San Francisco 49ers Week 16 Report Card: Grading Every Offensive Starter

The San Francisco 49ers struggled more than a little in Week 16 of the 2011 NFL season, but they were able to pull out a 19-17 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

On the offensive side of the ball, Week 16 exposed some of the Niners' weaknesses, specifically their red-zone troubles.

However, there was also a lot to like, including the breakout of Kendall Hunter and a great game by Michael Crabtree.

Here is the 49ers' offensive report card.

Quarterback Alex Smith

Alex Smith's numbers point to a rather pedestrian day, as he passed for 179 yards and no touchdowns.

However, he also had another turnover free-day—with a game left in the season, Smith has only been picked off five times.

While he certainly wasn't terrific, Smith does deserves credit for engineering a late drive that resulted in the go-ahead field goal.

He also earns points for using his legs for a crucial first down scramble on the aforementioned drive. 

Grade: B-

Running Back Frank Gore

Frank Gore was a workhorse for the 49ers in Week 16, carrying the ball 23 times.

In all, he gained 83 yards and scored San Francisco's lone touchdown.

The ever-reliable Gore now has more than 1,200 yards in 2011.

Kendall Hunter also deserves special recognition for his terrific performance on Sunday. While he wasn't a starter, Hunter excelled, gaining 73 yards on just 12 carries.

Hunter's emergence has made the Niners' running game even more potent.

Grade: B

Fullback Bruce Miller

Bruce Miller had another stellar game in his great rookie campaign.

Miller's blocking helped pave the way for one of San Francisco's best ground performances of the year.

As a whole, the 49ers ran for an impressive 178 yards.

Miller also caught a pass for good measure.

Grade: A-

Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree

Michael Crabtree had one of his finest performances in a San Francisco 49ers uniform. 

Most important was the huge 41-yard reception late in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers were down 17-16 and stuck in a 2nd-and-18 conundrum.

Crabtree's catch was the difference between a potential loss and a David Akers winning field goal. 

For the game, Crabtree had five catches for 85 yards.

Grade: A

Wide Receiver Kyle Williams

The above photo is of Delanie Walker, but it symbolizes the 49ers' dangerously thin receiving corps.

Both Walker and Kyle Williams were injured against the Seahawks.

Williams left the game after an illegal hit on a second-half kickoff return. His status is unknown, but a concussion seems likely.

If Williams and Walker aren't available for Week 17 or the playoffs, the 49ers have almost no reliable options beyond Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis.

Before the injury, Williams had only one catch for four yards. However, he did have 127 all-purpose return yards subbing for Ted Ginn Jr.

Grade: C+

Tight End Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis had a nice day, hauling in four catches for 54 yards.

His most important catch was a 16-yard grab on 4th-and-2 in the third quarter.

The catch set up the 49ers' only touchdown of the day.

Grade: B

Offensive Line

Give the offensive line plenty of credit for not falling prey to CenturyLink Field's "12th Man."

The 49ers only committed one false-start penalty.

The line did a great job blocking for Gore and Hunter, leading to the big day on the ground. 

As far as pass protection, the line did fairly well, only allowing Alex Smith to be sacked twice. 

Grade: A-