49ers grades in NFC No. 1 playoff seed-clinching win vs. Commanders

LANDOVER, Md. — The fun and excitement did not end for the 49ers after walking off the field with a 27-10 victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Coaches, players and staff members huddled around a couple of televisions in the 49ers' locker room to watch the closing seconds of the Arizona Cardinals' victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. And with the Eagles' unexpected loss, the 49ers clinched the NFC's No. 1 playoff seed entering the final week of the regular season. The 49ers let an early 10-point lead get away, but they dropped the hammer in the second half to pull away. Here is the report card from this memorable day, as the 49ers secure the No. 1 seed in the playoffs for the 10th time in franchise history: Rushing offense Running back Elijah Mitchell got healthy at precisely the right time for the 49ers. Mitchell showed flashes Sunday of his rookie season, when he led the 49ers in rushing. And after missing 18 games the past two seasons due to injuries, Mitchell stepped into a big role in the second half. He gained 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 rushing attempts after Christian McCaffrey left with a calf strain. McCaffrey had 64 yards on 14 rushes before he was...