Jimmie Ward’s versatility as security, nickel cornerback ‘big’ for 49ers
Ward’s versatility at safety, nickel corner ‘huge’ for 49ers initially appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
Jimmie Ward displaying he can play everywhere in the 49ers‘ protection has been precious down the stretch.
After Ward missed the primary 4 weeks of the 2022 NFL season with a hamstring harm, the veteran security then suffered a broken bone in his hand throughout San Francisco’s Week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers, permitting Tashaun Gipson to carve out a beginning position for himself at free security reverse of robust security Talanoa Hufanga.
Ward then was thrust into motion on the nickel cornerback place.
Coach Kyle Shanahan not solely has been grateful for Ward’s flexibility but in addition for his degree of play on the sphere.
“Jimmie’s been big for us,” Shanahan stated on Friday by way of convention name. “To have the ability to use his versatility at nickel after we actually wanted it. And I personally assume it places him in place to have extra alternatives to make performs. He’s the most effective down there. I believed his greatest sport of the 12 months was versus Tampa. He was everywhere and he continues to do it.”
In response to Subsequent Gen Stats, Ward was focused 18 instances within the 49ers’ Week 14 win over the Buccaneers, and the defensive again solely allowed 10 receptions for 52 yards or 2.9 yards per goal.
Within the 49ers’ 21-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Subject on Thursday evening, Ward allowed six receptions on seven targets for less than 27 yards, serving to lock down the center of the sphere towards Seattle’s offense.
Whereas San Francisco’s protection is on a roll, solely permitting 11 factors per sport over their final seven matchups, Ward is aware of they can not take their foot off the pedal. Their subsequent two opponents, the Washington Commanders and Oakland Raiders nonetheless try to maintain their playoff hopes alive.
“It’s a must to work arduous as a result of each staff goes to come back in and provides us their greatest shot,” Ward stated after the sport. “I can assure you these coaches are going to get their gamers hyped, [saying], ‘It is a playoff staff and this and that.’ Washington goes to come back in scorching and it’s going to be an enormous problem.”
Ward’s willingness to play wherever the protection wants him has been evident all through his nine-year profession, which has been fully with the 49ers. The previous first-round draft choose has performed at cornerback, linebacker and each security positions previous to his position at nickel again.
“Everybody is aware of how good of a security he’s,” Shanahan stated. “That’s why he greater than deserved to be one of many prime 100 gamers within the league final 12 months. I can’t say sufficient good issues about Jimmie. He’s been one in every of our greatest gamers this 12 months.”
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The 49ers may have an additional few days of relaxation earlier than the Week 16 matchup with Washington at Levi’s Stadium on Saturday.
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