49ers vs. Eagles: 5 challenges San Francisco faces in Week 2
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: 49ers inevitably have makeshift options within the secondary
Players like Miles Sanders and rookie wide receiver DeVonta Smith certainly can make an impact, and the fact the 49ers are already dealing with some major shakeups within their defensive backfield could spell major problems entering Week 2.
Jason Verrett’s season-ending injury, combined with fellow cornerback Emmanuel Moseley being banged up with a knee issue, ultimately points to the Niners’ need to get rather creative with their deployment within the secondary.
Perhaps Moseley returns and is ready to go. But after missing a good chunk of the preseason, it’s safe to assume he might be a bit rusty.
Either way, one of San Francisco’s recently acquired veteran corners, Josh Norman or Dre Kirkpatrick, is likely going to have to suit up and start in Week 2, and it’s likely at least one of them will be tasked with facing off against someone like Smith.
Unless the 49ers are comfortable starting the journeyman veteran, Dontae Johnson, or the underperforming rookie, Ambry Thomas, who were both picked on regularly by Detroit after Verrett departed the game.
Yes, rookie corner Deommodore Lenoir is in the mix, too, and he impressed during his NFL debut.
But that’s only one spot. The Niners will need production from whoever plays opposite of him or Moseley.