Niners Nation
Another nationally televised game, another 40-burger from the 49ers offense. The quarterback is dealing, the playcaller is dialed in, the running back looks explosive again, and the All-Pro tight end should be back in the lineup for Saturday’s game for the number one seed in the NFC. This is the 49ers offense that was imagined during the offseason. Right now, the offense is doing the heavy lifting for the team. The defense just needs to make a timely stop or two or force a turnover, and the offense might be enough in the playoffs.
Here are two bounce-back players from Sunday:
Offense: Ricky Pearsall
Pearsall missed Monday night’s game against Indianapolis, but returned to the lineup on Sunday and delivered a fine performance with five catches for 85 yards, including a critical fourth-down reception on the game-winning drive for Purdy and the 49ers. Pearsall did come up limping following a catch and tackle, but got through the game and displayed the route running and ability as a receiver that has this organization excited.
The 49ers will need Pearsall’s ability to get open and help create space for other receivers, while making sure the defense can’t focus on one particular player. The 49ers’ passing game is simply better when Pearsall is out there, and they will need all the firepower on offense possible to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Defense: Tatum Bethune
Bethune missed three tackles on Monday night in Indianapolis, which landed him a 36.2 tackling grade from PFF. Even his coverage grade suffered with a 31.1. Fast forward to Sunday night, Bethune flipped the script and finished with ten tackles, just one missed tackle, three defensive stops, and a team-high 79.3 coverage grade. Bethune was also the highest-graded run defender at 79.5.
The 49ers will need Bethune and Dee Winters to anchor this defense, while the 49ers hope for a miraculous return to action from Fred Warner. In a game where not much defense was played, Bethune bounced back on Sunday night, and that’s a great sign for the 49ers and their defense.
