Edge rushers and safeties dominated PFF grades. Find out who shined and where the 49ers' defense still faces challenges.
The San Francisco 49ers’ defense continued its recent run of solid play in Sunday’s win over the Tennessee Titans. While the box score won’t fully capture it, Pro Football Focus grades reveal a defense that won with strong edge play, disciplined tackling on the perimeter, and steady linebacker production.
Edge Defenders and Safeties Lead the Way
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell paced the unit with a 73.0 overall grade across 39 snaps, providing consistent pressure and holding up well against the run. Ferrell also earned a 61.1 pass-rushing grade, tying for second best among 49ers defenders, and recorded two pressures. His steady presence helped stabilize a defensive front that rotated heavily throughout the game.
Safety Jason Pinnock made the most of limited action, earning a 71.1 defensive grade in just 13 snaps. Pinnock posted the best coverage grade in the game (77.8) and was not targeted on his five coverage snaps. He also finished as one of the team’s most reliable tacklers, earning a 77.8 tackling grade without missing a single tackle.
Rookie cornerback Upton Stout continues to flash promise. Stout earned a 69.3 overall grade and the highest coverage grade among regular contributors (70.7). He allowed five receptions for 29 yards on five targets, consistently keeping plays in front of him. Stout also led the team in tackling efficiency, earning an 81.2 tackling grade with no missed tackles.
Linebacker Play Anchors the Middle
Linebacker Dee Winters was once again productive, posting a 65.5 overall grade over 53 snaps. Winters led the 49ers in run defense with a 74.9 run-defense grade, which is his best since Week 4. His presence helped limit Tennessee’s ground game and maintain structure in San Francisco’s zone heavy looks.
Interior Defensive Line Remains a Weak Point
While the edges held firm, the interior defensive line struggled. Kalia Davis (29.1) and Alfred Collins (29.9) posted the two lowest defensive grades in the game, continuing a concerning trend. Collins has failed to reach a 50.0 run-defense grade in five of his last seven games, while Davis has done so in five of his last six. Both players also recorded missed tackles and were targeted in the run game.
Veteran Kevin Givens finished with a 32.6 grade in 18 snaps, while C.J. West had a 58.4 grade in limited action.
Pass Rush: Effort Over Explosion
Defensive end Keion White led the team in pass rush, earning a 72.5 pass-rushing grade and tallying two pressures. Ferrell, Bryce Huff, Alfred Collins, and Kalia Davis also logged two pressures each. Robert Beal Jr. struggled in limited snaps, earning the lowest pass-rushing grade (40.9) and finishing with a 46.2 overall grade.
Coverage Notes and Missed Tackles
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown recorded the team’s lowest coverage grade (47.3), allowing a one-yard touchdown on three targets. Cornerback Renardo Green also had a difficult outing, earning a 46.7 grade across 52 snaps and recording a missed tackle.
The 49ers had multiple defenders with missed tackles, but strong tackling performances from Pinnock and Stout helped offset those mistakes.
Final Takeaway
The defensive grades paint a picture of a unit winning through depth, discipline, and strong perimeter play. While interior defensive line consistency remains a concern, the 49ers’ ability to rotate effectively and limit explosive plays continues to be a strength. With steady growth from young contributors like Stout and Winters, San Francisco’s defense remains dependable even when they are not at full strength.