Here are the grades for the 49ers defense from their 24-3 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Defensive line: A. They completely shut down the Cardinals run game, holding it to 7 total yards. The defensive line often tackled running back LaRod Stephens-Howling five yards behind the line of scrimmage. Justin Smith got consistent pressure on a quarterback for the first time this season.
Linebackers: A. The outside linebackers had dominant games. Aldon Smith had 2 sacks and Ahmad Brooks had 1. Brooks also had a terrific tackle for a loss on a screen pass. The Cardinals barely ran the ball, so Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman couldn’t make a lot of tackle, but Bowman did record a sack.
Secondary: A. The safeties were dominant. Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner blasted every receiver who got the ball over the middle. Chris Culliver broke up at least three passes, including one deep pass in the end zone intended for Michael Floyd in the fourth quarter. As I’ve said all year, Culliver is the best cornerback on the 49ers.
Special teams: A. David Akers made the one field goal he attempted, Andy Lee pinned the Cardinals inside their 20 yard line three times, Ted Ginn Jr. gained 90 yards on 6 returns and the kick coverage team completely bottled up Patrick Peterson, who is one of the best punt returners in the NFL.
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Goldson hit Doucette so hard!!! Ronnie lottish….
I loooooved seeing Goldson lay the smack down on Douchet. What a hit! 100% legal too.
Fear the hawk!!!!!!
Holy shiitake mushrooms!! That hit was epic! I say give that man a new contract.
It was an an A+ effort by the DL tonight. Any lower than that is an injustice.
3 points allowed. That should be A+ across the board.
Half of the games this year the 49ers havent allowed a single touchdown. That may be one of the most Dominate defensive showings ever.
I knew AS would have a great game. I can not wait until after the bye and we work a little more on the passing. I see RM having a great second half. He looked great last night.
Niners 6-2 In first place.
Our team should double whatever Andy Lee is getting paid. The guy is simply the best in the league at what he does and is super consistent week in and week out. Masterful.
A dominating performance from the defense across the board. The Cards didn’t threaten offensively until the game was already out of reach.
Of course there has to be one of us who has to find fault with a great defensive effort. Thats me by the way. Linebackers get an A- reason Aldon got caught in no mans land. He didnt rush nor did he cover his man so the ball sails over his head for a completion. Shame on you Aldon for such a glaring mistake. Actually tho, its a good time to get a learning experience. I am sure that play is bugging him too.
Pound the ball we win.
Undercenter
Having Aldon play coverage (at least for now) is like the offense putting in CK for a few plays in the middle of a drive. Just don’t do it. Aldon sucks at it. He hasn’t gotten any better as the season has progressed. At this rate, I’d prefer him to suicide rush the QB and leave the guy uncovered hoping that he can sack him or force a bad pass.
Also, I didn’t like how he didn’t seem to put a full effort into catching the guy. He was jogging after the guy he was supposed to cover. That is what pissed me off the most about Aldon’s play right there.
I blame the coaches for having him do something he just isn’t good at. But I place Aldon 100% of the blame for that half-jogging thing he did to catch the guy.
Some one else noted the lack or pursuit. Have to look for that when I re watch the game.
As far as Aldon s ability eh I think I will give him some more time before I think he cant be a coverage guy.
For this year undercenter. I’m sure he can improve as the years go on. Just like VD has with blocking. He came into the NFL as a pass catching TE. Now, he’s the best blocking TE in the game. Taking on 320+lb DL and doing as good as job as our OL.
But when it comes playoff time, I want our players doing what they do best. For Aldon, that is going after the QB. Not going back in coverage.