49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 most important players for San Francisco in Week 3
By Peter Panacy
No. 2: Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon
One of the 49ers’ starting boundary cornerbacks has a 76.7 overall grade this season, according to Pro Football Focus. The other’s is 42.3.
Can you guess which one belongs to second-year pro Ahkello Witherspoon?
No. 1 cornerback Richard Sherman has all but shut down his side of the field, having seen just four targets this season, allowing a single catch in the process. That’s been it.
The downside of all of this is Witherspoon being the victim of increased attention. And it hasn’t gone as well for San Francisco’s promising 2017 rookie.
Witherspoon has been targeted 15 times on the season, allowing nine catches, including eight grabs and two touchdowns in the 49ers’ 30-27 Week 2 win over the Lions.
Even if we assume Sherman continues to erase targets to his side of the field in Week 3 in Kansas City, the thought of Witherspoon having to cover either Chiefs wide receivers Tyreek Hill or Sammy Watkins isn’t exactly comforting.
Both of Patrick Mahomes’ prime receiver targets have already proven potency this season, making Witherspoon’s Sunday responsibilities a high priority.