Collinsworth lauds rookie making ‘huge difference’ for 49ers’ defense

SANTA CLARA — While things have not gone according to plan across the board for the 49ers this season, Cris Collinsworth recognizes one area where the team has made a dramatic improvement. Collinsworth, the lead analyst for "Sunday Night Football" on NBC, highlighted the defensive backfield ahead of San Francisco's Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. "Everybody wants to play man coverage, and I think the 49ers have the ability to match up against almost anybody now," Collinsworth told NBC Sports Bay Area. "And maybe that's something they wouldn't have done in the past." Rookie Renardo Green replaced veteran cornerback Isaac Yiadom last week in nickel situations. In those passing situations, Green entered the game to join Deommodore Lenoir and Charvarius Ward. "Renardo Green has made a huge difference back there," Collinsworth said. "Lenoir back there, Ward back there, it gives them three legitimate man coverage kind of guys." Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes had the worst statistical game of his career last week — though he still made enough winning plays in a 28-18 win over the 49ers. Mahomes completed 16 of 27 passes for 154 yards...