SAN FRANCISCO — Here are the Week 6 grades for the defense and special teams.
Defensive line: D. They got zero pressure on Eli Manning. They held Ahmad Bradshaw to 23 yards on 11 carries in the first half, but they gave up 93 yards on 16 carries to Bradshaw in the second half. At one point in the fourth quarter they gave up almost 70 rushing yards on 7 straight runs. They gave up a rushing touchdown, too, which they didn’t give up until Week 16 last season.
Linebackers: D. Ahmad Brooks hit Eli Manning once, but that’s it. Aldon Smith was a non-factor. Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman recorded 17 tackles between the two of them (9 for Bowman, 8 for Willis).
Secondary: D. All three cornerbacks played poorly. Carlos Rogers gave up a touchdown to Victor Cruz and dropped an easy interception. Tarell Brown gave up about 70 yards receiving, and was flagged for a pass interference penalty which the Giants declined. Chris Culliver matched up with Domenik Hixon a few times and lost the matchup, giving up a 39- and a 14-yard completion. Dashon Goldson recorded 8 tackles but missed at least one.
Special teams: F. David Akers missed two of the three field goals he attempted. The kickoff coverage unit gave up a 66-yard return to David Wilson at the start of the second half. Last season, special teams was a strength of the 49ers. This season it’s an enormous weakness. They probably regret cutting Rock Cartwright, trading Colin Jones and not re-signing Blake Costanzo – three special teams studs last season.
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