SF 49ers winners, losers from shocking win over Cardinals

Winner: SF 49ers Cornerbacks K’Waun Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon

San Francisco’s secondary had to be on point in Week 16 against a potent Cardinals offense.

Fortunately, it was.

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Linebacker Fred Warner was exceptional, yes. But the two biggest defensive standouts were cornerbacks K’Waun Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon. Williams, who suffered ankle injuries during the game, still managed six tackles, two of them for a loss, one pass broken up, a sack and a forced fumble.

Impressive for a pending free agent. That’ll help his 2021 contract negotiations.

Yet it was more exciting to see Witherspoon play well, especially after he’s been in and out of the lineup and was only starting in Week 16 in the wake of the veteran, Richard Sherman, being out with a calf injury.

Witherspoon, who is also a free agent next year, recorded seven tackles, had a tackle for a loss and recorded a clutch interception in the end zone to ensure the SF 49ers would preserve their one-score lead.

Talk about a big moment.

While Witherspoon might not fit into the Niners’ long-term plans, it was great to see him bounce back when called upon.