The issue with the run defense was LB fills on the slant weak Marinelli called repeatedly on first down. If you go back and watch the first half it becomes obvious. The 49ers were going left to right so you could see DLaw, Mincey, Russell or Hardy. On first down, the DE crashed inside as did all the other linemen one gap over. That left the RT and TE needing to be filled. The LBs need to shift one over and attack their gaps and set an edge. If you just attack the gap in front of you, you are doing it wrong. We also kept our S back. Wilcox and Church did alright job coming up to fill. Backline S not so much. Heath!
In the meantime, SF called or audibled into lead runs and pitches off tackle and on the strongside perimeter. With DLaw and Mincey by design crashed inside, I watched Wilber and Wilson just stare down a lot of that. Wilber stares down one runner and tries to turn as he is running by him. Whiff. He played a lot and got 1 tackle. Wilson would wait for OL to come block him as he is staring down the backfield taking all kinds of false steps allowing himself to be pinned. He rallied second quarter on and ended up with several tackles. He is physical taking on the fullback in the hole.
The down roster guys playing with Brinkley in the second half would just stare down whatever was in front of them regardless of how SF shifted their lines and attacked the edge. One more kick outside and you are in the clear with S chasing you.
Gachkar is the only LB that was consistent in an adverse first half. I like how he just nullifies a runners stride when he gets to them and takes the down. Hyde was running hard.
Smith seems to have a very firm grasp of the Cowboys system and took advantage repeatedly. I would like to see him over Wilber and see if he cannot do better.
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=112467&draftyear=2014&genpos=ilb
He ran god awful but for that 3 cone which is very good.
