placeholder image

Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports


49ers shine on defense despite being without seven starters

Oct 25, 2020 at 8:13 PM--


Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Among the most impressive facets of the back-to-back wins the 49ers have posted against the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots over the past two weeks has been the play of their defense, which has been able to shine even without seven projected starters due to injury.

The 49ers have been banged up on the defensive line for most of the season, with Nick Bosa (torn ACL), Solomon Thomas (torn ACL), and Dee Ford (back) among those who have been on the sidelines. They've also been without cornerback Richard Sherman, who has been out since mid-September due to a calf injury. More recently, the defense has lost linebacker Kwon Alexander (ankle), safety Jimmie Ward (quad), and safety Jaquiski Tartt (groin).

And yet, the 49ers have been able to persevere due to the depth they have on the roster while also bringing in veterans such as cornerback Jamar Taylor, who was with the team in training camp. Taylor stepped up in Sunday's 33-6 win over the New England Patriots, as did safeties Tarvarius Moore and Marcell Harris.

"Extremely impressed," 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the win in New England. "For both those safeties to come in and have the game that they did, Jamar Taylor who wasn't here a few weeks ago... for him to have two picks today I thought it was huge."

49ers linebacker Fred Warner says there's plenty of credit to go around, starting with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

"I think obviously it starts with Saleh, the way he playcalls and gets us ready throughout the week, all the coaches, and you've got to give credit to all these guys who are stepping up," Warner said. "You have T-Moore and Marcell Harris coming in at safety this week on short notice and they come in and play big roles for us and ball out. Our guys who are still in the lineup, we take great pride in being out there and try to keep the defense steady. I can't say enough good things about how our front is playing, even with guys down. Guys in the back end are playing solid coverage. We've just got to get back to work and keep it going."

The performance of the defense as of late may come as a surprise to some, given the injury issues as well as the struggles it had in a 43-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. But it hasn't been surprising to the 49ers, who see what they are capable of on a daily basis.

"The way our defense goes at it every single day in practice, the way our coaches prepare them and the extra work they put in, I expect that no matter who's out there," tight end George Kittle said. "That's just our defense. That's just their mindset. We have a lot of guys out there that make a lot of plays.

"What I love about our defense is you say we have seven opening day guys who aren't starting, but all that is, it's an opportunity for these young guys to come in or other players to come in and make big plays. That's all we've been doing is making plays and playing good football and playing team football."

The challenges will get tougher for the defense in the weeks ahead, starting with a road matchup against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks next Sunday, followed by a home game against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers the following week. Chances are the defense will continue to have its doubters given the nature of those matchups, but it'll be happy to do what it can to keep proving people wrong.

"I feel like all that noise outside the building is irrelevant in our building, especially to our group," Warner said. "We know exactly what we're capable of and we're just going to continue to work every single day to get better."



Facebook Comments



More San Francisco 49ers News


placeholder image

Eric Kendricks on 49ers defense: Fred Warner's attitude is 'infectious'

By David Bonilla
Mar 13

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their linebacker corps by signing Eric Kendricks to a one-year deal. Kendricks joins the team as Dre Greenlaw recovers from a torn Achilles suffered in the Super Bowl, while Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are set to become free agents. Thirteen months ago, ahead of Super Bowl 57, Kendricks spoke with NBC Sports Bay Area at Radio Row in Arizona about the 49ers. Having just finished his final season with the Minnesota Vikings, Kendricks had practiced against the Bay Area squad ahead of their preseason match in August 2022. RELATED: 49ers


placeholder image

Charvarius Ward willing to help 49ers land Tre'Davious White

By David Bonilla
5 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers likely aren't finished fortifying their defense and have reportedly expressed interest in bolstering their defensive backfield. If they require assistance making a significant move, one 49ers player is prepared to lend a helping hand. Last week, the Buffalo Bills released All-Pro cornerback Tre'Davious White, who appears to be an ideal fit for San Francisco's needs opposite Charvarius Ward. Over the weekend, Ward took to social media to reveal that he and White share the same agent and that he is willing to nudge the free-agent defensive back in the right direction. Ward described White as a "hand in glove


placeholder image

49ers LB Fred Warner and wife Sydney welcome first baby

By David Bonilla
Mar 11

According to PEOPLE, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner and his wife, Sydney, have welcomed their first baby, son Beau Anthony, into the world. Beau was born on Thursday, March 7, in San Jose, California. San Francisco 49ers' Fred Warner and Wife Sydney Welcome First Baby: 'Over the Moon' (Exclusive) https://t.co/wrEEOTCeKJ— People (@people) March 11,


placeholder image

49ers signing QB Josh Dobbs to a 1-year deal

By David Bonilla
4 hrs

The San Francisco 49ers are bolstering their quarterback room by adding a new player. According to his agent, Mike McCartney, the team is signing Josh Dobbs to a one-year deal. McCartney announced the news on social media, confirming the acquisition. Congrats @josh_dobbs1 agreeing to a 1 year deal with the @49ers— Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 18,


Latest

Trending News

Share 49ersWebzone