Reputations for the 45-29 victory of the 49ers over the Cardinals The 49ers are the 2023 NFC West Champions. Despite missing key pieces on defense, the San Francisco 49ers were able to rely on their stellar offense to defeat the Arizona Cardinals 45-29. Now 11-3, still atop the NFC, the Niners have officially clinched the NFC West. However, they are not satisfied with it. Here are the winning ratings for the placements: Fullbacks: A+ I still think Christian McCaffrey is a better MVP candidate than Brock Purdy, but Purdy was probably a superstar. With the Ninersand#039; defense weakened, San Francisco had to strengthen its offense. Purdy made a lot of long driving plays and splashed the ball all over the field. He never bargained, barked or hit. Oh, he also threw four touchdown passes. Support: A+ Christian McCaffrey carried the ball 18 times, averaging 6.4 yards per carry and had 115 rushing yards and a touchdown. The offensive line did well, but McCaffrey added yards after the touchdown. He also caught all five of his targets for a team-leading 72 yards and two more touchdowns. 23 touches, 187 total yards and three touchdowns. Jordan Mason carried for 17 yards and Kyle Juszczyk added a 17-yard reception. Wide receivers: B+ Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings combined for 110 yards (14 targets) on nine receptions. When the time came, they came up big, with Samuel catching a few touchdowns, but it’s impossible that most of the offensive load was on McCaffrey’s shoulders. Tight ends: B+ George Kittle had only two receptions but averaged 27 yards per touchdown. Those big plays, along with his usual shot blocking, made for another good overall performance. Offensive Line: B+ The 49ers offensive line did a good job of keeping the pocket clean for Purdy and creating lanes for McCaffrey. After years of blocking for someone who struggled in the pocket as much as Jimmy Garoppolo, the offensive line now has a much easier task. Defensive line: D- The 49ers’ defensive line was able to sack Kyler Murray three times, but a lack of interior space with Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave allowed Arizona to run all over the Niners. The Cardinals put up rushing numbers that looked like they belonged in a college game. If it weren’t for San Francisco’s exceptional day in Game 2, the Cardinals could have easily put up more than 45+ points. Linebackers: D+ The 49ers quarterback had a tall task due to the struggles of the defensive line, but Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw could not stop the bleeding. Additionally, Cardinals young tight end Trey McBride was easily Arizona’s most effective passer, recording 10 receptions (11 targets) for 102 yards. Angles: A+ Charvarius Ward could justify his contract in just one game. His pick six gave the Niners a chance to catch their breath and before he talked about the second pick and some passes he made later. Deommodore Lenoir also continued strong against Ward, although he was forced to leave the game with an injury. Safety devices: B- Ji’Ayir Brown and Tashaun Gipson also bear some responsibility for McBride’s production, although the secondary had a total productive day. Special teams: A Ronnie Bell came close to making a costly save but his elbow hit the ground before the ball bounced out. Otherwise, Jake Moody made all of his at-bats, Mitch Wishnowsky had another great hitting day, and the Cardinals couldn’t muster any meaningful performances.
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