Dee Winters Struggles Without Fred Warner, Raising Concerns for the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have faced a wave of injuries this season, prompting a need for depth players to step into more significant roles. While some have answered the call, others, including rookie linebacker Dee Winters, have struggled to meet expectations, particularly in the absence of Pro Bowl linebacker Fred Warner.
Dee Winters’ Decline in Performance
Winters’ performance metrics illustrate a concerning trend when Warner is not on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, his grades tell a stark story. In the five games played alongside Warner, Winters posted a 62.9 overall grade, featuring a solid 72.4 against the run and a 63.1 in coverage. However, his statistics took a nosedive in the following games without Warner, where his overall grade plummeted to 43.9.
This drop is mirrored in his run defense, where his grade fell to 50.3, and his coverage grade sank to just 41.5. The stark reality is further underscored by his run stop rate, which dropped from 16.8% to 8.8%, and his yards allowed after the catch rose significantly from 3.8 to 6.8. His missed tackle rate has also increased by 4%, amplifying the already pressing concerns about his role.
Pre-Snap Confusion and Assignment Issues
Winters appears to be struggling with the complexities of the position when tasked with absorbing the responsibilities generally managed by Warner. Observations reveal that he seems confused pre-snap and has difficulty understanding his assignments post-snap. His effectiveness has diminished, with the only bright spots coming from his pass-rushing capabilities. As the 49ers look to solidify their defense, they may need to consider giving rookie Nick Martin more opportunities on the field.
Challenges for Other 49ers Players
Winters isn’t the only player facing challenges this season. Tight end Luke Farrell started the season strong, playing 50% of the offensive snaps over the first five weeks, averaging 37 snaps per game. However, his playing time has drastically diminished, dropping to just 18 snaps per game and a 28.8% participation rate in the last five games. Farrell’s limited versatility compared to Kyle Juszczyk and the team’s pivot towards a pass-heavy offense have contributed to his reduced role.
Kendrick Bourne’s Quiet Stretch
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne also finds himself in a slump after a promising start. Following a productive stretch that saw him gather 284 yards in Weeks 5 and 6, Bourne has managed only 111 yards since. His playing time has decreased with the return of Jauan Jennings and Demarcus Robinson, and his efficiency has dipped, as indicated by his current average of just 1.1 yards per route run, a stark decline from the 3.51 yards per route he enjoyed during his two-game flourish.
As the 49ers navigate the remainder of the season, the performances of players like Winters, Farrell, and Bourne will be crucial. The team must evaluate whether these athletes can step up when it matters most, especially as injuries continue to challenge their depth.
