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The 49ers might not be expected to receive much of a test in their Week 17 game with the Raiders but, though Las Vegas is essentially already looking to next year, its offense has the talent to challenge a San Francisco secondary that has shown some signs of vulnerability.
San Francisco’s defense is the best in the NFL, but injuries to the likes of Emmanuel Moseley and Jason Verrett have decreased its depth at the cornerback position, which is now an area where cannot afford to lose any more players.
The glue in the secondary is undoubtedly corner Charvarius Ward, the 49ers’ big-ticket acquisition in free agency, and the Niners got a glimpse of what life could be like without him during last week’s 37-20 win over the Commanders, which he briefly left because of illness. The Commanders were quickly able to take advantage of his absence, attacking rookie Samuel Womack III for an explosive play to Terry McLaurin on a scoring drive.
At this point Ward is an obvious jenga piece on the 49er defense, but the Commanders also had some joy attacking the starter across from him, Deommodore Lenoir, who has enjoyed an impressive second season but was fortunate not to give up more than three catches for 33 yards.
While the Raiders have moved on to “evaluating young talent” and figure to be an easier team to defend in the wake of Derek Carr being benched for Jarrett Stidham, who has never started an NFL game, they still possess one of the premier wide receivers in the league in the form of Davante Adams.
Adams has just six receptions for 43 yards over the last two weeks but, assuming Ward does not shadow him, will expect to win his matchups with Lenoir and create separation from the slot when he goes against Jimmie Ward.
The Raiders also boast one of the most versatile tight ends in the game in Darren Waller, who can utilise his size and athleticism to serve as a potential mismatch from the slot and when lined up as an outside receiver.
Of course, Adams and Waller doing any sort of damage is predicated on Stidham, whom 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week “can make all the throws”, getting the ball to them successfully.
That will be easier said than done given the success the 49er pass rush will be anticipated to enjoy against the Las Vegas offensive line and the expectation is the 49er defense will have little trouble slowing down the Raider attack.
But, ahead of a postseason in which the 49ers could face the likes of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, an examination of the San Francisco secondary by Adams and Co. is a test that bears watching closely.
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