also hinted at retirement.
But those questions can be saved for later.
The 49ers close out the 2014 season on a positive note by defeating their NFC West division rivals. As the clock wound down, numerous 49ers players showed their appreciation for Harbaugh at various moments and in various ways, as John Middlekauff shows:
"Players really hate him https://t.co/vJDQjSFYyR
— John Middlekauff (@JohnMiddlekauff) December 29, 2014"
San Francisco's season can't be summed up by anything more than a disappointment. But an 8-8 finish after three consecutive NFC Championship Game appearances marks an impressive stretch in 49ers history.
While the speculation about this team's future will dominate news in coming days, evaluation of San Francisco's efforts in Week 17 provided a positive stamp moving forward.
Let's break down each positional grade based on in-game performance, impact and statistics. There are plenty of positives in what winds up as the final victory during the Harbaugh era.
Quarterback
1 of 10
A questionable season for quarterback Colin Kaepernick ended with a solid performance by the 27-year-old signal-caller.
Kaepernick finished the contest with 15 completions on 26 attempts for 204 yards. He completed two touchdown passes—one to wide receiver Anquan Boldin and the other to fullback Bruce Miller.
The quarterback also rushed for 63 yards on seven carries. His mobility was a prime factor, especially in the first half.
What made Kaepernick's efforts special today was the fact he was elusive in the pocket, yet capable of keeping his vision down the field. It is an aspect that has largely been absent in 2014 but was on display in Week 17.
"Colin Kaepernick is a grown-ass man. How does he get out of this? #49ers https://t.co/dpRk1jXlQc
— Oscar (@BetterRivals) December 28, 2014"
Kaepernick finished the contest with a 108.5 quarterback rating—his highest since Week 6 against the St. Louis Rams.
It's a positive ending to what has been a disappointing year for Kaepernick. While he did take one costly 15-yard sack, the quarterback looked far more the part of an effective signal-caller that has been seen previously.
Grade: B+
Running Back
2 of 10
While most of the talk surrounded head coach Jim Harbaugh's pending departure, it's impossible to overlook that running back Frank Gore might not be back with the 49ers in 2015.
If Week 17 was Gore's last in a 49ers uniform, his performance certainly was more than noteworthy.
Gore finished the final regular-season contest with 144 yards on 25 carries—an average of 5.8 per attempt.
But that only tells a portion of the story.
Gore crested 1,000 yards for the eighth time in his professional career. He also surpassed 11,000-career rushing yards.
"Another 1,000-yard season for Frank Gore. He is the 11th player in NFL history with eight 1,000-yard seasons. #Gore1k pic.twitter.com/PNp7L4XtFY
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 28, 2014"
Taylor Price of 49ers.com described the road Gore had to take in Week 17 to accomplish these feats:
"Gore became the 11th player in NFL history to produce eight, 1,000-yard rushing seasons. At that point, Gore started approaching another yardage milestone: 11,000 career rushing yards. He needed 71 yards to reach the 11,000-yard barrier. After the 20-yard scamper, he was able to reach the 11,000-yard mark with a 9-yard carry down to Arizona’s 4-yard line.
Gore became the 20th player in NFL history to reach the yardage milestone.
"
Gore had a rough first half in which Arizona's defense was able to limit his gains. But Gore broke off numerous chunks in the second half, which helped him set up his career accolades.
Now the question will be whether or not the 49ers will re-sign him during the offseason.
"The 49ers need to re-sign that youngster Frank Gore. Running like he's 21 years old in the second half of the final game.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 29, 2014"
But that will be a question for another time. In the meantime, Gore's efforts in 2014 stack upon what he has done in his tenure with San Francisco.
Oh, and fullback Bruce Miller's three-yard touchdown reception added further marks out of the backfield.
Grade: A
Wide Receiver and Tight End
3 of 10
Wide receiver Anquan Boldin was another veteran who graced the storylines with his efforts against Arizona.
Capped by a 76-yard touchdown reception, Boldin became only the fourth 49ers receiver to post multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
"Only 4 WRs have multiple 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the #49ers. @JerryRice John Taylor @terrellowens @AnquanBoldin
— Taylor Price (@TaylorPrice) December 28, 2014"
Boldin now ranks as the No. 19 receiver on the NFL's all-time list, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
The touchdown tied the game in the first quarter after Arizona's opening drive gave the Cardinals a 7-0 lead. Boldin finished the contest with just one more catch and posted a total of 81 yards.
Free-agent-to-be Michael Crabtree had a solid game with four receptions for 41 yards, but his relative lack of use continues to suggest that the 49ers aren't planning on making him a part of their long-term prospects.
But second-year pro Quinton Patton will likely be a part of the equation. A week removed from his game-costing fumble against San Diego, Patton was able to haul in a critical 35-yard reception that helped a 49ers first-half drive.
"Colin Kaepernick to Michael Crabtree for 20 yards, then Quinton Patton for 35 yards on the next play. #49ers driving.
— Steve Corkran (@CorkOnTheNFL) December 28, 2014"
Yet tight end Vernon Davis' 2014 struggles continued. The veteran tight end had just one catch for nine yards.
Still, it was good to see the production necessary out of this unit even if there could be substantial changes for 2015.
Grade: B-
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Offensive Line
4 of 10
San Francisco's offensive line had some issues with penalties over the course of the contest, but it was largely effective in the 49ers' offensive game plan.
The biggest penalty came on center Marcus Martin, who committed an illegal block that negated a would-be touchdown pass to wideout Anquan Boldin.
"Chop block on #49ers center Marcus Martin negates a 9-yard touchdown by WR Anquan Boldin on a pass from Colin Kaepernick.
— Steve Corkran (@CorkOnTheNFL) December 28, 2014"
Protection for quarterback Colin Kaepernick was successful even though the quarterback had to use his elusiveness at various points. Kaepernick was sacked just once during the game.
On top of these efforts, the O-line was able to open up critical lanes for running back Frank Gore, en route to his rushing for nearly 150 yards against a tough Arizona run defense. This is commendable to a large extent given the season-ending loss to right guard Alex Boone.
Boone was replaced by backup lineman Joe Looney prior to the contest.
Aside from the penalties, the O-line did a job better than what has largely been seen over the course of the season. Left guard Mike Iupati might not be a part of this equation in 2015, but at least this unit can finish on a positive note.
Grade: A
Defensive Line
5 of 10
Another end could have been witnessed in Week 17. Veteran defensive end Justin Smith could have played his final contest with the 49ers.
NFL Network's Alex Flanagan tweeted that Smith is leaning toward retirement following the 2014 season:
"I'm hearing this will be 49ers DT Justin Smith's last game. Retirement looming after 14 yrs. in the NFL
— Alex Flanagan (@Alex_Flanagan) December 28, 2014"
Smith later expressed, via Mindi Bach of CSN Bay Area on their postgame broadcast, that it wasn't the time to talk about such decisions.
Whether or not Smith returns will affect various 49ers' decisions next season. But a potential replacement for Smith is second-year pro Tank Carradine. Carradine finished the game with three tackles—two of which were for a loss—and one of the 49ers' two sacks of Cardinals quarterback Ryan Lindley.
"Who knew that playing time would help Tank Carradine work out his issues? What a novel concept
— Dylan DeSimone (@DeSimone_80) December 28, 2014"
San Francisco will have pressing questions along the defensive line next year. But the 49ers do have options with Carradine and nose tackle Quinton Dial, who is also making a strong effort in his second year.
While this unit was not quite able to thwart as much pressure against Lindley—he tossed for 316 yards—there are some positives moving forward.
Grade: B
Linebacker
6 of 10
The 49ers defense was without 30-year-old veteran linebacker Ahmad Brooks' services for the second consecutive game. This meant an increase in playing time for linebackers Dan Skuta and Aaron Lynch.
Lynch had yet another solid performance—finishing the contest with two tackles and one sack.
"#49ers LB Aaron Lynch with the QB sack!
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 29, 2014"
Skuta also had some solid moments on defense. He finished the game with three tackles, including one that went for a six-yard loss in the first half.
Skuta is another player who is a free agent this offseason. His contributions as a backup and on special teams are worth noting heading into the free-agent period.
Inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite also had an impressive game. Wilhoite finished second in the team's tackling totals with nine. He also posted an interception of quarterback Ryan Lindley.
"#49ers ILB Michael Wilhoite comes up with a big INT as he steps in front of the pass.
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) December 28, 2014"
Wilhoite's future is also uncertain given the pending returns of NaVorro Bowman, Chris Borland and Patrick Willis. But at least he finished his 2014 campaign on a solid note.
If there is a setback, San Francisco's linebackers could not hold Arizona's rushing efforts toward the interior of the line. While only rushing for 98 yards, the Cardinals continuously exposed the interior of the 49ers defense. It was here where San Francisco missed the tackling prowess of Borland.
Still, the 49ers' linebackers impacted the game in a positive manner.
Grade: B
Secondary
7 of 10
The 49ers' secondary was thin entering the contest. It showed, but a number of players made the critical plays that impacted the outcome.
Backup safety Craig Dahl was one such player. Dahl has struggled in coverage this season. But he also picked up the game-winning interception with the clock winding down in the fourth quarter.
"Who saw Craig Dahl making the last #49ers defensive play of 2014? NOOOOOBODY!
— Christian Gin (@Christian_Gin) December 29, 2014"
Dahl had one pick and cornerback Chris Culliver had another. Culliver could have had two more interceptions, but at least the stats will be filed into defended passes.
San Francisco's secondary still had a tough time covering wideout Michael Floyd, who hauled in eight receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
But one has to remember that this was a unit without the services of safety Eric Reid and cornerback Perrish Cox—both of whom were ruled out with injuries prior to the game.
Still, Arizona moved the ball over 300 yards through the air. The interceptions are nice, but there were plenty of lapses in coverage.
Grade: C-
Special Teams
8 of 10
Phil Dawson connected on both his field-goal tries and, considering the score, it was a vital element to the 49ers offense.
His 53-yard attempt was one that barely cleared the crossbar.
"Phil Dawson gives #49ers a 10-7 lead with a 53-yard field goal that cleared by just enough.
— Steve Corkran (@CorkOnTheNFL) December 28, 2014"
Punter Andy Lee had an average of 49.0 on four attempts, and newly signed return man Trindon Holliday averaged 27.7 yards on three efforts.
On the flip side, San Francisco's coverage units held Arizona's Ted Ginn Jr. to just 16.3 yards on three returns.
Grade: A
Coaching
9 of 10
On the positive side of things, Jim Harbaugh and the coaching staff reflected more of what a strong team the 49ers have been over the last four seasons.
There was a solid reliance on defense. The running game was a prominent aspect of the offense.
But there were long-time negatives that also accompanied the efforts of San Francisco's coaching staff.
Penalties were, once again, a problem for the 49ers. San Francisco was penalized 10 times for a total of 78 yards. The 49ers also struggled with delay-of-game calls—nothing uncommon during Harbaugh's tenure.
"I think the #49ers lead the NFL in delay of game penalties and/or quick timeouts to avoid the penalty.
— Don Cox (@DonCoxImpact) December 28, 2014"
Harbaugh also challenged a reception by Cardinals wideout Michael Floyd. The call was upheld, which marked a 10-of-34 effort from the head coach in the NFL, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.
Still, the 49ers' coaching staff got the most out of its team despite all the distractions and problems that have accompanied San Francisco all season long. It might have come too late, but at least there was a general positive note for the end of this unit.
Grade: B
Final Grades
10 of 10
QB: B+
RB: A
WR/TE: B-
OL: A
DL: B
LB: B
Secondary: C-
Special Teams: A
Coaching: B
Cumulative Grade: B
The 49ers wrap up their 2014 campaign with an 8-8 record and watch the door close on Jim Harbaugh's tenure in San Francisco.
A victory sent Harbaugh out on a positive note, but it also ushers in an era of uncertainty with the team's coaching staff and a number of key players who could find themselves elsewhere next season. But the closing of any era ultimately opens up new opportunities and new chances.
This is what San Francisco will hope for as it begins its preparations for 2015.
"End of an era: #49ers beat #Cardinals amid Gatorade bath, farewells to #JimHarbaugh: http://t.co/P4a8OZPJZq pic.twitter.com/WeNCmJfpPt
— SFGate (@SFGate) December 29, 2014"
Now, the 49ers will start focusing on their needs for the next season. These needs include a new head coach and will likely focus on the additions and replacements for players who might not be on the roster a year from now.
These changes will be newsworthy. But at least the 49ers can close this period on an upbeat note in which this victory sealed a successful period in the franchise's history.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference 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 @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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