Why Whitner warns 49ers in ‘Code Red’ situation after loss to Rams

Why Whitner warns 49ers in ‘Code Red’ situation after loss to Rams originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 49ers’ 27-24 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at SoFi Stadium has put San Francisco at the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.

Expected to contend, the 49ers are 1-2 after blowing a 14-point lead in Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season and falling victim to revenge by quarterback Brock Purdy’s backup from last season, Sam Darnold, and the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2.

NBC Sports Bay Area’s Donte Whitner rightfully is concerned. In the latest “Hitner’s Hot Take” segment, Whitner explained what worries him most about the 49ers.

“After the 49ers squandered a 14-point advantage over the LA Rams on Sunday, I think it’s finally time to hit the red button,” Whitner said after San Francisco lost Sunday. “Code Red! Code Red!

“And I’m putting this on the defense.”

San Francisco has plenty of issues, but its defensive struggles arguably are the most eye-opening thus far.

First-year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen’s group is disjointed. The 49ers’ pass rush has been weak, and the secondary hasn’t risen to the occasion. The latest example came against the Rams, when the 49ers allowed the home team to generate just enough offense to win without some of its biggest names.

“I want to start with the 49ers’ defensive line,” Whitner said. “The inability to put consistent pressure on quarterbacks is bleeding into the secondary, and it’s causing explosive plays. The inability to set the edge, get on and off of blocks and dominate at the point of attack is allowing running backs to seep into the second and third level and consistently fall forward.”

The 49ers have allowed 4.5 rushing yards per play and have generated just seven quarterback hurries. San Francisco’s interior has been exposed nearly a month into the season.

And to Whitner’s point, the D-line’s struggles negatively impact the subpar 49ers secondary.

“Looking…


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Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-09-23 22:56:57

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