San Francisco 49ers

Rams vs 49ers: Week 1 Grades and Analysis for San Francisco

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The San Francisco 49ers surprised the nation as they completely dominated the Los Angeles Rams 28-0 on the final game of Week 1. The 49ers defense particularly impressed with their assertiveness in the shutout

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) celebrates after he scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers won 28-0. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers dominated the Los Angeles Rams from beginning to end on Monday Night Football, pitching a dominant, shutout performance at Levi’s Stadium to open the 2016 NFL season with a 28-0 victory.

Carlos Hyde found the end zone early and late as he racked up __ yards and two touchdowns on __ carries. Shaun Draughn tacked on an extra rushing touchdown as well. But it was Blaine Gabbert‘s legs that did the damage early on, finding room to run after exhausting his coverage options.

The offense struggled at times early in the second half when the Rams began to stuff the run. But even when the Rams seemed to have a chance after a long Tavon Austin punt return the 49ers defense refused to budge. Ray-Ray Armstrong put an end to that hope with an interception a few plays later.

Divisive quarterback Colin Kaepernick got a chance to play in garbage time after kneeling during the National Anthem. He did nothing of note on the field as he handed the ball off three times before another Bradley Pinion punt.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) rushes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Grades

Quarterback: B

Blaine Gabbert’s legs can move! This was evident early on in the game when Gabbert seemingly willed the 49ers to first downs on their first four possessions. When coverage was tight and no one was open, Gabbert found plenty of room up the middle or down the sideline to keep the ball moving. Gabbert’s play and the 49ers ground game resulted in 14 points in the first quarter and a half. For a team expected to lay an egg, this was a welcome surprise.

Gabbert’s grade cannot go above a “B,” however, as he struggled in the passing game. Gabbert only threw for 170 yards and 1 touchdown on 22/35 passing (for a paltry 4.9 yards per attempt). His 84.2 quarterback rating was by no means awful, but it was not great either. Passes batted down by the defensive line were a problem, one of which was actually caught by Gabbert for a 16 yard loss.

There were some throws that could have easily been picked off, too. Gabbert’s play late in the game, however, showed a confidence and poise throwing the ball that would have been helpful earlier. There is reason to believe in Gabbert from here on out.

Running Back: B+

Once again Carlos Hyde out-ran the hyped running back on opening week — last year it was Adrian Peterson, this year Todd Gurley. Hyde ran for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 23 attempts (3.8 yards per carry) and Shaun Draughn added another 18 yards and a touchdown on seven carries (2.6 yards per carry).

These statistics are not exceptional, but Hyde and Draughn faced a much tougher front when the Rams adjusted their defense in the second half to counter the 49ers interior run dominance. It may have stopped the 49ers offense for a little while, but the 49ers still managed two touchdowns in the second half.

Wide Receiver: B

Jeremy Kerley has apparently emerged as a favorite target of Blaine Gabbert despite being on the roster for only a couple of weeks. Kerley led the 49ers receivers with 61 yards receiving on seven receptions and was consistently targeted by Gabbert. Quinton Patton also had a solid day, tacking on 60 yards on five receptions.

Torrey Smith did not see the ball very often and managed only 13 yards out of his two catches. Gabbert’s -16 yard reception did not help his receiving quarterback statistics.

Tight End: C+

The tight ends did not get a ton of action in the passing game today. When they did, they mostly impressed. Garrett Celek still had a bad drop and Vance McDonald only saw the ball once. When he did, however, he made the most of it with the 49ers only passing touchdown on the night.

Offensive Line: A

Despite the Anthony Davis will-he-or-won’t-he-play-this-season drama and whatever position he is playing on a given day, the 49ers offensive line crushed the Rams defense in the first half. Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn had beautiful holes to run through, especially inside.

Blaine Gabbert also was kept upright in the backfield, as the 49ers O-line, which tied for second-worst with 53 sacks allowed last season, gave up zero sacks on opening night. This is a huge step up for a much improved line. Gabbert’s ability to find gaps in the defense and scramble for yardage was also helpful, and the offensive line gave him time and space to do just that.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong (54) celebrates intercepting a pass against the Los Angeles Rams with 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) during the second half of an NFL game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Grades

Defensive Line: A

The defensive line kept Todd Gurley in check all night long. The hyped running back likely gave many Fantasy Football owners a rough of a Monday Night as he struggled to gain 47 yards on 17 carries (2.8 yards per carry).

The 49ers defensive line was always there to stop him or occupy offensive lineman so linebackers and defensive backs would have a free shot at the running back. The same was true with Case Keenum, whom the 49ers sacked twice and hit five times.

Linebacker: A

Per usual, NaVorro Bowman was everywhere Monday Night. The veteran led the 49ers defense with nine tackles (seven solo), one tackle for loss, and a pass deflection. Ray-Ray Armstrong stepped up with a huge interception in the second half and Ahmad Brooks recorded a sack.

Even with Aaron Lynch out suspended, this unit performed quite well.

Defensive Back: A-

Topping off the excellent defensive performance from one of the league’s youngest units was a secondary that barely resembled the makeshift unit of a year ago. Eric Reid showed a newfound aggressiveness as he rushed the passer and got in a couple nice hits. Jimmie Ward‘s transition to cornerback looks smooth so far too.

While there were a few medium-to-big pass plays given up on the night, overall the secondary played quite well and above expectations.

November 2, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers kicker Phil Dawson (9) kicks a field goal out of the hold by punter Andy Lee (4) against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams & Coaching Grades

Special Teams: B

The 49ers didn’t have a chance at a kick return or a field goal, but Phil Dawson was Mr. Reliable on extra points and Jeremy Kerley did not fumble the ball on his two relatively short punt returns.

Bradley Pinion had a solid day punting, averaging 45.6 yards on his seven punts — which seems like a lot, but then again, this is the Chip Kelly offense. And the Rams punted 10 times.

The only real bad mark for the 49ers special teams unit Monday was the 28 yard punt return allowed to Tavon Austin that, except for the Ray-Ray Armstrong interception, would likely have led to points for the Rams. Hence, the “B.”

Coaching: A

Chip Kelly and his coaching staff were very well prepared for opening night and out-coached the Rams throughout the game. The run schemes early on worked to perfection and when the Rams eventually countered, Kelly did a good job of adjusting the offense. This adjustment could have been made sooner, but it was effective.

Defensively, Jim O’Neil had an exciting and energetic game plan that put the defense on the attack. This was a defense out to prove expectations wrong, and O’Neil’s hand was in on this the whole time. Aggressiveness should be the new norm in San Francisco, and it should be fun to watch.

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly calls out to his players during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Lev’i’s Stadium. The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Los Angeles Rams 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Cumulative 49ers Grade for Week 1: A-

The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of room to grow this season and played far from a perfect game, particularly on offense. Yet the strong defensive statement and complete blowout (and shutout) of the Rams is more than worthy of an A- grade. Especially considering expectations heading into Monday Night.

The 49ers will need to awaken a true passing game if they want to compete for a playoff spot this season. It should also not be forgotten that the 49ers started out 2015 strong as well, with a 20-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.