49ers: Young players impress in loss to Seattle

The San Francisco 49ers’ faint playoff hopes came to end last Sunday in a 17-7 loss to the rival Seattle Seahawks. However, there were some positives to take away as several of the 49ers’ youngsters shined in the hostile environment of CenturyLink Field.

Second-year defensive lineman Quinton Dial earned a career-high +2.5 grade against the Seahawks, including a +3.1 grade against the run.

Rookie Chris Borland had three stops and a +1.3 grade before injuring his ankle at the end of the first half. Despite appearing in just nine games, Borland’s +16.2 grade against the run and his 21.3% run stop percentage lead all inside linebackers by a wide margin.

Running back Carlos Hyde’s +2.6 grade was also a career best, and 38 of his 55 rushing yards on Sunday (on just six carries) came after contact.

Defensive end Tank Carradine got his first two sacks of his career on just six pass rushes vs. Seattle, for a hugely impressive 33.3 Pass Rushing Productivity score.

Cornerback Dontae Johnson allowed just two catches on five targets for 16 yards in his first NFL start, earning a +1.1 overall grade.

While there will likely be significant turnover in Santa Clara in the offseason, the 49ers have several players poised to step up and make an impact in 2015.