49ers vs. Raiders grades: Defense

The San Francisco 49ers were ousted by the Las Vegas Raiders in brutal fashion, losing 34-7 in their first preseason bout during a game where nearly none of the starters played on either side of the ball.

San Francisco significantly struggled offensively, with their lone scoring play coming off a near interception, while the defense struggled to contain both quarterback Aidan O'Connell and the run game in a disappointing effort.

Here are the grades for the offense for the 49ers in their loss to the Raiders.

Defensive Line: D+

After dominating for a majority of training camp, the defensive line was quiet on Sunday, notching just one sack, and consistently getting beaten in the run game, allowing the Raiders to dominate the pace for a full 60 minutes.

In the passing game, quarterback Aidan O'Connell was fed clean pockets, allowing him to go through progressions and find open receivers over the middle of the field.

Clelin Ferrell was the lone positive of the group, notching the one sack with a nice pass-rushing move, while also recording a good run stop.

However, Javon Kinlaw, Kerry Hyder, and Kevin Givens struggled in defending the run, as the Raiders consistently got to second level for gains of three or four, instead of stops at the line of scrimmage.

With players looking to distance themselves at the position, it wasn't a good look to start the preseason.

Linebackers: C

The linebackers had some of the best, but also some of the worst plays of the game on a day that was run-heavy for the Raiders.

Marcelino McCrary-Ball led the team with six tackles, having a knack for making plays, but also seeming hesitant in shooting the gaps on other opportunities, leading to more yards for the running backs.

Dee Winters and Jalen Graham both flashed, with the former's speed on display when getting out the edge, while the latter's instincts and football IQ led to a team-high six tackles.

However, I wasn't as impressed with Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who looked hesitant, allowing runners to come to him rather than embrace the contact earlier.

With some ups and downs on the day for the linebackers, it was an average day, grades-wise.

Defensive Backs: B

Ambry Thomas was the best player for the 49ers on the field, regardless of position, Sunday, notching two pass-breakups and a key fourth-down run stop, looking much more confident than at the beginning of camp.

Thomas's performance earned him some unprompted praise from defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who mentioned the cornerback's name as a positive on a day filled with negatives.

Elsewhere, Wilks mentioned Samuel Womack was a potential impressor as well, while safeties Tayler Hawkins and Ji'Ayir Brown both made plays on the day in extended action.

Additionally, D'Shawn Jamison saw reps as a returner for the first time and looked the most fluid on the team. That role could earn him a 53-man roster spot, especially if Ray-Ray McCloud misses time to begin the year.

This was the best group of the 49ers' defense on Sunday.

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