The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks in a 21-13 contest, clinching them the NFC West title, as they became the first NFL team to win their division in 2022.
The defense stole the show once again, limiting a Top-10 ranked offense to just 13 points after allowing zero defensive points in the duo's Week 2 showdown.
Here are the defensive grades for the 49ers.
Defensive Line: A
The defensive line smothered Geno Smith all game, pressuring the Seahawks quarterback 27 times, while recording three sacks.
Additionally, the defensive line continued to be stout in run defense, despite losing Kevin Givens and Hassan Ridgeway, controlling lead running back Kenneth Walker to just 47 yards on 12 carries.
In fact, Seattle's longest run came from Geno Smith on an 18-yard scramble.
Nick Bosa continued to showcase why he's in the running for Defensive Player of the Year with a team-high six pressures alongside a sack, although he was called for a roughing the passer penalty.
Arik Armstead dominated with five pressures, often commanding multiple linemen and compiling his second straight strong performance as a run-defender and pass-rusher.
Kerry Hyder and Samson Ebukam had three pressures each, while Charles Omenihu had two of his own in a well-rounded performance from the defensive line.
In fact, all nine defensive linemen that played for the 49ers on Thursday recorded a pressure, showcasing truly how deep and elite this front seven is.
Linebackers: A
Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw continue to be phenomenal as the league's best 1-2 punch at the linebacker position.
Greenlaw was all around the ball, recording eight tackles, two run stops, two passes defended, and a crucial forced fumble when the Seahawks had a chance to tie the game.
The recently-extended linebacker now has five consecutive games where he's been involved with a turnover, showcasing his knack for being a playmaker along the front seven.
Fred Warner took away the intermediate side of the field completely, as quarterback Geno Smith threw just one pass in the vicinity, which came off a broken coverage.
The two are stout tacklers and fulfill their roles to a tee on this defense, making it no surprise that the Patrick Willis and Navorro Bowman comparisons are coming to light.
Cornerbacks: A-
Charvarius Ward was paid to neutralize opposing receivers. And, on Thursday Night, he did exactly that.
Ward was tasked with guarding wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, and gave up just 33 yards on six targets in the matchup, while recording two pass breakups and not allowing a single explosive play.
Ward was dominant before exiting the game after being placed in concussion protocol, and did not return even though he was cleared.
Deommodore Lenoir has quietly pieced together a relatively good season for the 49ers. On Thursday, he recorded a team-high ten tackles, while breaking up a pass in coverage and intercepting another for a touchdown, although the latter was called back due to a roughing-the-passer penalty.
Additionally, Jimmie Ward continues to be on a tear out of the slot after recovering from his injuries, as he's performed extremely well over the past three weeks.
Ward, who's in a contract year, has taken his situation with grace and done exactly what's been asked of him.
The 49ers need to place their best players on the field. Ward, in whatever capacity, is certainly one of them, and will look to continue his string of good performances when the 49ers face the Commanders next weekend.
Seattle was able to get its offense moving in some capacity when Janoris Jenkins replaced Charvarius Ward, but it was a strong performance overall from the defensive backs.
Safeties: B
Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson each recorded five tackles, with the former forcing a Geno Smith fumble off a well-timed safety blitz off the edge, although the Seahawks recovered.
Gipson continues to tackle well, having missed just one on the season in 52 opportunities, while Hufanga broke up a pass during the game.
There was a miscommunication between Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw that resulted in a touchdown in the redzone, although it wasn't apparently clear who was the main proprietor of the coverage bust.
The safeties didn't necessarily make many "wow" plays, but did their jobs manning the backend and limiting explosive plays defensively.
- Rohan Chakravarthi
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Written by:Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
