49ERS REPORT CARD

QUARTERBACK B-

Alex Smith had an 86.9 passer rating. But he held the ball too long on

several of the four sacks he took, one of which turned into a fumble.

RUNNING BACKS A

Frank Gore, playing four days after his mother died, had 2 TDs, including

43-yard run on a fourth-and-1 late in the third quarter.

RECEIVERS C-

Didn't get open as quickly as they should vs. team without its top two

corners. Darrell Jackson had 61 yards, but an early deep pass got through his

hands.

OFFENSIVE LINE C-

Pass protection was not consistent. Run-blocking didn't generate a lot of

space, either. 49ers averaged just 3.8 yards per play, and that starts up

front.

DEFENSIVE LINE B+

Bryant Young had an exceptional game with six tackles, two sacks. Isaac

Sopoaga made a couple of nice plays and the line helped bottle up Steven

Jackson.

LINEBACKERS C

Patrick Willis continues to show the reasons the 49ers chose him with the

No. 11 pick. Manny Lawson gave up a play in coverage but also had seven

tackles and a sack.

DEFENSIVE BACKS C-

A mixed bag. Walt Harris struggled most of the game, but had nice plays

on third downs. Nate Clements changed the game when he forced Torry Holt

fumble.

SPECIAL TEAMS A

Andy Lee had a big game, including a 71-yard punt. Joe Nedney kicked a

40-yard FG for the winning points. The coverage units were outstanding.

COACHING/OVERALL B-

The offense was conservative to a fault, but the 49ers still managed the

victory. It doesn't matter how they did it, they did it.