Mixed grades after tight 49ers loss

Quarterback

C

Smith matched a career-high with three TDs and his 309 yards were two shy of a career-best. But the turnovers. Oh, the turnovers. His fourth-quarter fumble all but decided the game.

Running backs

D

Frank Gore had two fumbles and averaged 2.9 yards on 18 carries. Brian Westbrook, in his now-common cameo, had six yards on one carry.

Wide receivers/tight ends

B

Michael Crabtree (career-highs of 9 catches, 105 yards and a TD) and Vernon Davis (5, 104, TD) were brilliant. Dominique Zeigler flashed his terrific hands on a 20-yard first-half reception.

Offensive line

C

Pressure wasn't a huge problem (2 sacks allowed), but the Niners managed just 74 rushing yards and 3.4 yards a carry against the NFL's 27th-ranked run defense. Rookie Anthony Davis had two false-start penalties and fellow rookie Mike Iupati was beaten for a sack.

Defensive line

C

Justin Smith had the sixth game of his career with at least two sacks, but Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (18 carries, 92 yards) had plenty of room to roam.

Linebackers

B

Manny Lawson delivered a sack and a forced fumble and Travis LaBoy registered his third sack of the season. But there were plenty of missed tackles, too. Rookie NaVorro Bowman whiffed badly on Kevin Kolb's 19-yard run in the third quarter.

Secondary

B

Kolb was quieted after a hot first half. Safety Dashon Goldson made a nice play to break up a fourth-and-1 pass in the third quarter. Shawntae Spencer was burned for a 41-yard gain by Jeremy Maclin.

Special teams

B

Ted Ginn was electric - his 44- and 61-yard kickoff returns led to touchdowns. Joe Nedney missed a 40-yard field goal, which, as it turns out, was rather significant.

Coaching/overall

D

It has practically become their motto in recent weeks: They have to stop shooting themselves in the foot. And then they commit five more turnovers and tack on 10 penalties. For some reason, the message isn't getting through.