49ers Film Room: Ferrell Steps Up, Safeties Fly Around, and CJ West Brings the Anchor
Week 13 gave us a gritty, weather-soaked matchup, but even through the slop, there were flashes of what makes this 49ers team so compelling down the stretch. From Clelin Ferrell's standout performance to the continued evolution of the safety group and the emergence of a rock-solid presence in the middle of the D-line, this game gave us plenty to chew on-warts and all.
Let’s dig into the details.
Clelin Ferrell’s Career Day
There’s no other way to put it: Clelin Ferrell had himself a game. The former first-rounder posted a career high in tackles, and it wasn’t just empty stat padding.
He was active, disruptive, and playing with the kind of urgency that jumps off the tape. Whether it was setting the edge, chasing from the backside, or cleaning up in traffic, Ferrell looked like a player who’s settled into his role and is thriving in it.
This wasn’t a flashy sack-fest, but more of a lunch-pail performance-consistent pressure, smart angles, and a relentless motor. He played like a guy who knows his team needs him to be more than just a rotational piece. With injuries piling up and playoff positioning on the line, Ferrell’s timing couldn’t be better.
Speed Watch: Robinson Hits the Jets
Rookie wideout Jacob Robinson turned heads with a 6-yard end-around that clocked him at 19.66 mph-making him the fastest 49ers ball carrier of the game and second fastest on the season. Only Skyy Moore has gone faster this year, hitting 19.7 mph on a Week 11 kickoff return.
It’s a small moment, but it speaks to the kind of explosive potential the Niners are quietly developing in the margins of their offense. That 20 mph barrier remains unbroken for San Francisco, but Robinson is knocking on the door.
Defense: Big Stops Despite Missed Tackles
Let’s be real: 15 missed tackles is a lot. According to PFF, that’s how many the 49ers racked up, and it showed-106 of Cleveland’s 138 rushing yards came after contact. That’s not a recipe for success, especially in the postseason.
But here’s the flip side: when the Niners needed stops, they got them. This defense bent plenty, but it didn’t break when it mattered most. That kind of resilience, especially in a messy game like this, is something you can build on.
John Lynch on Aiyuk: “Hopeful” but Not Certain
GM John Lynch didn’t sugarcoat the situation with Brandon Aiyuk. When asked about the wideout’s return this season, Lynch said, “Realistic?
I’m not sure. Hopeful?
Yeah.”
That’s not exactly reassuring, but it’s honest. Aiyuk’s absence has been felt, especially in the intermediate and deep passing game.
The 49ers are clearly a more dynamic offense when he’s on the field. For now, it’s a waiting game.
Young Secondary Flashing, But Questions Remain
Upton Stout continues to grow into his role. The rookie corner made several solid tackles and looked more comfortable with his responsibilities. It seems like the coaching staff is managing his workload smartly, using more big nickel packages to keep things simplified and let him play fast.
As for the safety group-there’s a lot to like, but also plenty to prove. Ji’Ayir Brown is playing with intensity and physicality. Malik Mustapha was flying around like a heat-seeking missile this week, delivering big hits and making his presence known.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The 49ers haven’t faced a team that consistently tests them deep, and when they were challenged on a couple of occasions this week, both Brown and Mustapha got beat.
They weren’t burned-thanks in part to bad weather and some erratic quarterback play-but those cracks are worth watching. Until this group proves it can hold up against a high-octane passing attack, there’s reason for cautious optimism, not blind confidence.
CJ West: The Immovable Object
CJ West might not be showing up on highlight reels, but watch the tape and you’ll see a guy who’s quietly becoming a stabilizing force in the middle of the defense. He’s not flashy-he’s functional. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
West was excellent against the run, anchoring against double teams and refusing to give ground. Sure, he got blown off the ball once in a big way-moved about 15 yards downfield-but that was the exception, not the rule.
His ability to stay planted, absorb contact, and then rip free is textbook trench work. He’s not the most athletic interior lineman, and he can struggle when attacked laterally, but when you need someone to hold the point, West is your guy.
Kalia Davis brings more boom-or-bust energy to the position, but West is giving this defense a dependable presence up front. That’s big, especially with the playoffs looming.
Final Thoughts: A Team Taking Shape
This wasn’t a perfect performance by any stretch. The missed tackles, the questions in the secondary, and the uncertainty around Aiyuk are all real concerns. But you can also see a team that’s figuring things out.
Ferrell is stepping up. The young DBs are gaining confidence.
CJ West is doing the dirty work. And when they needed a stop, the defense delivered.
For a team with postseason aspirations, those are the kinds of building blocks you look for in December. The 49ers aren’t a finished product yet-but they’re starting to look like a team that knows how to win ugly. And come January, that might be the most valuable skill of all.