The 49ers obliterated the Ravens 27-10 in a divisional playoff game that wasn’t as close as the score indicated. San Francisco dominated every facet, and save two plays by Minnesota, they dominated every play Saturday afternoon at Levi’s Stadium.
With the 49ers moving on in the playoffs, we have six takeaways from Saturday:
NFC championship bound
The 49ers are headed back to the NFC championship for the first time since 2014, when they went for a third-consecutive time. It’ll be their first NFC championship game at home since 2012 when they fell to the New York Giants at Candlestick Park.
San Francisco doesn’t know their opponent just yet. They await Sunday’s NFC divisional round game between the Seahawks and Packers. The 49ers went 1-1 vs. Seattle this season with a loss at home in Week 10 and a thrilling win in Seattle in Week 17. San Francisco thumped the Packers 37-8 at home in Week 12.
Tevin Coleman is back
The 49ers’ running back had a big first half of the year, but faltered over the final nine games. He had just 212 yards on 66 carries with one touchdown on the ground. Coleman bounced back in the playoffs though with 22 carries for 105 yards and two rushing touchdowns. It was his first multi-touchdown game most yards since Week 8 against the Panthers. His 22 carries were a season high. With Coleman rolling, the 49ers’ offense is very hard to stop, and that showed Saturday.
Sack party
The 49ers’ defensive line looked like the dominant force of nature it was early in the season. They sacked Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins six times, with most of them coming late to help San Francisco close the contest. Nick Bosa had 2.0 sacks, Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford all had 1.0 each. Their six sacks were the most since they racked up seven in Week 8 against the Panthers.
Ahkello Witherspoon vs. Emmanuel Moseley
Witherspoon got the start after getting benched for Moseley in Week 17, but his playing time was short-lived after surrendering a 41-yard score on Minnesota’s second series of the game. Moseley came in and did a nice job on Diggs, although he did nearly give up a long touchdown at the end of the game. Free safety Jimmie Ward flew over and delivered a big hit to dislodge the ball from the receiver. It seems unlikely Witherspoon will start in the NFC championship, but Moseley’s late hiccup makes it a question moving forward.
No Kittle, no problem
The 49ers have generally struggled to move the ball when George Kittle isn’t productive in the passing game. That wasn’t the case Saturday when Kittle was held to just 16 yards on three catches. However, he was a monster in the run game and helped pave the way on the ground for 186 yards on 47 carries. San Francisco probably won’t survive moving forward with such limited production from their tight end, but the fact they got such a dominant offensive game without him is a great sign.
Jimmy G’s first playoff start a mixed bag
Garoppolo’s first playoff start wasn’t perfect, but it got the job done. He threw it just 19 times, but he completed 11 for 131 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The more telling stat though is his six attempts in the second half. The 49ers all but put away their passing attack in the second half with their run game dominating. Garoppolo completed three of his six second-half throws for 26 yards. He also missed some throws early in the game that probably should’ve been completed. Garoppolo has to be better in the NFC championship, but he was good enough Saturday.
