Emmanuel Moseley demonstrates his stickiness in win over the Browns

With another hole left by an injured key player, it was up to Emmanuel Moseley to fill the void left by Ahekllo Witherspoon.

Much like with Joe Staley and Justin Skule, Emmanuel Moseley had to fill in for Ahkello Witherspoon who was ruled out for the next few games with a sprained ankle. Given how stellar Witherspoon has played, it wasn't going to be an easy job for Moseley. The pressure just increased with a looming matchup against Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.

Most players would crack with that pressure when facing such incredible talent. However, Moseley used that pressure to turn himself into a diamond. His performance was practically flawless for the entire game and surprisingly wasn't challenged much. A lot of that had to do with how effective the pass rush of the 49ers was.

When he was challenged, he impressively demonstrated his stickiness on his receiver.

Much like when Baker Mayfield attempted to connect with Beckham on a go-route that Moseley played so intelligently. Not only did he stick to Beckham throughout the whole route, he squeezed him towards the sideline. That is cornerback 101 right there and to do so against an elite receiver is phenomenal.

"He’s always going to play physically, not turn anything down. And when I did see them challenge him, especially on that go route by our sidelines, there’s no hesitation and he tried to get after it.” Kyle Shanahan on Emmanuel Moseley's performance.

His stickiness just wasn't on display against Beckham, but on a potential touchdown scoring play. Moseley shuts down any hope of a touchdown here on his pass breakup that was intended for Demetrius Harris.

Emmanuel Moseley with a nasty pass breakup in his first career start 😤 @Mannymoseley pic.twitter.com/h7YxTq5bAO

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 8, 2019

Richard Sherman commented during the week about Moseley's first start saying "Don't overlook anybody in the NFL." and we now see why he had so much belief in him. Moseley wasn't the only cornerback that played a high level in Monday night's win over the Browns. K'Waun Williams looked just as good manning the slot and reeled in the gut punching turnover at the goal line.

All credit to these players on enhancing themselves this season, but some credit should at least also go to defensive backs coach Joe Woods. First with Ahkello Witherspoon who is easily the most improved 49er, then Moseley and Williams are more than capable. The 49ers went from an atrocious cornerback group, to one that plays exceptionally well. I understand that it is much easier to cover with a lethal pass rush, but there still needs to be some level of coverage in order for the pass rush to get there.

The cornerbacks have been doing their job through each of the four games this season. Going up against Beckham and Landry is one of the toughest matchups they will face this season. Another test will be waiting for them this Sunday in Los Angeles against the Rams who have are deep at the wide receiver position. At least now we know that Emmanuel Moseley and the rest of the corners will be up for the challenge.