Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers grades and analysis following Week 1 win over Buccaneers

By Akshaj Dwivedula

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball off to Matt Breida #22 in the second quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers hands the ball off to Matt Breida #22 in the second quarter of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates an interception returned for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 08: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates an interception returned for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

49ers Defensive Grades

Defense was a different story for the Niners. They outscored the opposing offense, which always means it’s been a good game.

Defensive Line: B+

The unveiling of the wide-9 for the defensive line had its ups and downs. The real issue came from interior run defense, which is the problem of this new 49ers scheme.

Apart from this one issue, part of which can be solved just by having Kwon Alexander in the game to shoot the gaps at linebacker, the 49ers defensive line played very well.

Rob Lowder of Niners Nation summarized the impact of the new additions to the line:

That final line is so important to consider. There were sacks sure. And in Nick Bosa‘s case, several missed sacks. But that defensive pressure forced some pretty bad throws from Jameis Winston.

The defensive line did all it was supposed to. Great start to the season.

Linebackers: A

This is a hard position group to grade because Alexander was ejected from the game. He was playing very well, but despite the validity of the call, he didn’t get a chance to play. It was a great start and a tease for the future.

The rest of the unit made sure Alexander’s loss wouldn’t be felt. Fred Warner forced two fumbles, one of which was recovered by the 49ers, Mark Nzeocha had the 49ers first interception of the year and Dre Greenlaw was solid all-around.

It bodes well for the position group as a whole when the replacement is seamless. Great job by the second level.

Secondary: A

Richard Sherman had a tough game early, with a two penalties against him. Safety Tarvarius Moore missed a few tackles. That’s about it in terms of negatives for the secondary.

The players were swarming, glued to their receivers. In Sherman’s case, maybe a little too close to his receiver. There wasn’t a major breakdown in coverage, and no real big plays allowed.

The secondary made a ton of big plays. Like this:

His first pick as a 49ers player and the one that let people breathe a little.

Then, Moore broke on a ball to force a turnover on downs and keep the 49ers lead. He should have gone the other way with it, but nevertheless, it was a great play.

Finally, when the 49ers needed a big play by the defense to stop the Bucs from surging, Ahkello Witherspoon delivered:

Whenever the secondary outscores the opposing wide receivers, they can’t earn less than an A-grade.

A great showing all around by the 49ers defense, carrying this team to a win.