Rookie safety Ji'Ayir Brown starred with two interceptions, leading a resilient 49ers defense that stifled the Panthers despite missing starters.
Coming off a decisive 20–9 Monday Night Football win, the San Francisco 49ers’ defense proved its worth. With multiple starters still sidelined and rookies and rotational players seeing heavy snaps, the unit turned in one of its most resilient efforts of the season and Pro Football Focus’ grades back it up.
The “Baby Niners” nickname struck again with so many young defenders on the field, several breakout performances defined the night, highlighted by a dominant showing from safety Ji’Ayir Brown.
Ji’Ayir Brown Leads the Defense With Elite 91.6 Grade
Ji’Ayir Brown — 91.6 (FS, 46 snaps)
Brown posted the highest grade of any defender, finishing with a 91.6, one of the best marks of his young career. He recorded two interceptions, including a crucial fourth-quarter takeaway that halted Carolina’s comeback attempt. His range, instincts, and physicality showed up repeatedly, marking him as the unquestioned star of the night.
Upton Stout — 82.2 (CB, 27 snaps)
Stout continues to establish himself as one of the 49ers’ most reliable depth corners. His 82.2 grade reflected tight coverage, quick reaction triggers, and sure tackling. On a night where Carolina attacked the secondary aggressively, Stout held his ground better than nearly any defender.
Malik Mustapha — 69.6 (FS, 46 snaps)
Mustapha’s steady emergence continued with a 69.6 grade. Paired next to Brown for most of the game, he showed improved discipline on deep routes and brought his usual physical edge in run support.
Jordan Elliott — 66.4 (DT, 22 snaps)
Elliott provided strong interior pressure and played a key role in stopping Carolina’s short-yardage attempts. His 66.4 grade reflects efficient, disruptive snaps in limited action.
Kalia Davis — 64.3 (DT, 26 snaps)
Davis delivered one of his most consistent games of the season, holding strong at the point of attack and flashing improved leverage inside.
Lower-Graded Performances Highlight Areas for Concern
Curtis Robinson — 32.0 (LB, 46 snaps)
Robinson posted the lowest defensive grade at 32.0, struggling in both coverage and open-field assignments. With multiple linebackers still out, his workload was heavy and the Panthers targeted him often.
Alfred Collins — 41.4 (DT, 21 snaps)
Collins had trouble anchoring against the run and was moved off his spot multiple times, leading to a 41.4 grade.
Clelin Ferrell — 47.4 (DE, 21 snaps)
Ferrell played with effort but struggled to generate pressure, posting a 47.4 that reflects a quiet night on the edge.
What the Defensive Grades Tell Us
Even with multiple rookies and reserves forced into heavy action, the 49ers’ defense once again delivered elite safety play from Ji’Ayir Brown and the rotational linemen stepped up. The linebacker depth remains a concern but the unit allowed just nine total points, forced turnovers in key moments, and controlled the game’s momentum.