SANTA CLARA — The 49ers blew out the Packers 37-20 in the NFC championship game. Here are the 49ers’ grades:
GAROPPOLO: B. He completed only six passes, but he didn’t need to complete more than six to beat the Packers, who looked like they’d never before defended a run play. All Garoppolo needed to do was protect the ball, not turn it over, and he accomplished that. He’ll need to do much more to beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, but we’re not quite there yet.
RUNNING BACKS: A-PLUS. Kyle Juszczyk made any number of perfect blocks. He’s one of the 49ers’ most valuable players. Tevin Coleman started and averaged only 3.5 yards per carry before leaving on a cart with a shoulder injury. After he left, Raheem Mostert became the primary running back, a role he should have had all season. He showed why against the Packers. Mostert ran a whopping 29 times for 220 yards and four touchdowns. The 49ers might be undefeated had they featured Mostert during the regular season the way they featured him against the Packers. They absolutely should feature him in the Super Bowl.
WIDE RECEIVERS: B. Deebo Samuel gained 89 yards from scrimmage — 46 yards through the air and 43 on the ground. What a rookie. What a player. He was the 49ers’ second-most-dangerous weapon after Mostert. Kendrick Bourne had one catch for six yards. Emmanuel Sanders had zero catches. He has become a complete afterthought. The 49ers might not re-sign him this
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