49ers Report Card

Handing out grades to the 49ers as they close in on the midpoint of their season while breaking down the positives, negatives and bottom line in each positional area of the team.

- Craig Massei

QUARTERBACKS: B+

Positives: Jimmy Garoppolo is developing into an indisputable team leader and making steady progress from the torn ACL that ruined his — and San Francisco’s — season last year. His surgically-repaired left knee hasn’t been an issue and Garoppolo has shown no hesitation in playing aggressively. He’s making good decisions and unloads the ball quickly while displaying comfort in the pocket and the resolve to remain there patiently even when under duress. Some of Garoppolo’s best throws have come when heavily pressured, and he has been solid in taking what the defense gives him and looking for secondary targets in his passing progression. Garoppolo has been efficient while completing 70 percent of his passes through Week 6 and has shown toughness and the ability to scramble when needed. Garoppolo may have played his best game in a 49ers uniform when he held strong against relentless pressure from the Pittsburgh defense in Week 3 before leading San Francisco’s fourth-quarter rally during a come-from-behind victory over the Steelers. It was Garoppolo’s fast-delivered pinpoint pass between two defenders that provided the winning touchdown in that game with 1:15 to play.

Negatives: Despite his efficiency, Garoppolo still misses open receivers with passes he should complete. He has yet to air it out on a consistent basis and often sticks to controlled, high-percentage short passes. He had five interceptions and two lost fumbles in San Francisco’s first five games and needs to do better protecting the football.