5 key storylines to watch for 49ers during 2020 NFL playoffs
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: How Big a Concern 49ers Secondary Will Be
Week 17 pointed out a number of key concerns for San Francisco, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Perhaps the biggest is what to make of the secondary, outside of Richard Sherman and, to a lesser extent, safety Jimmie Ward.
The 49ers defense managed to shut out the Seahawks over the first half on Sunday. But after halftime, quarterback Russell Wilson and Co. made their adjustments, outscoring the Niners 21-13 in the second half.
Wilson carved up San Francisco’s defensive backfield with ease, frequently targeting No. 2 boundary cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon. It happened so much to the point, the 49ers elected to swap out Witherspoon for depth cornerback Emmanuel Moseley.
Those results weren’t notably better, although Moseley did break up a would-be touchdown grab by Seattle wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
Witherspoon was playing exceptionally well earlier this season before suffering a sprained foot, which sidelined him for six games. Since his return in Week 11, the third-year pro has looked nothing like he did earlier this year.
Other teams will be taking notice, too, likely not hesitating to target Witherspoon early and often, especially if he winds up getting his starting job back.