Ahkello Witherspoon proved himself worthy in 49ers win vs. Buccaneers

Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon was a big reason why the San Francisco 49ers pulled off a significant road win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, and here’s why.

Perhaps all of San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon‘s 2018 struggles were erased by an absolute gem of a performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1.

The Niners went on to win the matchup Sunday, beating the Bucs 31-17 in a defense-first contest.

A year ago, Witherspoon would have been a liability in such a contest featuring Tampa Bay quarterback Jameis Winston and a prolific passing offense, especially considering the Buccaneers’ top wide receiver, Mike Evans, had 116 receiving yards when these two teams met back in 2018.

Instead of emulating last season, though, Witherspoon was a massive asset, breaking up three passes over the course of the game and registering a game-sealing pick-six interception late in the fourth quarter:

Yet this interception wasn’t anywhere near as impressive as Witherspoon’s other two plays. Winston was under duress and tossed an ill-advised, off-balance throw right into Witherspoon’s waiting arms.

What was more impressive was Witherspoon’s work against players like Evans.

Early in the first half, Winston targeted Evans on a crossing route, only to see Witherspoon get his hand in the way for the pass deflection. In total, Evans had just two catches for 28 yards during the game. It’s safe to say both Witherspoon and veteran corner Richard Sherman did a more-than-adequate job shutting him down.

“Ahkello is the same player,” Sherman told reporters after the game. “Don’t get me wrong. He was a good player last year. It’s just his mentality and approach has changed. He was a talented, incredible player last year. He had a few plays and a few mistakes here and there, and he was just a victim of some coverage busts. … This year, he’s learned to overcome those things, mentally.”

It certainly appears to be the case.

Pro Football Focus, which graded Witherspoon dead last a year ago among 112 qualifying cornerbacks, gave the third-year pro a team-high 80.8 overall grade this game. Out of the six targets thrown his way, Witherspoon allowed just two catches for 21 yards.

“He’s going to be a great player in this league for a long time,” Sherman continued. “I’m just so proud of him and the way he battled.”

It’s not uncommon for young defensive backs to struggle in the transition from college ranks to the pros. While there are exceptions, of course, a good chunk of first- and second-year defensive backs frequently see some serious regressions early in their careers. Witherspoon’s 2018 campaign certainly suggested this.

But if his efforts during San Francisco’s 2019 opener are any indication, the 49ers will be justified for showing patience with their 2017 third-round NFL Draft pick.

And one could make the argument the Niners wouldn’t have won their Week 1 bout had Witherspoon not played as well as he did.