San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has long been against trusting rookies and even second-year players during the regular season. He has historically relied heavily on veterans and proven players in positions critical to both sides of the ball.
As of late, the head coach is adopting the use of his new players, and fourth-round defensive tackle CJ West is an example of Shanahan adapting to the league and the needs of his roster.
After not filling the stat sheet in Weeks 1 or 2 on the road, it was in Week 3 at home against the Arizona Cardinals that West made an impact on the field. In the 16-15 win, the rookie defensive lineman recorded two total tackles, one being a solo and the other being assisted.
Unfortunately for West, a broken thumb suffered during the game forced him out of San Francisco's Week 4 showdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the 49ers missed him sorely.
How did 49ers miss their rookie DT against Jaguars?
Once again, the Niners have been bit by the injury bug, and their defense has definitely been hit hard, especially by defensive end Nick Bosa's season-ending ACL tear. Fellow defensive tackle Kevin Givens is on injured reserved, and defensive backs Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha have been out. Those latter two players in the secondary have added to the growing issue that the 49ers aren't forcing turnovers downfield.
After four games, the 49ers have yet to pick off an opposing quarterback's pass this season. Thus, San Francisco has had to try to stop teams in the middle under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's scheme.
San Francisco allowed 18 first downs and only two from penalties. The Jaguars were able to move the chains on the ground as many times as they did on passing plays (eight apiece).
Without any true pressure on Jacksonville's quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, the 49ers failed to record a quarterback hit or sack in a game for the first time in three decades. The last time that happened was in 1995 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Niners allowed Lawrence to throw 21-of-31, more than 10-percent better than his completion percentage entering Week 4. It was also the first time this season San Francisco allowed an opposing running back to go off for more than 100 yards.
The Jags' Travis Etienne Jr. had 149 rushing yards and scored as well. The New Orleans Saints' Alvin Kamara did put up 99 rushing yards in Week 2 against the Niners, however, NOLA's running back did not cross the end zone with the ball.
One can only wonder if West's presence would have made a difference, both in generating more pressure on Lawrence and preventing Etienne from being such a massive factor.