49ers report card: Why five turnovers didn’t ruin perfect record
SANTA CLARA – Here is how the still-undefeated 49ers (3-0) rallied past the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) in Sunday’s 24-20, home-opening win:
PASS OFFENSE: B
Sure, call this Jimmy Garoppolo’s best game the way he hung in the pocket, absorbed eight hits, spun his new knee away from sacks, kept finding his targets and ultimately threw a winning touchdown pass to Dante Pettis with 75 seconds left. And how about Pettis emerging in the clutch after being ignored for two games? This vast receiving corps is under the radar and that’s not a bad thing. Joe Staley’s absence was noticeable in that the offensive line had occasional breakdowns but kudos to Justin Skule for an impressive starting debut, his fourth-quarter penalties be damned (and the blindside block was a bad call). Interceptions (off Matt Breida’s bobbling hands and Dante Pettis’ held arm) plus a fumbled snap will crush them against a stronger foe.
RUN OFFENSE: C
We’ll get to the running backs but first recognize how excellent this scheme is behind a cavalry of blockers, from linemen to tight ends to receivers to superstar fullback Kyle Juszczyk. DYK who wore No. 30 as they went 3-0? All hail Jeff Wilson Jr., with two TD runs for a second straight game as a short-yardage, goal-line specialist. The tough question: Condemn Matt Breida for his bobbling interception and Raheem Mostert for his two-fumble butterfingers, or do respect their ability to rebound and run hard (without fumbling) in a second-half comeback to finish with a combined 147 rushing yards; it’s not how you start but how you finish, eh?
PASS DEFENSE: A
Not since the 2011-13 playoff runs has the 49ers defensive front been such a must-see attraction. DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford and Nick Bosa are four forces of strength. Buckner’s eight tackles, sack, fumble recovery and forced fumble reflect his consistence dominance. Armstead is killing it weekly in his contract year. Ford’s third-down sack is why he’s worth putting in with knee pain. Bosa, no sacks again but constantly in the backfield. Ahkello Witherspoon’s foot injury became more concerning when Jason Verrett got beat on back-to-back snaps as the Steelers took a (temporary) lead. Nice interception by K’Waun Williams to start the second half and infuse confidence.
RUN DEFENSE: A
Opponents have yet to score a rushing touchdown this season. The dynamic linebacker duo of Kwon Alexander and Fred Warner continues to flourish. James Conner had just 45 yards (3.5 yards per carry average) and the Steelers averaged just 3.7 yards per run and 81 overall. The 49ers are sticking to their assignments and diagnosing plays so well.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A-
Robbie Gould’s one and only field-goal attempt (24-yard chippie) go the 49ers’ first points. Long snapper Jon Condo’s debut came with off-the-mark (left, then low) snaps to punter Mitch Wishnowsky. Return specialist Richie James Jr. averaged 10.6 yards on six punt returns, plus so-so kickoff returns of 26 and 22 yards. Emmanuel Moseley had the special-teams tackle of the night.
COACHING: A
Kyle Shanahan is a realist: the 49ers dominated in every facet except the five turnovers, and that 3-0 doesn’t guaranteed them anything. Mr. Party Pooper also noted that he was on a 3-0 team that didn’t make the playoffs (Atlanta Falcons, started 5-0, finished 8-8). Robert Saleh’s defense has yet to allow more than 20 points. Special kudos to offensive assistants John Benton (line) and Wes Welker (receiver) as well as defensive assistants Kris Kocurek (defensive line), Chris Kiffin (pass rush) and honestly all of Shanahan’s staff plus the analytic folks who may have helped in a team win.