Defensive Grades
Week 17 ensured the Niners would set franchise records for what has been a historically bad 49ers defense this season, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee:
#49ers have now established franchise highs in:
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 1, 2017
* Yards allowed in a season
* Points allowed in a season
* Rushing yards allowed in a season
Initially, San Francisco’s defense looked as if it had Seattle’s number. But momentum started to shift in the Seahawks’ favor midway through the second quarter.
Defensive Line
Rookie defensive end Ronald Blair was about the lone bright spot in what was otherwise a merely OK performance from San Francisco’s defensive line.
Blair recorded two quarterback hits on the game. But the D-line couldn’t get to Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson with any sort of regularity, in spite of a weak Seahawks offensive line.
Grade: C-
Linebacker
Equal a problem in the pass rush, San Francisco’s linebackers couldn’t converge on Wilson with any sort of regularity. The Niners did manage a few quarterback hits but registered zero sacks on the game.
It’s clear the 49ers need some pass-rushing linebackers, as well as interior help, to shore up this side of the ball moving forward.
Grade: D
Secondary
Rookie cornerback Rashard Robinson suffered an ankle injury defending against Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin.
With San Francisco’s best corner down, the defense was forced to rely more on depth guys like Keith Reaser and Dontae Johnson.
Johnson’s efforts weren’t particularly good. And the 49ers will likely need some more help here this offseason.
Grade: C-