The San Francisco 49ers took another one on the chin in Week 3, getting thoroughly pounded by the Arizona Cardinals by a final score of 47-7. There are plenty of issues to discuss, and so we get started with the snap count. Rather than post all of them together, I thought I'd break it up by offense and defense. Let me know what you think. I figure it can focus the conversation on offense, defense, and special teams, and maybe this grouping will provide some clarity on who is doing what at each position. You can read the full gamebook PDF here.
L.J. McCray and Nick Bellore were the only defensive players to not see snaps with the defense (they each got special teams work). This game marked Keith Reaser's first defensive appearance, finishing the game with three snaps in the secondary. Kenneth Acker emerged as the starter opposite Brock, over Reaser, but I would have thought we might see Reaser get some dime work.
Shareece Wright remained inactive, and is not happy about it.
I am not entirely sure why the 49ers left NaVorro Bowman on the field late into the fourth quarter. He played all but three snaps, with Shayne Skov replacing him at some point. Bowman checked out his knee briefly after tackling Chris Johnson. He kept going, and after the game acknowledged tweaks and aches were going to come with his return. That's understandable, but when the team is down by four or more scores, why not remove him? Carlos Hyde was replaced with Mike Davis on offense, so why not replace more players? I understand not wanting to give up entirely, but I just don't get it in this case.
Arik Armstead had the best game of his short career. He had a sack and two hurries. I thought he had another sack, but it is listed as a one-yard gain for Palmer. Whatever the case, it was some solid pressure. He does need to learn to not celebrate down a bunch, but it's all part of the growing process.
We saw Jaquiski Tartt back on top of Jimmie Ward in the snap count. I'll go back to look, but given Michael Wilhoite's decline in snaps, I believe Tartt was again getting some of that nickel linebacker. The 49ers defense was ineffective on Sunday, but if they are going to be slipping into building for 2016 and beyond, I'd much prefer seeing Tartt get more work in that nickel linebacker role.
Defensive line
Ian Williams: 48
Glenn Dorsey: 44
Quinton Dial: 40
Tank Carradine: 35
Tony Jerod-Eddie: 30
Arik Armstead: 18
Outside linebacker
Aaron Lynch: 60
Ahmad Brooks: 58
Corey Lemonier: 18
Eli Harold: 16
Inside linebacker
NaVorro Bowman: 73
Michael Wilhoite: 58
Shayne Skov: 3
Cornerback
Tramaine Brock: 73
Kenneth Acker: 68
Dontae Johnson: 20
Jimmie Ward: 14
Keith Reaser: 3
Safety
Antoine Bethea: 73
Eric Reid: 65
Jaquiski Tartt: 19