The 49ers DBs appreciated the front pressure that stopped the Patriots passing game

49ers DBs appreciate front pressure that stopped Patriots’ passing game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA – Jacoby Brissett wasn’t the only one who felt the pressure exerted by the 49ers’ defensive line in Sunday’s 30-13 win over the New England Patriots.

The 49ers’ secondary, which saw its teammates sack the Patriots’ quarterback six times and constantly harass him, also felt this. And they really appreciated it.

“These guys got away with it today,” 49ers safety Ji’Ayir Brown said after the game. “They had a goal, they score a goal every game, but we had to get back to playing like we do and they are a crucial force in the way we represent our defense and they figured it out.”

“If you have to guard a guy for two and a half seconds, it’s pretty easy out there.”

The Patriots averaged just 3.3 yards per pass compared to 10.1 yards for the 49ers, as Brissett completed 19 of his 32 passes for 168 yards and lost 25 yards on the six sacks. New England averaged just 3.5 yards per play overall, compared to San Francisco’s 7.2 yards.

Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir also recognized his defensive teammates, who kept him from covering his receiver for long periods of time by constantly pressuring Brissett.

“Oh yeah, they were hunting all day today,” Lenoir said. “I take my hat off to them. I just get back on track, dominate and win their 1v1 games. I have to hand it to my guys out there.”

Coach Kyle Shanahan, who noted his defense’s deficiencies in the 49ers’ last two losses, was pleased with the unit’s performance, particularly because it allowed the Patriots to convert just five of 16 third-down attempts.

“I thought the defense was great all day,” Shanahan said. “From what I saw out there, it seemed like they were dominating the run and passing game. … Especially after losing Hargrave last week, we really had to step up, and then losing Jordan in this game just worked. “They lost a man, and I thought they improved the whole game played well – from the first to the fourth quarter.”

Shanahan and Co. hope to keep the momentum going next Sunday when the 49ers (2-2) welcome the NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals (1-3) to the Bay Area.

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