San Francisco 49ers: Nick Mullens, players to watch vs. Giants in Week 10
Fred Warner
There will again be no Reuben Foster for the 49ers as he deals with a hamstring injury. However, with Foster having looked well below his best for much of the season because of a shoulder issue, his absence seemed a blessing in disguise for San Francisco against Oakland.
Indeed, their linebacker play was much improved in the win over the Raiders, with much of that down to the play of rookie Warner, who has bounced back from a disappointing display in the Week 7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with successive strong showings.
Warner will be sternly tested on Monday as he will have to deal with the threat of Giants running back Saquon Barkley, who will test the third-round pick’s skills in run defense as well as in coverage. Already one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL, if Warner can nullify Barkley the 49ers will be able to key in on Eli Manning and a downfield passing game that has been virtually non-existent for much of the season.
Dekoda Watson
The 49ers pass rush dominated the Raiders offensive line to the tune of eight sacks last week, the upturn of a group that had endured a frustrating year thanks largely to the return of Dekoda Watson from injured reserve.
Watson had 1.5 sacks and six total pressures of Derek Carr in just 13 pass rushes according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), demonstrating great burst and ability to transform speed into power as he and Cassius Marsh wreaked havoc off the edge.
Next. San Francisco 49ers: 5 Burning questions for the stretch run. dark
The Giants ranked in Adjusted Sack Rate allowed, according to Football Outsiders. Should Watson produce a similar display and DeForest Buckner continues to thrive on the interior, the 49ers pass rush should be able to make it a long night for Manning.
For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.