San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Jets: Full Report Card Grades for 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers jumped to an early 14-0 lead, only to lose in overtime to the New York Jets 23-17. A team that has a knack for getting off to a fast start, the 49ers once again squandered a lead as the Jets pulled away late.
At the half the 49ers were up 17-3. On the surface it looked like they were in position to win; however, this is a different 49ers team than we have been accustomed to in years past. They scored zero points in the second half, while the Jets scored 20 unanswered points.
This type of play is unacceptable. The 49ers need to learn how to play with a lead and protect it by winning the time of possession. Until they figure out a way to do that, the losses will continue.
Quarterback
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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick pieced together a nice first half by completing 11 of 15 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown. Good for a quarterback rating of 117.6, Kaepernick was uncharacteristically accurate while making all the right reads.
However, the second half was a different story. Kaepernick completed zero passes in the third quarter while only mustering 17 passing yards in the fourth quarter.
Grade: C
Running Back
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141. That's the number of rushing yards 49ers running back Carlos Hyde had during first-half play. A stat line that's more impressive is that he did it on just seven carries (20.1) average. Whether running hard between the tackles or bouncing outside, Hyde did a superb job of finishing his runs while also being a dual threat in the passing game by scoring a seven-yard touchdown. Hyde would finish the game in style with 17 carries for 193 yards.
Forty-niners RB Shaun Draughn also played well in the first half, evident by scoring the lone rushing touchdown while ending the half with four carries for 24 yards (6.0) average.
Grade: A
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
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The 49ers suffered a huge blow with the loss of wide receiver Torrey Smith to a concussion. An injury that occurred midway through the third-quarter, Smith was seen carted off the field. The unit as a whole didn't fare all too well. The 49ers $35 million man, also known as tight end Vance McDonald, left the game to a shoulder injury and did not return.
To be honest, no one stepped up, as the team's leading receiver was WR Jeremy Kerley, who finished with five catches for 50 yards. That stat line alone should tell you how bad this receiving core played.
Grade: D
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Offensive Line
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The personnel adjustment wasn't easy. Forty-niners offensive line coach Pat Flaherty had to play musical chairs in order to account for the loss of his best offensive lineman—left tackle Joe Staley. The team moved left guard Zane Beadles to left tackle, while third-year guard/center Marcus Martin got the starting nod over G Andrew Tiller at left guard.
That lineup was short-lived as C Daniel Kilgore went down, forcing the 49ers to once again play musical chairs. Martin then moved to center, while Tiller came in as the team's left guard. The unit played well in the run game, racking up 248 rushing yards while providing Kaepernick a relatively clean pocket to operate within.
Grade: B
Defensive Line
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The 49ers entered the game with a modest 20 sacks on the season. They finished with a season-high six sacks, including 2.0 by first-round pick (No. 7) defensive end DeForest Buckner. A unit that has been deeply criticized for its lack of collapsing the pocket, it turned it on Sunday while rattling Jets QB Bryce Petty all game long.
Buckner would finish the game with a team-high 11 tackles and 2.0 sacks for a defensive lineman. However, it was the play of another 2015 rookie who continues to make huge strides as DE Ronald Blair racked up 0.5 sacks and four tackles. The player known as "Optimus Prime" needs to play more, and now you are seeing why.
To play a little devil's advocate here, the team did allow yet another 100-yard rusher. This is something that needs to be cleaned up. It hasn't so far this season.
Grade: B
Linebackers
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The 49ers sorely missed outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, especially in the pass-rush department. He came up big, sharing 0.5 sacks with Blair and being a stout edge-setter when called upon. Forty-niners inside linebacker Gerald Hodges played well, finishing with nine tackles and 1.0 sack.
But it wasn't enough.
Forty-niners ILB Nick Bellore continues to miss his assignments in run-fits while allowing running backs to bounce outside.
Grade: C
Secondary
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I said it once, and I'll say it again. Forty-niners defensive back Jimmie Ward is the team's best free safety no one knows about. He has the best range to cover the deep half while having the cerebral instincts to cheat in run support. He proved both Sunday by racking up an interception and sack while finishing the game with three pass breakups.
Ward became the first 49ers player since ILB NaVorro Bowman to record an interception and sack in the same game. He was all over the field and receives my vote as the team's defensive MVP.
That brings me to strong safety Jaquiski Tartt. The second-year player from Samford is also proving why he should be the team's starting strong safety. He finished with a team-high 12 tackles and 1.0 sack. Just like their high school days, both Ward and Tartt were seen making plays all over the field, which is why the duo should be sharing the defensive backfield together on the backend for years to come.
We all know what SS Antoine Bethea can do. We all know what free safety Eric Reid can do. Now is the time to see how Ward and Tartt play together, especially with the playoff race out of the picture.
Grade: B
Special Teams
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Forty-niners kicker Phil Dawson is the team's most consistent player. Unfortunately not Sunday as the savvy veteran misfired on back-to-back field-goal attempts. That ultimately was the difference between winning and losing.
Forty-niners punter Bradley Pinion didn't fare much better, only pinning one of his six punts inside the Jets' 20-yard line.
Grade: D
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