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49ERS GRADES

A+ at halftime, pretty good overall

Published: Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 3:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 11:20 p.m.

QUARTERBACK

Grade: A

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Shaun Hill did all his damage in the first half. He threw just two incomplete passes in the first half, and his passer rating was perfect. He threw for two touchdowns and ran another.

RUNNING BACK

Grade: C-

Frank Gore rushed for 106 yards. But both Gore and DeShaun Foster lost fumbles in the game, and Gore was responsible for both sacks. Michael Robinson had a 36-yard reception to set up one TD, and Foster added a 31-yard grab.

WIDE RECEIVER

Grade: B

Bryant Johnson had a solid day with four catches for 56 yards. He and Vernon Davis caught short touchdown passes. Jason Hill did another fine job with three catches for 33 yards.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Grade: A-

The line thoroughly dominated the Rams’ defensive front in the first half. There were good games throughout, including rookie Chilo Rachal, who shared time with right guard Tony Wragge.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Grade: B

The line generally did a good job. Other than a couple big plays in the run game in which the Rams caught the 49ers in shifts, they line pretty much had its way with the Rams’ banged-up offensive front.

LINEBACKER

Grade: B

Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes both broke up passes. Willis made an exceptional play to keep a pass to Kenneth Darby from going for a first down on a third-and-2 in the first half.

DEFENSIVE BACK

Grade: A-

Nate Clements and Walt Harris recorded interceptions with nice returns on back-to-back possessions, leading to touchdowns. Harris and Michael Lewis added sacks. Mark Roman had a big hit to force an incomplete pass.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Grade: B

Allen Rossum did nice job in the return game, giving the 49ers good field position. Andy Lee had a solid game with a 51.8-yard average (45.3 net) on six punts.

COACHING/OVERALL

Grade: B+

The grade would be an A+ if the game ended at halftime. The 49ers did not score a point in the second half. But they got all they needed with a 28-point outburst in the second quarter to supply coach Mike Singletary with his first victory.


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