Team Grades: While Offensive Woes Continue, 49ers' Defense Strong In 3rd Straight Win
By Jerrell Richardson
For the second time in as many weeks, it took a last minute defensive stand to secure a San Francisco victory. What also resembled last week was the lack of offensive firepower that meant a score that was a lot closer than it needed to be, and a game that was not only in doubt until the final seconds, but one that found the 49ers trailing in the 4th quarter. However, the defense bailed put the offense again as San Francisco won their third straight game, beating the Washington Redskins 17-13. The win keeps the 49ers playoff hopes in their own hands, setting up a Thanksgiving showdown with Seattle that could very well decide the fate of both team's playoff aspirations.
Offense: C-
The problem with the 49er offense this week was that they couldn't run the ball. They tried, but the Washington defense committed extra bodies to stopping the run, and it worked. Frank Gore had no success running the ball, totaling just 36 yards on his 13 carries, and added a rare fumble. Carlos Hyde was just as bad, managing 16 yards on his seven touches, but he had a big 4-yard touchdown that put the 49ers up for good. As a team, the 49ers ran the ball 29 times, which is a good thing, but the 66 total yards is not.
With the running game unable to back off the defense, the passing game was far from impressive, but it made plays when it needed. It was the arm of Colin Kaepernick that lead the offense on all of the team's scoring drives. He finished his day completing 20 of his 29 attempts for 256 yards and a touchdown. He did throw an interception, but it was not costly, not a terrible read, just a touch off, so all in all he did a respectable job protecting the ball.
Anquan Boldin again led the receiving core in both receptions, yards and had the lone receiving touchdown during his nine catch, 137 yard day. Michael Crabtree continues his steady play, hauling in five balls for 58 yards, and Bruce Miller and Vernon Davis both had modest days with 3 catches apiece.
The offense needs to do a better job putting points on the board, but otherwise did not play that badly. The turnovers they committed should be corrected, and if they are able to play a clean game they will make more plays and score more points than they did this week.
Defense: B+
The defense held the Redskins offense to just 13 points and limited Robert Griffin III to just 106 passing yards, but they had no answer for Alfred Morris. The Washington running back had 125 yards on 21 carries, and was the Redskins lone offensive threat. While the passing game around him struggled, he did not. Eventually though, the 49er defense was able to buckle down and with no balance in their offense, Washington was unable to consistently put together drives.
While his totals may be down, linebacker Chris Borland again led the team in tackles with eight. The 49ers most consistent and complete defensive back, Antonie Bethea, again had a good game with five tackles, but the entire defense looks better due to the return of Aldon Smith. He accounted for two of the teams five sacks, and his presence has opened things up for his teammates, including Justin Smith, whose sack and forced fumble was the game deciding play and Ray McDonald, who had his second sack in as many games.
While they got gashed on the ground, the 49ers employed the bend but don't break mentality. 125 yards to Morris is far from acceptable, but when putting it with the 106 passing yards and only 213 total yards but Washington as a whole, it was another successful day at the office for the defense.
Special Teams: B+
The only weak link in the 49ers special teams' chain is their return game, and this was the case again Sunday. Kicker Phil Dawson kicked a key 41-yarder at the end of the second half, and was otherwise not needed. Punter Andy Lee averaged over 50 yards per kick on his six attempts and as he has been all year was elite.
Carlos Hyde did accumulate 98 kickoff return yards, but he did little to help out San Francisco's field position, as his 24.5 average is not as impressive when considering he is taking most of these kicks several yards deep in the end zone and barely breaking the 20. He did not hurt his team though, and runs with purpose. Perrish Cox did not fare well at all in his punt return duties, with just eight yards.
Thanksgiving Showdown
While this win far from proved that the 49ers are back to their dominant selves, the fact remains that they won their third straight game over a team not void of playmakers. There were some lost opportunities that cost San Francisco points and resulted in a game that was closer than it needed to be, but turnovers and better execution are both correctable. The 49ers have the Seattle Seahawks up next, and after that game will be able to better gauge how well they are playing, as there is no such thing as an unimpressive win over the defending Super Bowl Champions.
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Jerrell Richardson is a Bay Area native who due to a college career at San Diego State University has grown an appreciation for all things sports related in California. His heart will always remain in San Francisco though where he currently resides and covers everything from the San Francisco 49ers and Giants to the San Jose Sharks and California Bears Baseball team. Jerrell is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.