36-snap game gives defense a breather
On Wednesday, three days after playing in an NFL game, 49ers cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon realized he didn’t have the same midweek soreness.
“I felt it in practice yesterday,” Witherspoon said. “Just running to the ball. Just a little more energy; a little more juice.”
Witherspoon wasn’t alone. The 49ers’ defense was able to work a half day in a 15-14 win over the Bears in which the defense played just 36 snaps, its fewest in 26 years. The defense logged 35 snaps in a 35-3 win over the Lions on Oct. 20, 1991.
“It was awesome to be able to sit back and watch the offense go to work,” defensive coordinator Robert Saleh said. “You don’t get many opportunities at that. I don’t care what team you play for. You just don’t get opportunities to be able to be a spectator as much. So it was pretty cool.”
Plenty of credit can be given to quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the 49ers dominating the time of possession (38:47 to 21:13). The 49ers converted their most first downs (10 of 18) since 2007, and Garoppolo accounted for seven conversions with completions.
“It’s a team game,” Saleh said. “It’s no difference that the defense is getting three-andouts. The offense is going to feel like they need to get going. If the offense is staying on the field, the defense is going to feel like they need to get them the ball.”
Pinion nominated: Punter Bradley Pinion was named the 49ers’ nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Pinion, a 2015 fifth-round pick, has participated in 30 community-service events benefiting more than 40 organizations in his three seasons in the NFL.
In 2015, he earned the 49ers’ Community Relations Rookie Service award. Pinion’s causes have included athletes with special needs, literacy, animal adoption, wounded veterans, cancer awareness and character building.
The three finalists for the Walter Payton award will be announced Jan. 21. The winner will be announced in Minneapolis, the site of Super Bowl LII, on Feb. 3.
Brown update: Right tackle Trent Brown (shoulder) was limited in practice after he was sidelined for Wednesday’s session. Brown returned to play against the Bears after a onegame absence and is expected to play Sunday at Houston.