SF 49ers grades, breakdowns from ugly Week 4 loss to Eagles

SF 49ers Defensive Grades

Yes, the Eagles offense has been terrible this season. And the Niners defense has been banged up, too, the latest injury now falling on EDGE Ezekiel Ansah, who is likely to be lost for the year after suffering a torn bicep during the game.

The time-of-possession battle only slightly favored Philadelphia, though, and there were still too many breakdowns in plays to suggest San Francisco’s defense isn’t at fault here.

Despite all those injuries, the SF 49ers have received some stellar play from reserve EDGE Kerry Hyder, who registered half a sack and had four combined tackles. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead also assisted on the sack and added six quarterback hits.

The problem for the Niners defensive line, though, was the inability to close that gap on Carson Wentz, frequently allowing him to evade pressure and extend plays.

Those hurt.

San Francisco sorely missed linebacker Dre Greenlaw during the game, as his efforts to cover the intermediate routes from Philly’s offense could have been a key difference-maker. While his backup, Azeez Al-Shaair, managed the 49ers’ lone defensive takeaway, Al-Shaair is a massive drop-off in coverage abilities.

Linebacker

Fred Warner

remains a stud player, and there isn’t any doubting that. Him flashing some blitz capabilities and pass-rush strengths is a bonus to his already-elite skill set.

Sadly, Warner was about the only consistent playmaker here, although this unit didn’t exactly cost the Niners the game.

It’s scary to think what would have happened if the Eagles had a full crop of healthy pass-catchers for Sunday night.

Armed primarily with third-string backups and recent practice squad call-ups, the Eagles receivers still managed to get around San Francisco’s defensive backs when needed. True, the SF 49ers are dealing with a slew of injuries at cornerback, which forced Jason Verrett and Dontae Johnson into starting roles.

And while Verrett had some plus moments in the game, Johnson’s long 42-yard touchdown allowed to Philadelphia wide receiver Travis Fulgham was exceptionally ugly:

https://twitter.com/Eagles/status/1312951025377128448

This also came at the worst possible time, too, turning the tide of the game and putting the SF 49ers into scramble mode, which they weren’t good at doing.

Simply put, Johnson should be nothing more than a third-string option.