The 49ers wrapped the second quarter of the season Thursday night with a win over the Cardinals. Their 8-0 record is their best start since 1990, and they’ve validated their 4-0 record in the first quarter with another perfect set of four games.
We gave out some first quarter awards, and revisited those after the first half of the year was over:
Best win
Week 8: 51-13 vs. Panthers
The 49ers’ 51-13 romp over Carolina wasn’t the most exciting game of the year. It was essentially over by halftime. However, it was a legitimate test for San Francisco, and they passed with flying colors. They dominated every facet against a Panthers team coming off its bye week and riding a four-game winning streak. The 49ers forced three turnovers, racked up 50 points for the first time since 2003, and asserted themselves as a real threat in the NFC. It’s going to be tough to top that victory.
Best play
Jimmy Garoppolo game-sealing throw to Ross Dwelley vs. Cardinals
The 49ers were running out of gas in the waning moments of their Thursday night showdown in Arizona. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was sensational in the second half and needed a touchdown to take the lead. Giving him the ball back was a dangerous proposition. Garoppolo and the 49ers faced a third-and-9 from the Cardinals’ 48 with 2:00 left. Head coach Kyle Shanahan chose not to run it and ensure the clock kept moving, and instead put the ball in his quarterback’s hands. Garoppolo stepped up to evade pressure, started to run, then found his tight end, Dwelley, wide open just short of the sticks. He completed the throw, and Dwelley barreled forward for the game-sealing first down. In a huge moment on national TV with his star tight end, George Kittle, sidelined by a knee injury, Garoppolo took it upon himself to make a play.
Best single-game offensive performance
Week 8: Tevin Coleman vs. Panthers
Coleman was simply sensational against Carolina. He became the first 49er ever to put up three rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in the same game. He finished with 118 all-purpose yards, and averaged 9.5 yards per carry on 11 attempts. With Matt Breida nursing an ankle injury for the entire second half, Coleman had to help put the game away, and he did so emphatically.
Best single-game defensive performance
Week 8: Nick Bosa vs. Panthers
Bosa might’ve had the league-wide defensive performance of the year against Carolina. While Coleman was ripping it up on offense, Bosa was putting on a show on the other side. He sacked Panthers quarterback Kyle Allen three times, and intercepted him once. Bosa became the 22nd NFL player ever, and the first 49er, to notch three sacks and an interception in one game. It was an overall dominant performance from the rookie that showed the extent of his capabilities as a game wrecker.
Under-the-radar star
DB Jimmie Ward
It seemed relatively insignificant when the 49ers replaced Tarvarius Moore with Jimmie Ward at the starting free safety spot, but Ward has been superb in that role. He’s a tremendous tackler with great instincts and a very high football IQ. His versatility allows him to play high or come into the box and play coverage in the slot. His coverage skills were on display against the Rams when he recorded pass breakups against Cooper Kupp and tight end Gerald Everett on consecutive plays. Ward’s had some injury problems in his career, but he’s extremely valuable now that he’s back on the field.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
OT Justin Skule
Joe Staley’s broken fibula could’ve derailed the 49ers’ season. Sixth-round pick Justin Skule’s play ensured they didn’t miss a beat on offense though. Skule earned a roster spot with a strong camp, and was elevated on the depth chart when Shon Coleman suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason opener. Skule wound up being a superb replacement for Staley though, and helped keep the 49ers’ offense humming without its stalwart left tackle. It’s not easy to fill Staley’s massive shoes at that position, but Skule did so admirably.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
DE Nick Bosa
This isn’t really a question for the 49ers, and it won’t be one league-wide either. Bosa is rapidly making a case to be the best defensive player in the entire league, so his status as the top rookie in San Francisco isn’t in question. He’s been everything the 49ers could’ve hoped from the No. 2 pick. They needed a home run, and they got one in a player who’ll threaten the rookie sack record.
Offensive Player of the Year
TE George Kittle
There’s a case to be made that Kittle is one of the best players in football, full stop. He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and a threat as a receiver in the screen game, on short throws, and down the field. He’s also a monster after the catch. San Francisco’s offense would be a little different without some players, but it couldn’t exist in its current iteration without their tight end’s unique, dominant skill set. The 49ers have a lot of talented players on offense. Kittle has been the best among them.
Defensive Player of the Year
DE Nick Bosa
There are some arguments to be made for players like Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Fred Warner or Richard Sherman, but Bosa has been too good. He’s the team’s DPOY through eight games, and that’s not likely to change over the second half of the year.
MVP
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
There’s MVP arguments to be made for half a dozen 49ers, but Garoppolo is the winner through eight games. He hasn’t carried the offense, but he’s been excellent at what’s been asked of him. He’s money on third downs, he led a comeback against the Steelers despite five turnovers, and he singlehandedly orchestrated the offense to a victory over the Cardinals, including the game-winning third-down conversion. Garoppolo won’t likely post huge numbers, but his growth as a quarterback and his ability to execute the offense makes him the most valuable 49er at the midway point.
