Why Robert Saleh is thrilled Ji’Ayir Brown didn’t follow directions in MNF win

SANTA CLARA — Safety Ji’Ayir Brown picked a key moment to abandon his responsibility in the 49ers’ 20-9 win over the Carolina Panthers.And 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh had no problem with Brown’s decision.Brown’s assignment was to cover the deep middle of the field on a second-and-8 play from the 49ers’ 33-yard line in the fourth quarter. The 49ers were protecting an 11-point lead.Instead, Brown allowed two Carolina Panthers receivers to get deep while Brown set his sights Tetairoa McMillan over the middle.Brown made the interception — his second of the game. His first interception came against Bryce Young in the end zone in the first half. Tig Brown with his second INT of the night pic.twitter.com/kEOcwAaIC7 — 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) November 25, 2025 Brown was rewarded with his first NFC Defensive Player of the Week Award.Saleh described Brown’s instinctive play as the difference between playing “fit ball” and football.“If he did it by the book, he wouldn’t have made that play,” Saleh said. “And, so, he’s improving big time with regard to understanding...