Baltimore Ravens report card versus 49ers
Quarterback– Joe Flacco was on target, which says a lot because he only passed the ball 23 times. Flacco fit the ball into some tight holes and had me wondering why the Ravens did not pass more. He was critical in converting third downs. He ended the game with a 100.1 quarterback rating. Grade B+
Running backs– Most of the running lanes were small. Ray Rice only averaged 2.8 yards per carry but was good in the receiving game. Ricky Williams ran the ball hard through some lanes. Grade B
Receivers– Flacco spread the ball around and involved just about everyone. Anquan Boldin had a solid game converting first downs, he finished the day with four receptions. Dennis Pitta was also solid and scored his first NFL touchdown. Grade B
Offensive line– They protected Flacco well, only allowing a few quarterback hits. They had trouble opening up running lanes but the 49ers are great at stopping the run so it was not a surprise. Grade B
Defensive line– This unit was absolutely dominant. Everyone on the line helped create pressure. Cory Redding had 2.5 sacks and Haloti Ngata had two sacks. This unit was a big reason why the Ravens had nine sacks. They also held 49ers star running back Frank Gore to only 39 yards rushing. Grade A++
Linebackers– Without Ray Lewis, Jameel McClain continues to play well. Terrell Suggs led this group with three sacks and was just dominant the entire night. Grade A
Secondary– This unit also held their ground. Lardarius Webb had an amazing interception before the end of the first half. They did not need to cover long because 49ers quarterback Alex Smith was always under pressure. Still they did not let anyone beat them. Jimmy Smith keeps getting more and more involved. Grade A
Special teams– A great day, Billy Cundiff was perfect on field goals and they did not allow a big return. Webb was also successful in returning punts. Grade A
Coaching staff– Fantastic game all around. I was a little puzzled by a couple of the red zone plays they called. The 49ers have not allowed a rushing touchdown all season and yet they tried to run it in several times. Other than that, no complaints. Grade A
