How PFF graded Purdy, 49ers in prime-time loss to Lions originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SANTA CLARA — The 49ers came out firing on all cylinders in the first half of their loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday, but couldn’t maintain the production through all four quarters.
San Francisco’s PFF grades from the 40-34 defeat show high-powered performances from rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who had a much-anticipated breakout performance, and George Kittle, who arguably is one of the best tight ends the NFL has ever seen.
Brock Purdy was largely well protected through much of the game behind a patchwork offensive line, allowing the quarterback to place the ball downfield with several explosive plays.
The running game was less productive, even with Isaac Guerendo’s return and Deebo Samuel and Pearsall’s contributions. As a group, including scrambles from Purdy and Josh Dobbs, the offense ran the ball only 18 times for 75 yards, or 4.2 yards per carry.
On the defensive side of the ball, the theme was inconsistency. While there were several stops, pass breakups and tackles for a loss made by the defense, the group still allowed Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to gain 117 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff was sacked twice, but he completed 26 of his 34 attempts for 303 yards and three touchdowns.
Here are the 49ers’ PFF grades for Week 17:
Offense
TE George Kittle – 93.2
Kittle caught all eight of his targets for 112 yards and had two other catches for 47 total yards wiped out by penalties. Kittle’s 92.4 overall grade is the highest among all tight ends and is set to finish the 2024 NFL season in the No. 1 spot.
WR Ricky Pearsall – 78.4
The rookie receiver caught eight of his 10 targets for 14 yards and a touchdown. Seven of Pearsall’s catches were for a first down or a touchdown, and 37 of his 141 yards came after the catch.
RB Isaac Guerendo – 71.4
The rookie’s 34 rushing yards all came after contact, and Guerendo caught all…
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