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49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 most important players for San Francisco in Week 3

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Defensive back Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Defensive back Brandon Flowers #24 of the Kansas City Chiefs tackles running back LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers for a loss during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/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) /

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.