Report card: Kaepernick’s poise, defense’s pass deflections, Ginn’s return key trip to Super Bowl

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Here is how the 49ers (13-4-1) graded in their 28-24 win over the host Atlanta Falcons (14-4):

Pass offense: Colin Kaepernick stayed poised amid a 17-0 deficit and spotted the right matchups. That often resulted in tight end Vernon Davis’s resurgence (106 yards, touchdown). Kaepernick’s passer rating of 127.7 led all quarterbacks in Sunday’s games, and he was 16 of 21 for 233 yards with no turnovers. Michael Crabtree rebounded from a fumble at the Falcons 1-yard line to provide an 8-yard catch that set up the go-ahead touchdown.Grade: A

Run offense: It has to be Frank Gore’s greatest game of his eight-season, record-filled career. His 9-yard, go-ahead touchdown run highlighted a 90-yard, two-touchdown day. He found the creases in a Falcons defense consumed with Kaepernick, who only had one designed run (minus-2 yards) and one scramble (23 yards). Rookie LaMichael James’ 15-yard TD run broke the ice. Unlike like last year’s NFC title game, Anthony Dixon came through on third-and-1 in the fourth quarter. Grade: A

Pass defense: Linebackers Ahmad Brooks and NaVorro Bowman broke up the most meaningful passes the 49ers faced this season, doing so on third and fourth down to halt the Falcons at the 10-yard line. As bad as the secondary played in the first half, the cornerbacks later became playmakers, starting with Chris Culliver’s interception. Tarell Brown broke up a deep pass and so did Carlos Rogers, who also made a key tackle on Tony Gonzalez.Grade: B-

Run defense: From Justin Smith’s tackle on the opening snap to Patrick Willis’ game-high 12^th tackle on the Falcons’ penultimate series, this unit allowed only 3.5 yards per carry and 81 yards total. Michael Turner missed a chunk of the game with an ankle injury and Jacquizz Rodgers couldn’t break a run longer than nine yards. Grade: A

Special teams: Ted Ginn Jr.’s only punt return was monumental to the comeback, as that 20-yard sprint put them at the Falcons’ 38-yard line for the go-ahead series. David Akers went 5-for-5 on touchback kickoffs, but his 38-yard field-goal attempt struck the upright and cast his future in doubt again. Grade: B-

Coaching: Jim Harbaugh’s second season has bred the 49ers’ first Super Bowl berth in 18 years. Forget about his hissy fit on the failed replay challenge. He and his staff coached up this unit so strong they didn’t buckle at a 17-0 deficit. Instead, the Greg Roman-coordinated offense exploited Mike Nolan’s defense. Vic Fangio made adjustments and the 49ers defenders shut out the Falcons after halftime. Grade: A

source:http://blogs.mercurynews.com/49ers/2013/01/21/report-card-kaepernicks-poise-defenses-pass-deflections-ginns-return-key-trip-to-super-bowl/