Although Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman earned Pro Football Focus' game ball -- partially due to his interception and fumble recovery -- three 49ers ended the matchup with higher overall grades than Pro Football Focus' highest rated player on the Rams.
Buckner led all players with an 88.9 overall grade, after earning a 92.2 overall grade in last week's game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Pro Football Focus analysis team noted that Buckner has its second highest overall grade among interior defenders, and is the the only interior defender who currently ranks in the top five against both the pass and the run:
Buckner has been the unquestioned best defender on the 49ers through three games, positioning himself among elite company at his position. With a 90.4 overall grade on the season, the Oregon-product joins Ndamukong Suh (90.5) and J.J. Watt (90.2) as the only interior defenders with 90.0-plus grades this season.
Those who left wide receiver Pierre Garçon out of their fantasy football lineups due to his perceived difficult matchup against Rams cornerback Trumaine Johnson were likely surprised by Garçon's dominance over the Rams' top corner. Garçon's seven catches for 142 yards -- 133 of which came against Johnson -- helped earn him an 88.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, and further trust from quarterback Brian Hoyer: