49ers vs. Seahawks: Position grades from San Francisco’s blowout loss

Defensive Grades

Defensive Line

The 49ers’ defensive line had one of their worst showings of the season on Sunday. Although usually stout against the run, San Francisco’s front four gave up 168 yards on the ground to the Seahawks, who were only forced to throw the ball 17 times during the contest. The Niners also got very little pressure on Wilson, who enjoyed clean pockets until the end of the game, although defensive tackle DeForest Buckner added a pair of clean-up sacks.

Grade: D

Linebackers

Linebacker Malcolm Smith played well against the run, but was a debacle against the Seahawks passing game, particularly in the beginning of the contest:

The oft-injured yet expensive Smith has been one of 49ers general manager John Lynch‘s worst personnel moves to date, and may be nearing his final games with the team. As usual, MIKE linebacker Fred Warner led San Francisco in tackles, and continues to progress during his rookie season. SAM linebacker Mark Nzeocha didn’t have his best game and was flagged for a pair of penalties.

Grade: D+

Secondary

The 49ers’ secondary did little to stop Seattle’s wide receivers, although Wilsons’ extensive time in the pocket was a major factor in the Seahawks’ success through the air. In his first game against his former squad, cornerback Richard Sherman was better in run defense than against the pass, as he gave up a touchdown reception and also missed a tackle against his good friend, wide receiver Doug Baldwin. Safety Jaquiski Tartt looked out-of-place as the team’s fill-in free safety. Tartt’s play of the day was on special teams, when the safety caught speedy Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett from behind on a kickoff return that would have otherwise gone the distance.

Grade: D