49ers Finding Silver Lining with Stellar Play of Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch
The San Francisco 49ers' 19-3 loss at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 13 wasn't pretty, but at least there were a few bright spots that speak to a strong future.
Among them are rookie linebackers Chris Borland and Aaron Lynch.
The context into where these two have emerged is what makes their respective play special. San Francisco's defense, once led by stalwart linebackers Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith, has been forced to endure a slew of injuries and a nine-game suspension handed out to Smith.
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Lynch, the fifth-round draft pick, got his chance first when the 49ers inserted him into pass-rushing situations after second-year pro Corey Lemonier failed to generate the pressure necessary in Smith's absence.
Prior to Week 13, Lynch had amassed 10 tackles, four passes defended and four sacks.
The 49ers pass rush became even more potent upon Smith's return. The combination of these two talented players helped improve a pass rush that had generated only 15 sacks prior to Smith's reinstatement in Week 11.
Lynch logged a further five tackles, two quarterback hits and a sack during San Francisco's Week 13 loss.
His sack came on a critical goal-line stand where Seattle found itself with 1st-and-goal on the 49ers' 1-yard line.
Taylor Price of 49ers.com described what happened next:
"Seahawks rookie receiver Paul Richardson had a touchdown reception negated by an illegal screen penalty on Turbin. Aaron Lynch and Justin Smith recorded back-to-back sacks to keep Seattle out of the end zone once again.
The stiff red-zone defense was one of a couple bright spots on the night for the 49ers.
"
Equally inspiring this season has been the play of Borland, who led the team with 16 tackles. Defensive tackle Quinton Dial was No. 2 with six.
Borland was already leading the team with 53 tackles before Week 13, which is quite the accolade since he didn't receive a full-time role until Willis was lost for the season after suffering a toe injury in Week 6.
Yet Seattle proved to be Borland's toughest challenge. In spite of the tackles, Borland had the tough assignment of tackling Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch.
The rookie was able to meet Lynch effectively on a number of occasions, but he also gave up some yardage when Lynch was able to evade his grasps—an aspect further pointed out by Marcus Thompson of Bay Area News Group.
Borland also committed a costly penalty on a special teams formation, which eventually turned into a 31-yard play according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.
But rookies frequently make these types of mistakes. It's not uncommon to see such gaffes during the maturation process.
Overall, the playmaking abilities of Borland and Lynch have been positives—even highlights in what was otherwise a major Week 13 disappointment.
There are implications, however.
San Francisco has already experienced the side effects of having too much talent within its linebacker corps.
It was only two weeks ago when 30-year-old veteran Ahmad Brooks was involved in a sideline altercation, which ended up in him being benched for the remainder of the game.
Brooks was frustrated at his reduced role—one that was produced with the return of Smith. The elder linebacker has since apologized and has seen an increase in his role. Brooks has not disappointed as of late. He scooped up a game-sealing fumble recovery in Week 12 and tacked on another defended pass and sack against Seattle.
But with the high level of play from the younger—and cheaper—Lynch, is Brooks' future with the 49ers in question?
It's hard to imagine him being a part of San Francisco's long-term plans.
Borland also creates a speculative problem, albeit one that may not be decided upon until 2015.
Bowman and Willis are, with little doubt, the best inside linebacker tandem in the NFL. Both are injured—Willis is out for the year and Bowman could wind up missing the rest of the season as well per Adam Schefter of ESPN (h/t David Fucillo of Niners Nation).
| Chris Borland | 9 | 69 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 2 |
| Aaron Lynch | 10 | 15 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
It's hard—perhaps nearly impossible—to imagine the 49ers parting ways with either Bowman or Willis. But it's also tough to consider moving Borland's production into a backup role next season. Ideally, the 49ers would figure out a way to implement a three-way rotation between these standout linebackers.
But that is another problem for another time.
While the 49ers offense has been lackluster and absent over the past three weeks, San Francisco's defense continues to be a force. Borland and Lynch are a major reason behind why that defense is experiencing such success.
San Francisco's season is on the line. It is likely the defense upon which the team will have to rely if the 49ers have any remaining hopes to make it into the playoffs.
If they do, expect Borland and Lynch to be primary reasons.
All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference and ESPN.com unless otherwise indicated.
Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers' news, insight and analysis.
Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.
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