Temperature Checks after Week 2
Which 49ers are rising or plummeting after the teams second win?
A second week on the road found the 49ers in the Big Easy to take on the Saints. After a hard fought 26-21 victory, we examine who’s hot, who’s cold, and who’s lingering in the middle.
Scorching
The Faithful
The Mighty Mississippi was flowing red this weekend from the reflection of all the Niners jerseys that had descended upon New Orleans. The Superdome was overtaken by the Faithful and chants supporting the red and gold were overpowering at times during the game. Home field advantage was not a reality for the Saints. Not to mention how Bourbon Street was overrun with red and gold.
Hot
Strip Sacks
For the second week in a row, the game ended on a strip sack. This week, it was Bryce Huff’s turn to put the Saints away with the game-ending turnover.
Fred Warner
Fred Warner is the best linebacker in the NFL. His speed and effort were on display versus the Saints, as he accounted for 11 total tackles and was playing like a man possessed. His leadership on the field is inspiring, and paired with Dee Winters, we may have the best linebacker room in the game.
Dee Winters
Two weeks in and Dee Winters is easily the most improved player on this squad. Winters was flying around the Superdome on Sunday doing his best Dre Greenlaw impression, which was solidified with an unnecessary roughness penalty while hitting Spencer Rattler out of bounds.
Nick Bosa
Bosa looks to be wrecking offensive game plans as much as he ever has, with nine tackles and one sack on Sunday. The sack came late in the game, ending a Saints drive and forcing them to punt with under four minutes left.
Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey was again the focal point of the offense this week, but more in the passing game as he made several drive extending catches. The highlight was his seven yard touchdown catch just before halftime.
Connor Colby
Stepping in after an injury to Ben Bartch, Colby looked the part of a starting NFL lineman, not allowing any pressures on passing plays. If Colby continues to play at that level, he very well may, and should, find a permanent spot on the starting line.
Mild
Mac Jones
Despite a shaky start to the game for Jones, he made plays when it mattered most, specifically the dime he threw to Jauan Jennings that would be a 42 yard catch and run touchdown. Most importantly, Jones instilled confidence that should he be called upon, he can lead this offense.
Jauan Jennings
Jennings had the highlight of the day with his 42 yard touchdown, but he also had a late drop that if caught would’ve put the game away.
Cold
Special Teams
The Faithful rejoiced when Eddy Pineiro was brought in to replace maligned kicker Jake Moody. Piniero immediately honored Moody’s legacy by missing his first extra point attempt, as well as kicking multiple touchbacks on kickoffs. He did make both field goal attempts and his other extra points, but made it clear there is still work to do in the special teams practices.
Renardo Green
Green was picked on early and often in Sunday’s game. Rattler seemed to lock in to his side of the field and made every effort to attack Green with downfield throws.
Injuries
As the sky is blue and water is wet, the 49ers will have injuries on a weekly basis. This week it was Kyle Juszczyk, who left the game early with a concussion and didn’t return.