Proof that Tarvarius Moore is the 49ers Best Safety
It's the funniest thing.
49ers starting free safety Jimmie Ward missed last Sunday's game against the New England Patriots and the 49ers defense improved. Maybe that's because Ward is overrated. Or maybe it's because his backup, Tarvarius Moore, is really freaking good.
You make the call.
Exhibit A: 7:56 First Quarter. Third and 4 at NE 41.
Moore is going to make a play here, something you almost never see Ward do. Ward plays a conservative style of football. Moore is much more aggressive and instinctual. Here, Cam Newton gets the ball in the shot gun and Moore almost instantly senses he's going to check down to the running back, James White. So Moore breaks quickly and runs through White as he catches the ball short of the first-down marker. Does not slow down at contact. Shows outstanding contact courage -- a requirement for a safety.
Exhibit B: 0:06 First Quarter. Third and 6 at SF 22.
Here's another play Moore made against New England. This time, he plays underneath zone coverage while the cornerbacks and linebackers cover man to man. Patriots wide receiver N'Keal Harry runs a crossing route directly into Moore's zone, and Moore knocks Harry out of the game. Good night, N'Keal. We haven't seen a 49ers safety hit this hard since Dashon Goldson and Donte Whitner.
Exhibit C: 14:32 Third Quarter. Second and 3 at NE 34.
This time, Moore is playing deep free safety -- 15 yards off the line of scrimmage. Patriots running back Damien Harris breaks through the 49ers' front seven and sprints into the secondary. Moore is the last line of defense. If he takes the wrong angle or misses the tackle, Harris will score a long touchdown. But Moore runs full speed into Harris and knocks him backward. Moore doesn't make business decisions. He's a human missile.
Exhibit D: 5:27 Third Quarter. First and 10 at SF 37.
Moore is back at strong safety -- he's lined up next to Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner, essentially playing linebacker. The Patriots run the ball between the tackles, and Moore knifes into the backfield to tackle Rex Burkhead by the ankles before Warner or Greenlaw can react.
Remember, tackling is supposed to be Moore's weakness. The Niners drafted him to play cornerback.
Some weakness.
Watch what happens if he continues to play this season. The 49ers defense only will improve.
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