The prospects for the San Francisco 49ers' season remain strong, with a playoff berth and a deep January run in play. However, last week's matchup against the Rams, with a division lead and conference supremacy at stake, hit like a hard reality check. Los Angeles dominated the 49ers 42-26.
Mac Jones and the offense had a productive day, throwing for three touchdowns, but the defense got shredded by quarterback Matthew Stafford, who tossed for four scores. Allowing 31 first downs, committing seven penalties, and two turnovers was not the recipe for success against any opponent, much less a potential Super Bowl contender—certainly a disappointing result.
Not all is lost, as we turn the page to the winter months and the final seven games of the schedule. The season will be capped with a home date against Seattle, which could decide the division. And their next four opponents have a .500 record or worse. While injuries to key stars have ravaged the season, there is an opportunity to bank wins.
After a hot start, the 49ers have alternated wins and losses for seven straight weeks. Aside from running back Christian McCaffrey, no individual player's stats have been great. The 49ers need contributions from players in all roles, especially those who have played limited snaps. These seven players have flown under the radar and could help the 49ers in their final seven games.
7 - THOMAS MORESTEAD
It's strange to consider a punter, who is approaching 1,000 career punts in his 17th season, as a player under the radar, but Thomas Morestead qualifies. He may not boot the ball in a timely manner, and his distance certainly doesn't wow anybody, but the directional punting has been effective.
Morestead ranks in the top five in punts downed inside the 20 with 15. Changing the field position consistently now bodes well for helping a struggling 49ers defense. No more Matthew Stafford to deal with, but talented yet erratic quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Daniel Jones remain on the schedule. Deep punts in play remain key to setting up long fields.
6 - SKYY MOORE
Picked up in late August to provide some receiver depth, given the injuries to Brandon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall. Skyy Moore has recorded receptions in three of the last four weeks, but with tight end George Kittle and fellow wideout Jauan Jennings back in the fold, Moore should not expect targets.
In the return game, not a lot of punch on kickoffs, but on punts, Moore has shown the ability to elude defenders on the first level. With inferior opponents on paper coming up, any return amassing 30 yards would be ideal, as Moore's season high currently stands at 27.
5 - CJ WEST
Despite being buried on the depth chart behind defensive linemen Alfred Collins and Jordan Elliott before Mykel Williams's injury, CJ West recorded three total tackles against the Rams last week and has upped his snap count usage to 18 percent. The rookie fourth-rounder, once given the opportunity, has shown good lateral quickness and attacking gaps to thwart opponents' run game, but needs to improve rushing the passer (as the 49ers defensive line needs to do collectively).
Reasonable goals for West should include increasing the snap rate to 25 percent and achieving tackles for loss.
4 - CHASE LUCAS
As the backup nickel back to Upton Stout, Chase Lucas's time on the field has been limited to less than 10 percent of defensive snaps. Lucas gives good run support when necessary and has demonstrated good ball instincts.
He was in on the tackle against running back Kyren Williams to ice the game in Week 5 against the Rams, and had a key pass breakup on fourth down defending wide receiver Drake London to help secure the win in Week 7 versus Atlanta. Stout has flashed, but has also allowed a ton of receptions to slot receivers. If defensive coordinator Robert Saleh loses confidence in Stout, Lucas could be back on the field in a more sustained role.
3 - SAM OKUAYINONU
The injuries to Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams, and Yetur Gross-Matos have opened an opportunity for defensive end Sam Okuayinonu. Football savants may not be familiar with Okuayinonu, much less how to pronounce his last name. His stats do not suggest an under-the-radar type player, but his production has been very good, which includes two sacks and a forced fumble against wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the opener.
Okuayinonu doesn't always shed blocks, but has shown an effective pass rush, and setting strong edges to support stopping the run. Any additional sacks this season would only strengthen Okuayinonu's future with the 49ers.
2 - KEION WHITE
Buried on the depth chart in New England, the Patriots traded Keion White to the 49ers in late October. He recorded five sacks last year and half a sack last week versus the Rams, but is currently behind Bryce Huff at left defensive end.
White possesses good size and athleticism to be an effective pass rusher, and the 49ers could use the help, tied with Baltimore and Jacksonville for the fewest sacks with 12. The trade is likely viewed as low risk, so any impact White can make would be a hope. Expect White to be in on more pass-rushing down and distances as the season progresses.
1 - NICK MARTIN
This is one of the conundrums of the season, unless fans are wondering why running back Isaac Guerendo is still in the doghouse. The linebacker corps has been decimated. Fred Warner is out for the year, replaced by Tatum Bethune, who has played admirably. Dee Winters has flashed and struggled at times. Strong side linebacker is set with Luke Gifford and Curtis Robinson. They both have a resume, but are certainly not world beaters.
Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh clearly value experience over rookie upside. Martin needs to make his mark on special teams and show out in practice to have a chance to sniff the field defensively this season. If there are no more injuries to linebackers, presuming the 49ers don't sign a street free agent, it looks as though Martin's rookie campaign will serve as a redshirt season.