The San Francisco 49ers finished off 2017 with an easy win over the Los Angeles Rams. Here we look at three takeaways from the victory.
The San Francisco 49ers cruised to victory in their regular-season finale on Sunday, beating the Los Angeles Rams 34-13 on the road. Though the Rams rested many starters, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back Todd Gurley and defensive lineman Aaron Donald, the 49ers were impressive in taking care of business.
After starting the season 0-9, the Niners finish Kyle Shanahan’s first year 6-10 and will go into the offseason with many touting them as postseason contenders in 2018.
Here we look at three takeaways as the 49ers brought in the new year in style.
3. More Garoppolo success despite mistakes
In terms of mistakes, this was probably Jimmy Garoppolo’s worst game. He threw two interceptions, both coming on balls he should not have thrown as his receivers failed to run their routes correctly. Despite those errors, it was another extremely successful day for Garoppolo, who threw two touchdowns to Marquise Goodwin and Aldrick Robinson.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Spreading the ball around to 10 different receivers, Garoppolo — aided by an offensive line that did not give up a sack and running backs in Carlos Hyde and Matt Breida who as a duo averaged six yards per carry — threw with usual decisiveness and anticipation in racking up 292 yards.
Garoppolo has still not lost as a starter and, after posting a 5-0 record with the 49ers, has plenty of leverage going into negotiations over a new contract.
2. Kittle has another coming out party
It was Celek time a lot in 2017 for the 49ers, with tight end Garrett Celek a reliable weapon in the passing game. But rookie George Kittle provided a reminder that he is the future at the position for the Niners, recording his first 100-yard game, which came on just four catches as he displayed an excellent ability to pick up yards after the catch.
It was Kittle’s best performance since he went for seven catches, 83 yards and a touchdown in a Week 5 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and sees him end the year with 515 receiving yards, only Evan Engram of the New York Giants has more among rookies. That number is also more than former starter Vance McDonald, traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the season, ever amassed during his time with the Niners.
Kittle is undoubted steal for the 49ers as a fifth-round pick and should have more opportunities to prove himself in 2018.
1. Defense throttles Rams reserves
It was always going to be difficult for Rams backup Sean Mannion to have success against a full strength 49ers defense, and they were duly throttled as the 49ers found success rushing the passer and created turnovers. Sheldon Day, Elvis Dumervil and Cassius Marsh all had sacks, the latter’s resulting in one of four fumbles forced by the Niners, two of which they recovered.
Next: Predicting the outcome of the entire 2018 NFL Playoffs
It was the type of defensive performance that has become more common in recent times as the unit has improved but, with just 20 takeaways and 30 sacks on the season, coordinator Robert Saleh will be under illusions that the unit has a long way to go.