Mullens grades out well at PFF for being cool under pressure

The 49ers got strong performances across the board Sunday in their 36-9 victory over the New York Jets.

Kyle Shanahan's team played without nearly half their starters due to a spate of injuries. But it did not matter one bit.

The backups rose to the occasion on both sides of the ball and left little doubt the 49ers were decisively the better team that took the field at MetLife Stadium.

Here is a list of who fared the best and worst from the 49ers’ victory according to Pro Football Focus’ grading system:

Thumbs up

QB Nick Mullens: When blitzed, Mullens completed 14 of 20 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown. His completions resulted in 13 first downs. He completed 25 of 36 attempts for 343 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions. He also excelled on passes that traveled 10 or more yards down the field, completing 10 of 15 for 169 yards. His grade of 81.0 was a career-best, and he was the 49ers’ highest-graded player.

RB Jerick McKinnon: He received his first start and came through with strong grades as a runner, receiver and blocker. He did not allow a pressure on four blitz pickups. He rated as the No. 2-graded player on the 49ers' offense. His grade was fourth-best among all running backs this week.

RB Jeff Wilson: He came up with three receptions for 54 yards, with 44 yards coming after the catch.

LT Trent Williams: Played 74 snaps, including 40 in pass protection. He did not allow a sack, a hit or a hurry. He has allowed just two pressures all season. His grade ranked tied for second among NFL tackles.

Download and subscribe to the 49ers Talk Podcast

TE Ross Dwelley: Caught all four of his targets for a career-best 49 yards.

DE Kerry Hyder: Collected six total pressures with one sack, two hits and three hurries.

DL Arik Armstead: He registered the 49ers’ second-highest defensive grade with three pressures as a pass-rusher and two stops against the run.

DE Dion Jordan: One quarterback hit, one sack and a fumble recovery while playing just 22 snaps.

LB Fred Warner: He was targeted six times and gave up just three completions for 24 yards. Warner registered an interception. He also had a team-high three stops in the run game. He was the team's highest-graded defensive player.

CB Jason Verrett: Had a strong showing in his first start with the 49ers. He gave up just two completions for 9 yards with one pass broken up. He was targeted four times. His grade would've been higher if not for a questionable holding penalty.

CB Dontae Johnson: Allowed just three completions for 40 yards with one pass broken up as he stepped into the lineup in place of Emmanuel Moseley, who went out in the first half with a concussion.

RELATED: Grades on offense, defense in Week 3 win vs. Giants

Thumbs down

LG Laken Tomlinson: Allowed a sack, two hits and a hurry for four total quarterback pressures.

LS Kyle Nelson: You don’t need to know a lot about PFF’s grading system to know that a minus-23.1 is not good. Nelson lined up for eight snaps on field goals and extra points. He was high on his first snap, low on three and off-target on another. Two of his low snaps could not be handled and resulted in aborted extra-point attempts. It got so bad the 49ers sent in their backup long-snapper Justin Skule in for the final PAT of the game.