The 49ers defense had their worst game of the season last week when they allowed 46 points and 465 yards to the Saints. The Falcons’ offense can be explosive, but this season they haven’t reached their potential thanks to inexperience and injuries at key spots. The defense could have some issues with the amount of injuries they’re dealing with as well.
Here are the six players to watch:
CB Emmanuel Moseley
With Richard Sherman out on Sunday, Moseley will step back into a starting role. He’ll face a tough challenge in coverage when he gets lined up against Julio Jones. The All-Pro receiver has dominated this season despite the offense falling apart around him. He has 69 receptions for 1,016 yards and four touchdown receptions. Moseley had success earlier in the season when taking over for Ahkello Witherspoon, but he never had to deal with a receiver the quality of Jones. How Moseley fares back in the starting lineup will play a big role in how well the 49ers’ defense adapts.
CB DJ Reed
K’Waun Williams’ absence means Reed will likely step into the nickel corner spot. He got a couple starts there late last season and thrived, and unless the 49ers decide to make major changes in the secondary, Reed will be the third option Sunday. The second-year defensive back can make a significant impact if he plays well filling in for Williams. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Falcons isolate and target him early. A couple big plays from Reed could swing Sunday’s game the 49ers’ way.
S Marcell Harris
The lack of depth drops back into the safeties with Jaquiski Tartt out again Sunday with a rib injury. Harris will take over the starting job for the second week in a row. Harris played well against Baltimore, but really struggled against the Saints and missed multiple tackles. The Falcons aren’t afraid to take deep shots while also throwing underneath to Austin Hooper. Harris will need to be on top of his game in order to prevent big plays, especially to the tight end.
DE Nick Bosa
While Atlanta has big-play potential, the offensive line really struggles keeping quarterback Matt Ryan clean in the pocket. The Falcons’ offensive line has allowed 41 sacks this season with 16 of those coming the last three games. Bosa has constantly been in opposing teams’ backfields, and Sunday could line up to be a huge day for the rookie.
DL Arik Armstead
While Bosa gets all the praise, Armstead still leads the team with 10 sacks. While he hasn’t recorded a sack since the Packers game a couple weeks ago, Atlanta could be the right team to line up against in order to end his sackless streak. Armstead will likely see an increased snap count with Dee Ford and DJ Jones both out.
LB Dre Greenlaw
The tricky thing about the Falcons’ offense is after Jones and the injured Calvin Ridley, tight end Austin Hooper is the third most-targeted receiver with 73, and he’s turned those into 58 receptions. Running back Devonta Freeman is also excellent as a receiver out of the backfield. Greenlaw will likely see coverage snaps against both Sunday, and if the corners can contain Jones, Greenlaw will see plenty of action against Hooper and Freeman.
