Story and photos by R. Mascardo

SANTA CLARA — Garoppolo improbably lived up to his billing. The 49ers quarterback/miracle work took a blowtorch to the league’s most feared pass defense in 44-33 victory at Levi’s Stadium.

It was one of the three interceptions the 49ers’ maligned cornerback unit had against quarterback Blake Bortels and the 49ers (5-10) parlayed Williams into go-ahead touchdown drive that halted a 19-points scoring spree by the Jaguars (10-5).

Garoppolo already enjoyed exalted status out here. You half expect a halo under his helmet. But this was a remarkable performance even by his standard, considering that the Jaguars entered the game limiting the opponents to an NFL best (168.9) passing yard per game. Garoppolo had 187 yards in the first half.

Garoppolo was 21-of-30 passing for 242 yards and two touchdowns, and Matt Breida scored the game-clinching touchdown when all they need to do was convert a third down and waste time.

Garoppolo led the 49ers to four straight wins but this one might have been the most impressive, considering the quality of Jaguar’s defense. The Jaguars came into the game having allowed the fewest points and yard passing in the league, while recording the most sacks.