It’s starting to become very clear that 49ers general manager Trent Baalke did some tremendous work this past offseason.
As the Niners have reeled off three straight victories to get to 4-2, veteran wide receivers Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd – acquired via trade and free agency, respectively – have played big roles. In addition, another free agent, safety Antoine Bethea, has played very well, as has offensive tackle Jonathan Martin, acquired in trade from Miami.
Plus, there’s the 2014 rookie class.
Top pick Jimmie Ward has overcome some rough patches to play more consistently in the secondary. Second-round pick Carlos Hyde has become a solid No. 2 running back behind Frank Gore and linebacker Aaron Lynch, a fifth-round selection, has become an impact player on passing downs.
On Monday night, two more rookies shined.
After inside linebacker Patrick Willis had to leave the 31-17 victory over the Rams with an apparent foot or toe injury, third-round pick Chris Borland took over for him and was solid. Later, fourth-round pick Dontae Johnson came in at cornerback after Ward suffered a quadriceps injury and the secondary had to be reshuffled.
Borland, who hadn’t played a single snap on defense this season, recorded two tackles and was praised by head coach Jim Harbaugh for his work. Harbaugh also noted the contribution of Johnson, who sealed the victory with a 20-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the game.
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It’s not yet known what the extent of Willis’ injury is. He was scheduled for an MRI Tuesday. The results will determine if he’ll be able to play this Sunday against the Broncos in Denver. If he can’t, Borland will get his first start.
Fellow inside linebacker Michael Wilhoite – who’s starting in place of the injured NaVorro Bowman – says Borland played well against the Rams, telling a reporter, “He knows the derfense. He understands where he’s supposed to be. … the one thing Chris can do is, he can play the game of football.”
Johnson, meanwhile, said his interception was the result of pressure on the Rams quarterback and his seconday mates doing their jobs.
“The guys had their receivers covered up in the back, and our front had tremendous pressure,” Johnson told Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. “The pick-six is for all the defense.” But, Johnson was in the right place at the right time and had the athleticism to make the play.
So far in 2014, injuries have taken out key 49ers players on both offense and defense, but the roster has been stocked with plenty of talent to overcome them. Baalke deserves credit for that.
