ATLANTA – The 49ers beat the Falcons 28-24. The 49ers are going to the Super Bowl. Here are the grades for the 49ers’ offense.
Offensive line: A. Mike Iupati gave up a sack and was flagged for a holding penalty, but the other four offensive linemen played almost perfectly. Collectively, they helped the 49ers average 5.1 yards per rush.
Running backs: A. Frank Gore got the 49ers’ offense going in the second quarter. He ran up the middle four straight times, picking up 20 yards and two first downs. In the red zone, the Falcons couldn’t touch him. He easily ran into the end zone twice.
LaMichael James was a good change-of-pace back, picking up 34 yards on five carries and scoring a touchdown.
Anthony Dixon redeemed himself for last year’s NFC Championship game, when he could not convert a third-and-one. Down three to the Falcons in the fourth quarter, Dixon gained four yards on third and one. The 49ers’ Niners scored the go-ahead touchdown three plays later.
Wide receivers: B+. The Falcons mostly kept Michael Crabtree in check. He did make a 33-yard catch, but other than that he caught five passes for just 24 yards. He also fumbled on the goal line.
The Falcons lost track of Randy Moss, so he caught three passes for 46 yards.
The other three receivers – Ted Ginn Jr., A.J. Jenkins and Chad Hall – did not catch a pass. Kaepernick threw one to Hall, but he dropped it.
Tight ends: A. Vernon Davis was a monster. The Falcons chose not to double cover him, and that was a bad decision. He caught five passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. He should have had six catches for 131 yards, but a 25-yard catch was called back due to a Mike Iupati holding penalty.
Delanie Walker didn’t drop any passes for the first time in four games.
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little harsh on Moss, Mr. Cohn? :-)
I think maybe an A- or B+ for the OL. That idiot Goodwin keeps screwing up the snap. The delay of game penalty at the end of the game was all on Goodwin. You could see Kaepernick lifting his leg over and over, yet Capt. Idiot (Goodwin) refused to snap the ball. I have noticed that over the season that Kaepernick frequently has to give the snap signal (leg lift) repeatedly to get Goodwin to do his job. A new center is on the shopping list for the offseason, although DL is the number one priority.
I’d take that cat from Alabama. He’s a beast.
The idiot is you!
If you knew anything you would have notice that the center doesn’t snap the ball untill the right guard taps his leg to let him know the QB is ready because of the fan noise, I would love to see people like you hiding behind a keyboard get out there and snap the ball and having to block a 300 pound lineman, They won be happy
Correct Bali, it’s a two-step process, pun intended.
I have 1 complaint from yesterday… Why would be in a shotgun formation with less than a minute left, leading, backed up against on our own goaline? As I’m screaming at the TV, the snap is high and hard right at Kap’s face, he made a great play to handle it cleanly. IMO, that’s WAY to much risk in that situation, a bad snap loses the game!!! Other than than that, great day to be a Niner fan!!!
Call me a red sox pessimist but i was screaming the same thing as I watched that. all I could think off was that high option pitch vs Stl. It all worked out well but I dont like our QB in shotgun when were protecting a lead backed up to our own end zone
As well as the 9ers played today, I can’t believe there are 169 votes that want RM to return. In order for the team to stay vibrant and on top, they need to always upgrade and get young talent. Aging in football is not a good thing. RM should retire after a SB. Nothing else to prove. Let the youth take over and continue the success on his shirt tails.
If the price is right, I like his leadership. He provides a calmness to our WR’s.
I actually voted against bringing back Moss, I would hope Jenkins can show us what he has, along with Manningham and Williams.
Hofer,
Much of Crabtree’s success has been attributed to Randy Moss. I’m trying to remember where I read it. Moss has definitely been instrumental. I’d lie to have him back next year. He’s proven to be a leader. He’s still making plays as well.
Does it say something about Jenkins that a practice squad guy got a target and he didn’t?
I voted for Moss coming back but I think he’ll retire after he gets his ring this year. He brings so much knowledge and has proved valuable and productive.
King Crab seemed to follow Moss around like a puppy at training camp, have to assume the old man was instrumental in Crab’s development this year. Also noticed Moss talking to Kaep today just after we went ahead…I think Moss is a good influence on the team. But, I wonder if he really wants to keep playing. If we win the SB, he may retire. I do look forward to seeing new WR talent, as there are no guarantees that Kyle and Mario will return as their old selves. I actually had Lockette on my wish list in 2011, so happy we picked him up this year.
Tuna – I have not tried Lagunitas “Hop Stoopid Ale”. I will soon though! SUPERBOWL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Super Bowl Baby! 94? Dang! That IS a long time. This is SWEET.
How bout dat Kap? Starts with Pick6 last week and goes out and wins. Down 17-0 today and comes back to win; with his head, eyes and arm more than his feet. Talkin bout it!
To be fair…that pass to chad hall was deflected. I wouldn’t call it a drop.
How awful must AJ be to have a practice squad guy get in the game in front of him? Completely blown first round pick or what? How many other WR rookies have caught passes this year? Fifty-something? Something does not smell right, here.
hopefully AJ is not like the other first round receiver we drafted years ago…..he never showed up and was out of the league pretty quick.