SAN FRANCISCO – The 49ers beat the Seahawks 13-6. Here are the grades for the 49ers’ defense.
Defensive line: C+. Marshawn Lynch rushed for 103 yards on this group, which has given up 100-yard rushers two weeks in a row. However, when Lynch came Justin Smith’s way, Smith stopped him most of the time. Smith finished with a team-high 9 tackles, but he did get planted on his back by Russell Okung on one running play. Ray McDonald recorded two tackles and was flagged for an offsides penalty.
Linebackers: B. Willis and Bowman finished with 15 combined tackles, which is good, but below their standard. They both blitzed more than usual, and they were effective – Bowman hit QB Russell Wilson twice and Willis knocked two passes down. Ahmad Brooks was mostly held in check, but Aldon Smith put the game away with a sack late in the fourth quarter.
Secondary: A. Dashon Goldson intercepted a pass and batted away two others. He’s been the best player in the 49ers’ secondary this season. He got in Lynch’s face and got flagged for trash talking, but said after the game that Lynch is coming over to his house tonight – they’re old buddies. Chris Culliver bounced back from a poor performance last week, batting away two passes when he was in single-coverage. This entire group held the Seahawks to just 19 receiving yards in the second half.
Special teams: A. David Akers did not miss a field goal – he was 2-for-2. Andy Lee planted four of his five punts inside the Seahawks’ 20 yard line. Ted Ginn Jr. returned 3 punts for 70 yards, and the 49ers kick coverage unit held Leon Washington to just five yards on two punt returns.
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