Niner Noise
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49ers’ 2018 problems proving to be what we thought they’d be

By Peter Panacy

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts drops a pass while defended by Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - AUGUST 25: T.Y. Hilton #13 of the Indianapolis Colts drops a pass while defended by Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter of a preseason game at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass over Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 30-27. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass over Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 30-27. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Issue No. 2: Cornerback Depth

On a positive note, veteran cornerback Richard Sherman has done an excellent job locking down one side of the field on defense. He has only allowed one completion on three targets over two weeks this season, pointing to him being the shutdown corner the 49ers envisioned him as after signing the 30-year-old veteran in free agency.

And zero concerns or questions about his 2017 Achilles injury either.

That said, depth questions behind Sherman have been problematic. Sherman’s presence meant opponents were going to target fellow cornerbacks Ahkello Witherspoon and K’Waun Williams a lot this season.

They have, and it hasn’t gone well. Especially not for Witherspoon, who gave up multiple receptions (including one for a touchdown) and could have easily allowed more in Week 2 versus Detroit had quarterback Matthew Stafford not overthrown multiple receiving targets.

Witherspoon is going to be a key part of the 49ers’ plans this season, for better or for worse. And while we can expect young defensive backs to struggle early on, one has to hope for better performances in coming weeks.

Otherwise, Witherspoon could be destined for the same trajectory former Niners cornerback Rashard Robinson was after an impressive rookie 2016 campaign, followed by a forgettable 2017 effort.

Let’s hope that’s not the case, as there aren’t any ideal depth options behind the second-year pro.