Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 biggest losers from Week 7 loss to Cowboys

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is stripped of the ball by DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - OCTOBER 22: C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is stripped of the ball by DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Brice Butler #19 of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 22: Rashard Robinson #33 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Brice Butler #19 of the Dallas Cowboys during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 22, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Cornerback Rashard Robinson

2017 is proving Rashard Robinson isn’t cut out to be a true No. 1 cornerback at the NFL level. And his efforts in Week 7 were no different.

Robinson’s penalty issues continued during the game, as he had both of San Francisco’s penalties.

Hey, at least the Niners cut down on the flags, outside of Robinson’s efforts.

But the biggest problem has been Robinson’s effort in coverage. He was burned by Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant for a touchdown, and Robinson was also out of position on running back Ezekiel Elliott’s 72-yard catch-and-run touchdown later in the game.

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Pro Football Focus described the 31.8 game grade — the lowest among all players on both sides:

"Robinson was the lowest-graded player in the game, and it was largely due to penalties. He was beaten for Dez Bryant’s touchdown on a double move in the end zone, but he was also flagged twice in coverage, once for pass interference and once for illegal contact, effectively giving up a big play any time the ball came near him."

Teams have made it a point to target Robinson almost all season long, and he hasn’t been able to effectively match up against this consistently. Compounding the problem, the 49ers don’t have amiable upgrades or replacements either. Fellow corner Dontae Johnson isn’t effective, and rookie Ahkello Witherspoon has a long, long way to go.

Next: Cowboys vs. 49ers: Week 7 San Francisco grades & analysis

So that means more of Robinson, unless the Niners go out and grab someone off the market. Somewhere.