49ers film room: First-team defense vs. Chiefs starting offense
By Chris Wilson
3rd-and-6 at SF 11
On their second third down of the drive, the Chiefs are again in 11 personnel, in a trips formation.
The 49ers are in their nickel defense, playing Cover 2. Robert Saleh’s prior teams often switched to Cover 2 looks as opposing offenses neared the end zone:
Alex Smith sees nothing downfield, so he dumps the ball off to Spencer Ware.
Rashard Robinson, who is responsible for the flat, comes up in an attempt to make the tackle:
Ware is well behind the first-down marker, so he would have to catch the ball and put a quick move on Robinson to have a chance of moving the sticks:
Fortunately for Ware, Robinson flies up to make the play, and is off-balance when he reaches the running back:
Robinson lowers his head for the knockout blow, and Ware simply sidesteps the corner and heads upfield:
Eventually, Ware is properly wrapped up by Reuben Foster before he’s able to reach the end zone:
