In Week 13, the San Francisco 49ers found themselves in a familiar setting. For a third-straight season they were playing the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. It was the start of something new for the 49ers with it being Jimmy Garoppolo's first career start with the 49ers. He didn't disappoint, leading San Francisco to a 15-14 victory.
In Pro Football Focus' "Refocused" series, PFF's analysis team broke down the top performances from Sunday's game. The top five contributors in the contest came from members of the 49ers.
Take a look at PFF's top 49ers performers.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Garoppolo was very poised all day and engineered long sustained drives by converting key third downs. Although the 49ers weren't able to find the end zone, the offense consistently moved the ball down the field and out-gained the Bears 388-147. Garoppolo finished the day completing 26 of his 37 passes for 293 yards, one interception and the team's third-highest overall grade (86.7). According to Pro Football Focus, he posted a 95.7 passer rating while operating in a clean pocket. He was also awarded the "PFF game ball" for his performance in the 15-14 victory.
C Daniel Kilgore
Kilgore was a key factor in keeping Garoppolo clean against the Bears. The seven-year veteran earned the highest overall grade in the game (87.5). Kilgore had the team's highest run-blocking grade. In addition, he didn't allow a pressure on the day to finish with a pass blocking grade of 85.3.
WR Trent Taylor
When Garoppolo and the 49ers needed a big play on third down, they seemed to look in the direction of one guy, No. 81. Of his six catches, five came on third-down conversions. Taylor earned the 49ers second-highest overall grade (86.9). Taylor hauled in all six of his targets for 92 yards. His longest catch came in the fourth quarter on a key 3rd-and-9 to set up the game-winning field goal. The rookie could become a favorite target for Garoppolo.
LB Reuben Foster
The reigning defensive rookie of the month picked, continued to roll. Foster posted the team's highest grade on defense (74.6). He led the defense with seven tackles as well. Foster was flying all over the field and gave Bears fullback Michael Burton trouble, which lead to four defensive stops. He was also very successful against underneath throws.
WR Marquise Goodwin
Since the unfortunate injury to Pierre Garçon in Week 8, Goodwin has turned into the 49ers top receiving threat. The receiver was perfect when called upon yesterday. Goodwin caught all eight of his targets for 99 yards. Goodwin earned the 49ers fifth-highest overall grade (83.5).
