Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is sacked by Chicago Bears defense end Willie Young (97) in the fourth quarter at Levis Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
D-Line (B-)
Willie Young contributed two sacks and is proving to be a free agent steal. Jared Allen played an inspired game and forced a fumble. Will Sutton and Ego Ferguson got more action and made a few plays. Jeremiah Ratliff suffered a concussion, but looked stout in his effort before exiting the game. Stephen Paea got a nice push from the Nose Tackle spot.
Linebackers (B)
Shea McClellin actually looked like he belonged on the football field. He had a nice game in setting the edge and rushing the passer. Lance Briggs had a redemption game and fit the run nicely. Jonathan Bostic shows signs of improvement, but is still getting caught guessing wrong from time to time. DJ Williams did not look particularly great in my first viewing.
Cornerbacks (A-)
Welcome to the NFL Kyle Fuller! In relief of an injured Peanut Tillman, Fuller had two athletic and instinctive interceptions usually reserved for seasoned veterans. With Sherrick McManis sidelined with an injury, rookie safety Brock Vereen was pressed into action. The pressure will be on this group in the weeks to come, as Peanut is done for the season and possibly for his career after tearing his triceps for the second straight season.
Safeties (B)
Ryan Mundy led the team in tackles again and has continued to show as another free agent gem. Chris Conte pulled off one of the finest interceptions you’ll see this season. It could get
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) intercepts a pass intended for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Anquan Boldin (81) during the first quarter at Levi
interesting down the stretch with Conte misses any significant time.
Defense Overall (B+)
Mel Tucker’s unit really stepped up and shut down Collin Kaepernick and the 49ers offense. They stiffened when they needed to and held the Niners to field goals when it mattered most. The runs were fit properly and the defensive line got consistent pressure on Kaep. They forced him to run left and try to throw against the grain. The secondary was opportunistic.
Click Next below to see the Special Team and Coaching grade…