49ers report card: Purdy’s Grade-A debut complements defense’s dominance

SANTA CLARA – Here is how the 49ers (9-4) graded in Sunday’s 35-7 home win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7):

PASS OFFENSE: A

San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws to San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (85) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

Maybe we all knew things would go Brock Purdy’s way in his first start when he audibled into a first-snap sack, only to be rescued by a roughing-the-passer penalty that nullified his only sack of the day. He attempted only three passes after their 28-0 halftime lead and finished 16-of-21 for 185 yards, with two touchdown passes, a 2-yard scoring scramble, and no interceptions. Masterful debut by No. 262 (his anchor-leg spot in this year’s draft). Purdy distributed the ball to the 49ers’ great number of playmakers, and it was Deebo Samuel who accrued a team-high 43 receiving yards (four catches) before exiting with a second-quarter ankle sprain (no fracture). Like last game, a third-down conversion by George Kittle gave Purdy and the offense confidence to get moving. Purdy came away with an oblique injury to worry about, the price to pay for hits like a blitzer delivered on Purdy’s 32-yard touchdown toss to route-master Brandon Aiyuk before halftime. Eight different receivers caught a pass, including Danny Gray’s first career reception (10-yard, fourth-down conversion from Josh Johnson to kill the clock).

RUN OFFENSE: A

San Francisco 49ers’ Deebo Samuel (19) heads to the end zone for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

That October trade for McCaffrey is saving the 49ers’ season, or at least their offense, all proper respect to their defense. He delivered his first 100-yard rushing performance (119 yards on 14 carries) and he set the blowout tone with a 21-yard to the 13 on the first drive, not to mention back-to-back 13-yard sprints on their second touchdown drive, followed by his 38-yard touchdown jaunt. The 49ers’ blocking was stupendous, as evident on Deebo Samuel’s 13-yard touchdown run where Kittle and Mike McGlinchey cleared the way to the right sideline. Without Samuel and Elijah Mitchell for perhaps the rest of the regular season, rookie Jordan Mason must continue to make strides, and he averaged 5.1 yards per carry Sunday (11 carries, 56 yards). Next men up after him: Ty Davis-Price and Tevin Coleman, the latter of whom figures to join the 53-man roster off the practice squad.

PASS DEFENSE: A

San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (54) chats with Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterback Tom Brady (12) after the 49ers 35-7 win over the Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

How much swagger do the 49ers have, deservedly so? So much that Dre Greenlaw took the footbalsl he and Tashaun Gipson intercepted and had Tom Brady autograph them. As dismal as the Bucs looked, the 49ers deserve credit for Sunday’s domination and fending off Brady’s inevitable comeback attempt. Interceptions came Gipson and Greenlaw on the Bucs’ opening two drives after halftime. Brady did not get sacked, and Bosa came closest when he had a grasp of Brady’s lower legs on a third-down throwaway. The 49ers hit Brady seven times, by Kerry Hyder (two), Bosa, Samson Ebukam, Arik Armstead, Jordan Willis and Jimmie Ward, the latter being an unheralded force at nickel back.

RUN DEFENSE: A

San Francisco 49ers’ Dre Greenlaw (57) celebrates his interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

None of the Bucs’ 19 runs turned into anything longer than a 9-yard gain, and they finished with 69 yards (3.6-yard average). The 49ers did not allow a rushing touchdown for the third straight game. Good thing for the 49ers’ sake they extended Greenlaw’s contract before the season because his monster year continued with 15 tackles that matched his career high. Fred Warner, Charvarius Ward and Jimmie Ward each had eight tackles, and that run support from defensive backs reflects the unit’s swarming mentality, as preached by coordinator DeMeco Ryans.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

The San Francisco 49ers huddle in the rain against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2022. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group) 

Ray-Ray McCloud returned a poor opening kickoff to the 34-yard line, and, voila, so began the 49ers’ rout. McCloud’s sure-handed ability on five returns — in wet conditions — should breed confidence. The coverage units excelled other than an obvious hiccup: allowing a 54-yard kickoff return to open the second half. Robbie Gould made all five point-after kicks and did not attempt a field goal.

COACHING: A

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan coaches during their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) 

Kyle Shanahan did not need to deviate much from his 24-play opening script, at least not after Purdy called “the wrong audible” on the opening snap. Purdy hailed the game plan that got him prepared for the Bucs’ variety of looks and pressures. Ryans’ defense has not allowed more than 17 points in this six-game win streak. Shanahan can clinch his second NFC West title in six seasons come Thursday night at Seattle.

Cam Inman joined the Bay Area News Group in 1995, specializing in the 49ers and NFL since 2000.