SF 49ers: 3 biggest unsung heroes from Week 7 win vs. Patriots

SF 49ers Hero No. 1: Cornerback Jamar Taylor

It’s crazy to think the SF 49ers didn’t name veteran defensive back Jamar Taylor to their 53-man roster when training camp came to a close.

Taylor saw plenty of field time during the Niners’ ugly Week 5 home loss to the Miami Dolphins, and it didn’t go well. His efforts made more than a handful of San Francisco fans cringe at the idea starting nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams was going to be out for a while longer with a knee injury.

But Taylor delivered in Week 7, picking off Cam Newton with just under five minutes left in the third quarter:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1320492311529328650

That pick put Newton on the bench from that point onward.

True, Taylor was essentially gifted the interception off the tipped pass. But he also managed to grab another by intercepting Newton’s backup, Jarrett Stidham, later in the fourth quarter.

What makes the performance impressive for Taylor is the fact the 2018 SF 49ers had just two interceptions all season. Taylor equaled that number alone in one game in Week 7.

Taylor won’t be keeping his starting job once Williams returns. But he has to feel pretty happy about the showing on defense in such a one-sided win.