The question was asked whether Kendrick was playing better thus year.
Here’s Snaz…
No. Worse. He could have cost us the game.
But even after a single season, we may have seen enough from Kendrick already. In 483 snaps played in 2022, Kendrick was targeted by opposing quarterbacks 56 times. He allowed 39 completions for 571 yards (14.6 average), two touchdowns, and four pass deflections as a rookie. This resulted in a 114.5 passer rating when Kendrick was in coverage, according to PFF tracking data.
The Rams forced San Francisco into a third and long in LA territory just before the halftime break. Kendrick had tight coverage on Purdy’s intended receiver, but instead of playing the ball he got overly physical with the receiver and drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone—giving the 49ers’ the ball on the one-yard line. Kendrick committed another penalty with a facemask call, and then Purdy scored a touchdown on a QB sneak.
PFF CB Derion Kendrick: 37.2
There were multiple occasions in this game where Kendrick was beat deep but Purdy overthrew his receiver. The second-year corner has been the biggest weak spot on the Rams defense through two games.
Kendrick had a poor grade in this one despite allowing just two catches for 13 yards on five targets in coverage. The problem is he committed two penalties, including a pass interference in the end zone, and he missed one tackle.
