The bye week after Sunday Night Football comes at a good time for the Niners. The team's win on Monday night potentially cost them some players. The most significant being LB Patrick Willis. The defensive leader left the game Monday with a turf toe injury. He is not expected to play against the Broncos this week. Mike Iupati, Jimmie Ward, and Stevie Johnson all were injured in the game, although it is too early to know if they will play this week.
With Willis out this Sunday, the Niners are now without their 2 starting middle linebackers. The Niners will likely employ Chris Borland alongside Michael Wilhoite in place of Willis and Bowman. This could be a tough spot for those 2 players. They face a Peyton Manning led offense with a tight end in Julian Thomas that already has 9 TDs this season. He has been feasting on defenses all year long. Peyton has the Broncos ranked in the top 5 in passing offenses once again. But they face a Niners defense ranked #2 in overall defense and passing defense. With Ward potentially out, Dontae Johnson has to be ready to slot right in alongside Perrish Cox and Chris Culliver. They will have their hands full with Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and Wes Welker.
The defensive line will have to play a great game for the Niners to win. They must pressure Manning. Aaron Lynch has been showing his ability to get to the QB. With Dan Skuta and Ahmad Brooks recording 2 sacks each on Monday night, the pass rush could finally be turning the corner. The defensive unit as a whole is rounding into form and they will need to be at their best up in Mile High.
49ers Links
This bye week can't come soon enough | Next Men Up (BASG)
Boldin is almost always open. Even when he is not | Mr. Dependable (Gutierrez)
Will Patrick Be Available On Sunday? (Biderman)
Good grades all around | Handing Out Grades (Inman)
Baalke has added some good depth | Rookies Step Up (Gantt)
Refocus (Stockwell)
He always plays well on Monday nights | Kap Shines On Monday (Florio)
Willis To Have MRI (ESPN)
Testing The League (Florio)
Kap had his best outing of the year | Offensive Report Card (Gin)
Keep praising the man | Praise For Baalke (Williams)
Power Rankings (ESPN)
Continuing the climb up | Ranked #7 (Gutierrez)
Team Makes Roster Moves (Corkran)
Josh Johnson Is Back (Florio)
Some Notes (Inman)
Toe May Keep Willis Out For Denver Game (Inman)
Co-Punter Of The Week? (Gutierrez)
Team Cuts Ventrone (Gutierrez)
He played well. His height could be an issue this week | Borland Makes Debut (Maiocco)
A Good Omen (Kroichick)
Every game he gets better | Lloyd: A Great Piece Of Business (Biderman)
Things To Know About The NFC West (Pentis)
Johnson's 1st Pick Six (Price)
By The Numbers (49ers Staff)