The San Francisco 49ers’ defense bent at times but rarely broke in their 34–24 win over the New York Giants. Despite missing several key players and facing a confident Jaxon Dart under center, the unit made plays. The Pro Football Focus grades offer a deeper look at who stood out and who struggled on Sunday.

Top 49ers Performers on Defense

Renardo Green, CB — 76.2 (57 snaps)

Green continues to prove why the 49ers’ coaching staff trusts him against top receivers. He played tight, physical coverage throughout the game, limiting yards after the catch and breaking up multiple key throws on the perimeter. He held Dart to a 42.4 passer rating when targeted. 

Malik Mustapha, FS — 74.0 (57 snaps)

Mustapha cleaned up plays over the top and provided solid support against the run, reading Dart’s eyes well in deep coverage. His reliability helped prevent explosive plays, and his communication on the back end kept the secondary organized even as the Giants tried to stretch the field.

Ji’Ayir Brown, FS — 70.7 (57 snaps)

Brown’s performance was highlighted by one of the game’s biggest moments, a ridiculous pass breakup in the final two minutes that effectively shut the door on New York’s comeback attempt. He flew around the field with confidence, showing excellent timing and awareness in coverage. It was the kind of all-around effort that reinforced his growing reputation as a playmaker.

Robert Beal Jr., DE — 68.8 (13 snaps)

In limited action, Beal made his presence felt. He generated consistent pressure off the edge and forced Dart to move off his spot on several plays. His explosiveness and leverage are beginning to show real promise as part of San Francisco’s rotation up front.

Kevin Givens, DT — 65.3 (18 snaps)

Givens was solid in his snaps, holding his ground in run defense. His ability to plug gaps and collapse pockets continues to give the 49ers reliable depth inside. He did grade out with the highest run defense grade on the team with a 72.6.

Lowest Graded 49ers on Defense

Dee Winters, LB — 43.1 (57 snaps)

It wasn’t Winters’ best outing. While he was active in pursuit, he missed a few tackles in space and struggled in coverage against the Giants’ tight ends. 

Upton Stout, CB — 44.4 (53 snaps)

Stout had an up-and-down game. He was tested frequently and gave up a few chunk plays before briefly leaving in the third quarter with a concussion scare. He returned though, and did end up with the defense’s best tackling grade at 82.8.

Luke Gifford, LB — 47.3 (3 snaps)

Gifford saw just three snaps but didn’t make the most of them,  yes it's a small sample, but the grade reflects limited impact.

Kalia Davis, DT — 47.3 (24 snaps)

Davis had trouble anchoring against double teams, allowing some inside runs to develop in the first half. While his motor is never in question, his gap integrity was inconsistent against New York.

Jordan Elliott, DT — 47.7 (19 snaps)

Elliott flashed early but faded as the game went on. He struggled to generate consistent push inside and occasionally got washed out on run plays. 

Takeaway

San Francisco’s defense wasn’t perfect, but it was clutch. The secondary, led by Green, Mustapha, and Brown, made critical stops when it mattered most. Brown’s late game heroics sealed the win. While some younger front-seven players like Dee Winters and Kalia Davis had growing pains, the group as a whole continues to show depth and resilience.