▪ Offense: Colin Kaepernick and Co. scored on their opening drive, fell asleep and woke up on their final drive. Turnovers, dropped passes and terrible field position hampered the unit throughout the contest. Grade: C
▪ Defense: The defense gave up 125 rushing yards to Alfred Morris but otherwise was its usual, solid self. Aldon Smith’s return to the starting lineup provided an obvious lift, and the tandem of Smith and rookie Aaron Lynch was prominent in the second half. Grade: A-
▪ Special teams: Perrish Cox looked even more unnatural on punt returns than regular return man Bruce Ellington, adding to the 49ers’ field-position disadvantage. Punter Andy Lee was back in top form, and Phil Dawson connected from 41 yards at the end of the half. Grade: C
▪ Overall: The 49ers certainly have not been dominant in recent weeks, but they have been winners, especially in tight contests. They likely will get another test that fits that description on Thanksgiving against the Seahawks. Beat their rivals, and no one will care about the final score. Grade: B
Matt Barrows
Comments