49ers report card: Shanahan rides Beathard to first win

SANTA CLARA – Here is how the 49ers (1-9) graded in Sunday’s 31-21 home win over the New York Giants (1-8):

PASS OFFENSE: A-

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback C.J. Beathard (3) celebrates his touchdown scramble with San Francisco 49ers’ Marquise Goodwin (11) against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter of their NFL game in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

Marquise Goodwin valiantly played mere hours after the death of his premature son, contributing several big plays (83-yard touchdown catch, open-field block to spring Garrett Celek’s touchdown, 18-yard end around). C.J. Beathard blended an array of screen passes with enough down-field targets to produce his best start (19-of-25, 288 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception). No sacks amplified the much improved pass blocking, led by Joe Staley’s return at left tackle.

RUN OFFENSE: A-

San Francisco 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk (44) runs with the ball and is tackled by New York Giants’ Andrew Adams (33) during the third quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. San Francisco defeated New York 31-21. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

You don’t get a season-high 186 yards without a couple big plays. Like Carlos Hyde’s 28-yarder to open his 98-yard day. Like Matt Breida’s 33-yard touchdown run. Like C.J. Beathard’s 11-yard touchdown run. And Goodwin’s 18-yarder on the second series. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk got stopped on fourth-and-1, then fumbled away their next series (on a reception).

PASS DEFENSE: C

San Francisco 49ers’ Ronald Blair III (98) tackles New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) and forces a fumble during the second quarter of their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

Ronald Blair (two sacks) and Elvis Dumervil (sack) provided edge pressure that’s been lacking. The cornerback corps remains a glaring weakness. Free safety Adrian Colbert made a couple eye-opening plays in his starting debut to complement strong safety Eric Reid, who allowed a second-quarter touchdown. No interceptions for a fourth game.

RUN DEFENSE: B

San Francisco 49ers’ DeForest Buckner (99) tackles against New York Giants’ Shane Vereen (34) in the second quarter of their NFL game in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

The pass-oriented Giants managed 5.0 yards per carry, and that is exactly what Orleans Darkwa averaged in totaling 70 yards. Reuben Foster had a team-high 10 tackles. Leger Douzable, Eric Reid and Brock Coyle had their moments.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

San Francisco 49ers’ Robbie Gould (9) kicks a field goal against the New York Giants in the first quarter of their NFL game in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

Of course, Robbie Gould made a field goal, as he’s done every game this season. The 49ers punted only once for the first time in three years. Victor Bolden had harrowing returns, not in a good way.

COACHING: A

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is patted on the back as he heads to the locker room after defeating the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017. San Francisco defeated New York 31-21. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) 

Kyle Shanahan’s first win came with a crafty game plan that brought out the best in his injury-ravaged, talent-challenged roster. Going 8-for-12 on third downs reflects well on his offense. Shanahan is handling his quarterback dilemma with aplomb, both respecting Beathard’s first win and priming Jimmy Garoppolo for an expected (but not promised) debut after the bye against Seattle on Nov. 26.

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